Heat Rocks Safe WITH thermostat?

Pazzoman · 02-22-15, 01:44 AM

Hey everyone,

Recently landed a job to work with petsmart as a pet care associate most likely I wouldn't be able to ask to remove heat rocks off the shelves lol, but just wondering are these rocks ok to sell with a thermostat? Or is it best to draw interest away from these rocks when helping future pet owners?

**millertime89** · 02-22-15, 03:00 AM

Definitely draw their interest away from heat rocks. Even with a t-stat the temps can vary since you have no way of ensuring that the t-stat probe is getting an accurate reading since the heating element is facing up so the probe will be exposed to the air.

D Grade · 02-22-15, 03:33 AM

Do not use heat rocks.

SSSSnakes · 02-22-15, 07:10 AM

Cut off the cord and use the rock as a decoration.

Pazzoman · 02-26-15, 02:11 PM

lmao ok I'll persuade them to use under tank heaters instead. Thanks

D Grade · 02-27-15, 03:28 AM

Good man and great advise to them.

**Aaron_S** · 02-27-15, 10:43 AM

They will ask the question "why?" so you need a reason or two.

What the issue with them used to be is they are localized heating sources. Usually the heating element within them can be uneven and one or more spots become super heated and end up burning the snake. The thermostat can't protect from that.

jjhill001 · 02-28-15, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aaron_S

They will ask the question "why?" so you need a reason or two.

What the issue with them used to be is they are localized heating sources. Usually the heating element within them can be uneven and one or more spots become super heated and end up burning the snake. The thermostat can't protect from that.

Why are they still sold? Like serious question. Have they changed manufacturing processes to reduce the risk of burns? I mean for crying out loud these are all made by supposed reptile companies. Is the thought that heat rocks are good just so pervasive that it's unprofitable to stop selling them?

Sublimeballs · 02-28-15, 09:18 AM

It's because uneducated buyers purchase them. The companies are making money so what do they care. Look at Purina dog food; right now thousands of dogs are dying because they're now putting propylene glycol(an ingredient in antifreeze) in their food. The big companies don't care about you or your animals they care about your money. Take a look at the dangerous products marketed for reptiles thread.

SSSSnakes · 02-28-15, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sublimeballs

It's because uneducated buyers purchase them. The companies are making money so what do they care. Look at Purina dog food; right now thousands of dogs are dying because they're now putting propylene glycol(an ingredient in antifreeze) in their food. The big companies don't care about you or your animals they care about your money. Take a look at the dangerous products marketed for reptiles thread.

+1 It all comes down to the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

D Grade · 02-28-15, 06:26 PM

If I remember right, heat rocks are good to use for some lizards. However they should never be used for any snake, period.

Sublimeballs · 02-28-15, 08:42 PM

No they're all crap, a hot spot will burn a lizard the same way it burns a snake.

D Grade · 03-01-15, 12:22 AM

I stand corrected.

**Aaron_S** · 03-01-15, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjhill001

Why are they still sold? Like serious question. Have they changed manufacturing processes to reduce the risk of burns? I mean for crying out loud these are all made by supposed reptile companies. Is the thought that heat rocks are good just so pervasive that it's unprofitable to stop selling them?

It's about the manufacturing companies. They produce them and apparently still sell them.

I know that pet stores HAVE to carry certain products to be able to get the supplier to put anything else in the store. So hot rocks are still put into stores and chumps who don't speak to anyone buy them.