Re: Depends

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Posted by BabyHerp on April 08, 2001 at 01:03:02:

In Reply to: Are heat rocks Safe??? posted by Sal on April 07, 2001 at 11:56:27:

Some are some aren't. Cheapo hot rocks made in Timbuktu type countries are notorious for having 'hot spots' do not have the strick standards American companies i.e. ZooMed have. Also home rigged/wired ones are ooh so dangerous!
Some points to ponder re heat rocks:
A heat rock should NEVER be an igs sole source of heat.
Since an igs enviroment is humid...important the heat rock is waterproof to prevent fires
A heat rock should never exceed 100 degrees F (specified on packaging or do not buy!) Some heat rocks have built in rheostats or install one yerself.
A heat rock must be checked periodically (if it is warm to hot to YOUR touch then it is dangerously hot for your ig)
Green Igs are NOT thigmotherms (get heat from substrate) like land igs but are more arboreal... heliotherms (helio=sun) Getting most of their heat from above. GGIs HAVE been observed in the wild basking on large rocks and on asphalt streets, but are able to thermoregulate and can escape overheating, in an enclosure they may prefer the warmth of a heat rock because basking temps aren't correct, there is no room to escape. Belly heat HAS been shown to enhance digestion (iguanas need an internal gut temp of 86 degrees to digest foods they eat), with appropriate basking lights/enclosure temps your iguana can be warm enough to get this needed heat without the use/risks of heat from below. Human heating pads are a better alternative because of strict standards and can be run 24/7 set on low. Remember that ANY electrical/heating device including lamps, ches, humidifiers,pig blankets, can cause fires and burns to our reptiles if accessible, in a state of disrepair,or a cheapo model made in Timbuktu without standards printed on the package. I hold Pet Stores responsible for pushing junk more than anything. You've used them successfully for 3 years without a prob, as well as many herpers out there (myself included) Based on information/research you gather hopefully you'll reach a decision that works for YOU & most importantly your ig.

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: Some are some aren't. Cheapo hot rocks made in Timbuktu type countries are notorious for having 'hot spots' do not have the strick standards American companies i.e. ZooMed have. Also home rigged/wired ones are ooh so dangerous! : Some points to ponder re heat rocks: : A heat rock should NEVER be an igs sole source of heat. : Since an igs enviroment is humid...important the heat rock is waterproof to prevent fires : A heat rock should never exceed 100 degrees F (specified on packaging or do not buy!) Some heat rocks have built in rheostats or install one yerself. : A heat rock must be checked periodically (if it is warm to hot to YOUR touch then it is dangerously hot for your ig) : Green Igs are NOT thigmotherms (get heat from substrate) like land igs but are more arboreal... heliotherms (helio=sun) Getting most of their heat from above. GGIs HAVE been observed in the wild basking on large rocks and on asphalt streets, but are able to thermoregulate and can escape overheating, in an enclosure they may prefer the warmth of a heat rock because basking temps aren't correct, there is no room to escape. Belly heat HAS been shown to enhance digestion (iguanas need an internal gut temp of 86 degrees to digest foods they eat), with appropriate basking lights/enclosure temps your iguana can be warm enough to get this needed heat without the use/risks of heat from below. Human heating pads are a better alternative because of strict standards and can be run 24/7 set on low. Remember that ANY electrical/heating device including lamps, ches, humidifiers,pig blankets, can cause fires and burns to our reptiles if accessible, in a state of disrepair,or a cheapo model made in Timbuktu without standards printed on the package. I hold Pet Stores responsible for pushing junk more than anything. You've used them successfully for 3 years without a prob, as well as many herpers out there (myself included) Based on information/research you gather hopefully you'll reach a decision that works for YOU & most importantly your ig.

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