Posted by BabyHerp on July 11, 2000 at 15:33:47:
In Reply to: Hot Rocks? Could you help me out with this.... posted by hades`raptor on July 11, 2000 at 10:18:28:
Ive used them in the past for my snakes (boas)....don't anymore because of all the controversy I never had a problem with hot spots or burns to my snakes.....any electrical device in a tank, cage is a potential fire, damage hazard to reptile or tank,property (look at UTHs out now! If imporoperly placed the glass gets so hot you blister yourself) Inappropriately placed, accessible lights to a reptile cause just as many burns as modern day hot rocks do. Reptiles can achieve the same effect if ya just snip the cord at the base & have your basking lights aimed in the direction of the rock...without the danger of hot spots. Zoo-Med has some info at their website I beleive about their product.I don't condone the use of hot rocks...but I know many people who use them and never have a problem with them. I think some of your questions would best be answered by the people who have had problems with them...what was the set up? was the hot rock rigged,homemade? bitten by live prey creating shorts? How old was the hot rock etc.
Much luck to you on this...still quite controversial subject.
Gina