heat rocks?

[henrykrull]

I have heard mixed opinions on the use of heat rocks for leapord geckos. I have heard they burn the bellies of leos but have had some other caresheets point out that the author has used them for a heat source.

 

[Rye]

This is an ongoing debate. Some people will tell you they've used hot rocks for years without any issues, most will tell you to stay away from hot rocks. Personally I wouldn't even take the risk. There's other options. I use undertank heaters with a rheostat for all my tanks. You can also use heat tape. Hope this helps.

 

[miss libby]

I wouldnt risk using a heat rock either. I use a uth or heatpads for my tanks.

 

[miss libby]

I wouldnt risk using a heat rock either. I use a uth or heatpads for my tanks.

 

[seraphim21]

We're using natural stones heated by spots. They are not getting too hot like some electric stones may and they are offering a natural heat source to the geckos.

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Why bother with a heat rock? Not only can they be dangerous, they're a pain to clean when they get pooped on. Use an under the tank heat source and/or a ceramic heat emitter. They're both cheap and much safer than a heat rock and neither will get pooped on. Regardless of what you use, it should be placed on a thermostat.

 

[seraphim21]

Using under the tank heater doesn't get hot enough to get through the sand-loam-mix we are using in our tanks . . . We need to use a heat source "from above". Cleaning is no big issue when you're using natural stones, we are cooking them if it's necessary.

Maybe I should mention that I'm a european and that we keep our geckos in naturalistic vivs . . .

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Using under the tank heater doesn't get hot enough to get through the sand-loam-mix we are using in our tanks . . . We need to use a heat source "from above". Cleaning is no big issue when you're using natural stones, we are cooking them if it's necessary.

Maybe I should mention that I'm a european and that we keep our geckos in naturalistic vivs . . .

Most heat rocks are not made from natural stone (most are made from painted cement) and you certainly shouldn't "cook" them to get them clean. If you want the naturalistic look, you can do what I do which is use natural stone (like pieces of slate) and heat them from above with a ceramic heat emitter. The ceramic heat emitter doesn't put off any light, just heat, so it can be on all the time without disrupting the leo's sleep patterns. It eliminates the dangers of using cheaply made heat rocks, looks great, and is very effective. And it gives them both belly heat and heat from above at the same time. Again, whatever you use should be put on a thermostat or reostat.

 

[seraphim21]

You got me wrong, we are using real, natural stones . . . And of course, the spots are turned off at night, the stones we are using keep the heat for hours.

Here's a pic:

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

Ahh yes, miscommunication. That is very similar to what I do. But with the ceramic heat emitter, you can keep them warm all of the time. Since leo's are nocturnal (and most of mine are albinos of various sorts) I don't bother with any light other than the natural light in the room.

 

[Michael_J]

agreed on both counts.. we don't use lights except for what naturally comes into the gecko room and use heat tape because we use rack systems..

I wouldn't risk heat rocks.. i honestly know no one personally that does..

 

[seraphim21]

There is another way of keeping Leopard Geckos here in Germany . . .

We use lighting with UV, most of us keep their geckos in vivs filled with sand (or sand-loam-mix), not in racks. I personally know many people who use vivs, sand, heat rocks and stuff and only one who's keeping his geckos in a rack . . .

Also the things we see as a risk for our animals are different. For example, I've been told that it's dangerous to feed them with mealworms too often, maybe only once or twice a month . . . There are many people here that think that Leopard Geckos need UV-lighting to stay healthy . . . And there are laws that say, that a reptile needs a minimum tank size and that they should be kept as naturally as possible . . .

So, other countrys, other ways of keeping geckos . . .

 

[Riverside Reptiles]

There is another way of keeping Leopard Geckos here in Germany . . .

We use lighting with UV, most of us keep their geckos in vivs filled with sand (or sand-loam-mix), not in racks. I personally know many people who use vivs, sand, heat rocks and stuff and only one who's keeping his geckos in a rack . . .

Also the things we see as a risk for our animals are different. For example, I've been told that it's dangerous to feed them with mealworms too often, maybe only once or twice a month . . . There are many people here that think that Leopard Geckos need UV-lighting to stay healthy . . . And there are laws that say, that a reptile needs a minimum tank size and that they should be kept as naturally as possible . . .

So, other countrys, other ways of keeping geckos . . .

I don't think it really has much to do with different countries as it just has to do with different people keep herps in different ways. Not all Americans keep their herps in racks. I don't keep my Leos in racks. I think that what you keep calling a "heat rock" is different than what we call a heat rock here. What we call a heat rock here is a cheaply made "rock" with a small heater built into it and a cord to plug it in. These are often prone to failure and have a reputation of malfunctioning. These should not be used. A rock that's heated by a light or ceramic heat source is fine. As far as meal worms go, they're a fine treat, but nutritionally not complete and shouldn't be used as a whole diet. That's a fact, not a difference of opinion. You can live off of fast food, but that doesn't mean it's good for you. And just because people do it, doesn't make it right. As for UV lighting, it's not going to hurt a Leo in general. But since they're nocturnal, there's no need for it. And, if you have albinos, their eyes are very sensitive to light. I find that mine prefer to not have any additional lighting other than what's in the room and are much more active without it.

 

[Michael_J]

As far as meal worms go, they're a fine treat, but nutritionally not complete and shouldn't be used as a whole diet. That's a fact, not a difference of opinion. You can live off of fast food, but that doesn't mean it's good for you.

Thats a rather bold statement.

I'm not sure whats really more complete than a meal worm. Their crude protein level is the highest of just about any feeder out there aside from maybe a pinkie mouse.. Lowest in fat, but still have enough to be beneficial without being harmful.

I believe that the majority of Leopard Geckos breeders use solely meal worms and supplement with crickets, wax, and supers. Possibly even pinkies.

Ron Tremper - the man who essentially pioneered the trade, breeding, and morphs of leopard geckos, uses ONLY meal worms and nothing else. He's been doing it for almost 30 years without issue.

Crickets are essentially a potato chip, little nutrients but a nice crunch, hence the constant need for dusting. They also eat the Leo's feces if left in the enclosure too long and can pass on parasites. They are also cannibals which has inherent problems.

Waxworms - are extremely fatty and would be a better comparison to, "fast food" , than mealies. I compare them to M&M's personally.

Superworms - although high in protein are also rather fatty and many Leos won't eat them. Their exoskeleton has as much chitin as 25 meal worms.

Silkworms - excellent all around, but grow rather big, are higher in fat than meal worms, have a fierce smell, and have been known to cause choking.

Roaches - depends really on the type - we use Dubia's - high meat to shell ratio - eat very well and are gut loaded for weeks even months which is great, but also can eat feces and pass parasites if left too long - and have an often rough exoskeleton to digest


Also, I only use a rack system because I have over 50 geckos, and I'd have vivs or aquariums up to the ceiling. Otherwise, I think they are great and a very natural and good environment for any reptile.

I think the best way to put this whole thing is that many people do many things different ways, it's not a matter of geographical location, or a matter of right or wrong.. its just how everyone does it..

Research is the key.

Hence the great thing about a forum is that we all share a common love of these guys and can get each other's ideas and make our decisions based on what we hear..

Knowledge is power.


Just my two cents.

 

[pavingstones]

I have used natural stones, it is very nice and I am really pleasant