Heat rocks in reptile tanks, Dont use them?

Question

Ask any reptile vet he'll tell you how many burns he sees because of them

Answer 1

That's why you should use a heat lamp, they come in several different types, aiming at only part of the tank. This way the reptile can heat up even if not directly under light, or go to a cooler corner instead. I also keep a thermometer in the tank.

Answer 2

The vets are very correct. Most heat rocks will malfunction over time which can cause serious injury to your reptile. Most reptiles don't know when thay are being burned and will continue to lay on them even after they are black. The most reliable source of heat for a reptile is a UVB heat lamp. It not only provides the heat needed for the reptile, but also provides Vitam C to help most reptiles digest their food properly. I don't know why heat rocks are still legal on the market. Every educated reptile owner knows they are bad for reptiles. It should be illegal to trick first time reptile owners into buying these when it's proven that it can be fatal.

Answer 3

I am also a reptile owner and work in a pet store. Heat rocks are not recommended for several reptiles as they get very hot and due to the thin, sensative skin on there stomach, it may cause serious damage to both the skin, and their stomach and intestines. One person had commented on a heat pad which sticks to the bottom underneath your tank. This is good advice and much safer to use. However, it can heat up glass quickly. I use one in my tank but I also have a one inch layer of reptile bark which is moist, covering the bottom of my tank. This also helps with humidity. If using the heating pad under the tank, just feel that area every once in a while to make sure it is not to hot for your reptile. Also, using the reptile bark helps to keep your reptile off of the direct heat but allows them to get enough to make them comfortable.

Answer 4

When I first got my boa constrictor-he was about a foot long at the time I used a regular heating pad with a towel over it under half of the tank. That way he had a warm and a cool spot to go to. The heating pad was set on the lowest setting of course. When he became larger I then began using a heat rock and the lights. The light is necessary for the proper development of Vitamin D in reptiles. Good luck.

Answer 5

Heat rocks can be dangerous, regardless of what anyone says. I don't care if you've used one for 1 year, 5 years, or 10 years and had no horrid experiences. A burned snake due to heat rock usage can be easily avoided by eradicating the practice altogether.

The reason being that if any kind of short happens within the wires of the heat rock (due to power surges or just plain bad wiring), the rock can heat up substantially. Since snakes have very little, if any, pain nerves on their underbelly, and are in direct contact with the rock, they could be on fire and wouldn't even have a clue. Before you know it, you'll come home with a snake that has burns that could easily become infected and possibly lead to death.

Just don't do it. It's so much better to use heat lamps or use a heat mat. There's no reason to put your pet in jeapordy.

Answer 6

The main 2 reasons heat rocks burn reptiles are that either A) the animal is to big and its body can't all warm up at the same time so they just stay their waiting for the rest to warm or B) it is a type of reptile that gets it's heat from above in the wild so doesn't feel or recognize the heat from the rock. I would stay away from them. So why can't you plug in your heat source? If it is temporary you can use heat packs or hot water bottles

Answer 7

I dont think burns are the major problem. I have NEVER seen a burn in 15+ years as a reptile owner. They can feel when they are burning and they will move.

I do think that heat rocks are not the best source becausein the wild reptiles get their light from above, not below.
Lights are a WAY better source of heat.

Answer 8

I used one in the winter, but I put a sock on it so she wouldn't burn herself. I also used a heat lamp and ultra violet light (vita light). Heat rocks are not necessary if you have a good heat lamp source. We had the best cage for our iguana. It was custom made and the heat sources we used were safe and she could not climb on them.

Taking care of reptiles is very hard work and requires a lot of attention.

It is good that you take your pet to a vet. We did too. All animals reptile or not deserve the best if held in captivity.

Take Care

Answer 9

I agree with you A LOT. Never use heat rocks. If you do now anybody, get rid of it and get a heat mat. If a reptile lays on the heat rock for a long time, it will burn them badly. There are many deaths because of this, and it can be easily avoided. Thanks for bringing it up

Answer 10

I have mixed emotions about them... A majority of the problems with heat rocks come from the cheaper/older ones or people using them improperly. I've heard that the more recent designs work fine, and I've heard of people using them with no problems whatsoever... But the bottom line is, I still don't trust them. You can achieve the proper temps with a light bulb and a chunk of slate... Or an undertank heater. I just don't think they're worth the risk. I've NEVER sold one to anybody, and I've talked several people out of them before, but I make sure to let them know that it's just my opinion.