Heat rocks?

I just read on another post that the heat rocks are unpredictable and dangerous. I've just bought one with temperature controled written on the side, and inside the manual it says it's garenteed not to overheat. Is mine a newer safer one or the same? :roll: :




ps. another reason to keep herps and not domestic pets. My male staffy just draged his bottom on my brand new cream coloured carpet and left a huge skid mark, grosse. MASON GET OUTSIDE.

[Valley Reptile Supplies]

i may be out of line but i do belive you should take the heat rock back
sorry but i just have something against heat rocks

[Valley Reptile Supplies]

not sure how you are using it but could you use a heat mat insted

[Gunnie101]

HI mate

I work at a reptile shop & we have had so many customers come in with tragic stories of deaths by the heat rocks. If you use standard heating (mats, lights etc) with a thermostat you should be ok. I would not rely in a built in thermostat.

That said any other opinions ?

Jason

[Valley Reptile Supplies]

as u can c jason i agree with you

[Australis]

The Heat Rock just isnt worth the risk, you would be better off with a Heat Mat as already suggested, and controling it with a Probe Thermostat.

Matt

I feel lucky that i asked, my snake hasn't arrived yet so i'll pack it up and send it back. but What do you think of the idea of using a seperate thermistat with it?

[ssssnakeman]

i can understand why people dont use heatrocks for snakes,but for monitors and to a lesser extent dragons they should be safer...ive used heatrocks for years with monitors and havnt had problem yet,
touch wood..
Herpshop has radiant heaters which are one of the best choices..
baz
sounds like mason needs worming ,

[koubee]

I think my post started this discussion, the heat rock i have says that it's thermostatically controlled. I'd been using it for about 6 months prior with a jacky dragon and never had a problem, but in saying this i am going to keep a really close eye on it. So far it is ok and gets to 26 then turns off.
Queenie,my coastal loves it. Your advice has been taken mr-magic.
With heat mats, aren't they just as dangerous? I read on an earlier post that a guys one caught on fire.

Originally Posted by ssssnakeman

sounds like mason needs worming ,

He's wormed regually my vet say's it's something about anal glands. But yeah that was the first thing i thought the first time the bugga did it.

[kwaka_80]

yeah i use a heat mat, its a broad area of heat... aslon as you dont have anything combustable around it, it should be ok, a heat rock is too concetrated heat and can burn a young snake, they can sit on something that burns them serverly and not know it

[KathandStu]

koubee:

That particular gentleman was using the heatmat incorrectly (from recollection) with the heatmat being inside the tank under the substrate also with a heat lamp not very far above it,

I have never had any concerns with the heat mat we use. It has a probe thermostat & seems to work just fine.

I guess at the end of the day it is up to each individual to make a descision on their preferred heating methods. I do strongly suggest taking heed of the very experianced herpers on this site's advice though. Chances are they know what they are talking about.

Kath[/b]

[kwaka_80]

if you put wire mesh a few mm oiff the rock so its not sitting directly on the heat it should be ok, depends onj how young and fragile your snake is

[kwaka_80]

oh kath I constantly have my foot in my mouth caus I cant stomach defeat (therefore dont shutup)

[Australis]

Originally Posted by koubee

With heat mats, aren't they just as dangerous? I read on an earlier post that a guys one caught on fire.

People HAVE had animals get burnt from heat rocks.

Im yet to hear of a heat mat thats been set-up in the correct manner cause an animal any burns.

You get a good quality mat and probe stat, a brand like Microclimate for example, and you would be much better off.

I can totally understand when someone sees a heat rock and is new to the reptile keeping hobby, they would get one, when i was 12 they looked pretty good to me.

Matt