Zoo Med ReptiCare Rock Heater UL Listed

Heated Rock to Facilitate Reptile Digestion

Product Description

Zoo Med ReptiCare Rock Heater replicates the heated stones reptiles use in nature to help warm their digestive tract and facilitate digestion. It is made of a hydrated rock material twice as strong as cement or pumice, with a fully encapsulated Nichrome heating element that distributes heat evenly. Use it alongside a primary heat source, never as the only heat in the terrarium.

Benefits

• Facilitates Digestion: Designed to facilitate digestion by replicating the sun-warmed rocks many reptile species use in nature.
• Strong Hydrated Rock: Constructed from hydrated rock material with twice the strength of cement or pumice.
• Excellent Conductivity: The rock material offers high conductivity and extended product longevity.
• Even Heat, No Hot Spots: A completely encapsulated, full-coverage nichrome heating element distributes heat evenly to prevent hot spots.
• Great for Large-Meal Eaters: Very useful for reptiles that eat large meals, such as pythons, boas, monitor lizards, and tegus.
• Three Sizes: Available in Mini (5 watts), Standard (10 watts), and Giant (15 watts) sizes on this listing.
• Safety Approved: UL listed, as shown on the instructions, and described by Zoo Med as cUL/CSA/T1/2V approved.
• 1 Year Warranty: Warranted against defective material and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase by Zoo Med.

Variants

• Mini, 5 Watts
• Standard, 10 Watts
• Giant, 15 Watts

Specifications

How to Use

Recommended-Usage Chart

Disclaimer: Product information and usage guidelines are provided by the manufacturer. Always use products as directed and speak with your vet in case of any concerns about your pet’s well-being.

Usage Instructions

• Add a Primary Heat Source: Pair the rock heater with a primary heat source; it should never be the sole heat source.
• Place It Uncovered: Set the rock heater in the terrarium uncovered, never buried or wrapped in a towel or other material.
• Keep It Away From Other Heat: Never place it directly under or over another heat source, such as an under-tank heater.
• Monitor Temperatures: Check enclosure temperatures with a thermometer; tropical reptiles require at least 80°F (27°C) in their terrarium.
• Watch Your Reptile: If your reptile never leaves its terrarium, the terrarium is too cold and needs an additional heat source.
• Use a Rheostat When Needed: In warm climates, or with iguanas, boas, and pythons, use a rheostat to adjust the surface temperature.
• Unplug and Cool Before Cleaning: Unplug the rock heater and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before removing it to clean.
• Clean and Dry: Spray with Wipe Out 1 (or a 5% bleach solution if unavailable) let sit for 5 minutes, then wipe and dry.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Not a Primary Heat Source: Should not serve as the main heat source for reptiles from tropical or desert habitats.
• Do Not Cover or Bury: Encapsulating it can cause its surface temperature to escalate to an unsafe level, possibly burning your animal.
• Not Over Other Heat Sources: Placing it over or under another heat source can overheat its surface and burn your reptile.
• Always Ventilate the Top: Never fully cover the terrarium top; trapped heat could crack the glass, harm animals, or cause a fire.
• Not Waterproof: The rock heater is not waterproof; never immerse it in water for cleaning or any other reason.
• Not for Amphibians: Do not use the rock heater for amphibians; it is designed to facilitate digestion in reptiles.
• Protect the Power Cord: Never cut the cord, lift the heater by it, or let the heater rest on it.
• Stop If Damaged: Do not use the heater if the cord or plug is damaged, or if it has been dropped.
• Glass Terrariums, Indoors Only: For indoor use in glass terrariums only; use in wood or plastic terrariums or cages voids the warranty.

Storage Information

• Cool Before Storing: Unplug the rock heater and let it cool for at least 20 minutes before removing or storing it.
• Store Dry: Once clean and dry store it in a dry place where the cord will not be crushed.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why use a rock heater for reptiles?

Ans: In nature, many reptiles use sun-heated rocks and pavement during the day or early evening to warm their digestive tract and facilitate digestion. The ReptiCare Rock Heater replicates this heated stone, making it very useful for reptiles that eat large meals, like pythons and boas.

Q2: Can a rock heater be my reptile's only heat source?

Ans: No. A rock heater must not be used as the only heat source. Its function is to facilitate digestion, and it is not to be used as a primary heat source for any tropical or desert reptile species. Pair it with a primary heat source.

Q3: Why won't my reptile leave the rock heater?

Ans: A reptile that won't leave its rock heater means your terrarium is too cold. Add a primary heat source, such as a ceramic heat emitter, and use a thermometer to confirm that the enclosure is at least 80°F (27°C).

Q4: Can I put the rock heater over an under-tank heater?

Ans: Do not place the rock heater directly under or over another heat source, such as an under-tank heater. Heat from a primary source can raise the rock heater's surface temperature too high, potentially causing burns to your reptile.

Q5: Do I need a rheostat with the rock heater?

Ans: Zoo Med recommends a rheostat if you live in a warm area, such as Phoenix, Arizona, and strongly recommends one for iguana, boa, and python owners. A rheostat lets you adjust and control the surface temperature of the rock heater.

Q6: How do I clean the rock heater?

Ans: Unplug the heater and let it cool for at least 20 minutes. Remove it, spray with Zoo Med's Wipe Out 1, or a 5% bleach solution if unavailable and let it sit 5 minutes. Gently wipe all surfaces with a slightly damp cloth, then dry.