The questions reptile and hermit-crab keepers actually send us — about wattage, controllers, delivery and returns. If yours is not here, write to boutique@tavoracourtyard.shop and we will answer it properly rather than with a template.
What do you stock, and what do you not?
We sell the climate side of a habitat: under-tank heat mats, ceramic heat emitters, basking bulbs, thermostats and dimmers, thermometers and hygrometers, misting systems, plus the moss, branches and driftwood that hold humidity. We do not sell livestock, live or frozen feed, or aquarium fish equipment. We are an online-only shop — there is no physical showroom to visit.
Do I really need a thermostat with a heat mat?
Yes. A mat wired straight to the mains has nothing telling it to stop, and that is how tanks develop hot spots. Pair every mat or emitter with a thermostat sized to its wattage, and put the probe on the surface the animal actually contacts — not on the glass above it. If you tell us the tank size and species we will say which controller fits.
How do I choose the wattage?
Match the heater to the footprint, not to the room. An 8W mat suits a small 6×8 inch contact patch; 16W covers an 8×12 inch area; ceramic emitters at 150W are for tall enclosures where you are heating air rather than a surface. Over-speccing then dimming is safer than under-speccing and leaving it on full.
What does delivery cost and how long does it take?
Free on orders of ₹1,499 and above; below that a flat ₹69 for the whole basket. Orders placed before 3:00 PM IST on a working day start packing the same day; we hand parcels to Delhivery / XpressBees within 1–2 business days, transit is usually 3–8 business days, so most orders land within 4–10 business days of confirmation.
How can I pay?
UPI (prepaid) or Cash on Delivery, and nothing else. We do not accept credit cards, debit cards, net banking, PayPal or third-party wallets, so no such option appears at checkout. COD is available on most serviceable PIN codes at no extra charge.
Can I return something I changed my mind about?
Yes, within 10 days of delivery, provided it has not been powered on and the packaging and invoice are intact. Opened substrate, moss and driftwood cannot come back for hygiene reasons. Approved refunds are processed within 7 business days.
What if it arrives broken or dead?
Record a video as you open the parcel and send it within 48 hours of delivery. That clip covers damaged, defective, wrong or missing items and we arrange a free replacement or full refund straight away, with no return shipping cost to you. This is a damaged-or-defective-on-arrival guarantee from us as the seller — it is not a six-month product warranty, and we make no manufacturer warranty claim on your behalf.
How do I track my order?
A tracking link arrives by email and SMS as soon as the parcel ships. If it has not moved in 48 hours, send us the order number and we will chase the courier ourselves.
Can you advise on a full setup?
Within our range, yes. Tell us the species, enclosure dimensions and where the tank sits in the room, and we will tell you which heater, controller and gauge combination works — or tell you plainly that we do not stock what you need.
Where are you and when can I reach you?
Tavora Courtyard ships from Hyderabad, Telangana. Support is by email, Monday – Saturday, 10:30 AM – 8:30 PM IST. Closed on Sundays. Messages arriving outside those hours are answered the next working day.