Heat “The Goldilocks Principle of Herpetoculture”

This entry was posted in Amphibians Chelonian Heating Invertebrates Lizards Reptile Health Snakes and tagged "rack" heating a channel cut into the shelf and a piece of aluminum is then placed over the cable air temperature ambient temperature Basking Area basking spot behavioral and dietary changes Big Apple ceramic heating elements circadian rhythm of reptiles collection disturb the circadian rhythm enclosure external heat source Flexwatt Frances M Baines freeze/burn heat reptile amphibian and insect pets heating cables heating element with a longer lifespan Helix Controls Helix or Big Apple Herpetological Supply herpetoculture Hot Rock Hot Rocks lighting mercury vapor metal element metal halide bulbs moonlights Nocturnal nocturnal ones psychological life radiant heat panels Red Incandescent Bulb reflectors reptile lighting reptile species reptile species can see red wavelengths of light reptiles needing UVB rheostats thermostat thermostats U.T.H. Under Tank Heaters UVB on by

Heat: The Goldilocks Principle of Herpetoculture is an in-depth report on the available heating sources in the herpetoculture industry today. I would estimate that at least 85% of the entire reptile species kept in captivity today need some form of supplemental heat. Providing this heat is a stumbling block for new keepers, as there are a multitude of products available. all claiming to be “the best.” This week I am going to examine, in detail, each element available and discuss their benefits and drawbacks.

Hot Rocks

As I under stand, these essentially  are an aluminum coil molded in a clay-like material. When the element is plugged into a socket, the metal element heats up, the heat is then conducted into the clay structure. The reptile will then lay upon the “rock” to absorb the necessary heat for digestion and then move off the rock after warming to the needed temperatures.

In reality, the reptile relying on ambient air temperature stays on the rock and is usually burned due to the fact that it has spent too much time there. There are a multitude of sites and internet “experts” espousing the dangers of hot rocks. If I am completely honest and fair about the subject; I have never used hot rocks either professionally or personally. The research that I have done into the subject of hot rocks I have inspected has led me to the conclusion that there is a lot of misinformation out there.

This “misinformation” could be derived from packaging, and therefore the fault of the manufacturers. The blame; however, is not solely on the fabricator.  The consumer should also be held responsible, as it should be their priority to research products prior to purchase. Some blame also needs to be placed on the shoulders of the salesperson of the stores where these pets are sold, who historically do not properly educate the buyer prior to purchase.

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