I do not recommend the use of hot rocks. Hot rocks can cause your reptile to burn themselves.
It is not necessary, though they can be very helpful in maintaining temperatures in your tank. The link below will lead you to a great quality rheostat.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=6544
You should use at least one thermometer to keep track of habitat temperatures at all times. Depending on the size of your tank, you may want more than one. Here are some common signs that your reptile is overheated:
• They are avoiding the basking area
• Panting
• They are foraging into the substrate
I prefer to use a digital thermometer; however you could opt for either an analog version or a liquid crystal thermometer. Click on the links below for some examples of each.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=6016+11148+20113+6541&pcatid=6541
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=6016+11148+20113+13998&pcatid=13998
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=6016+11148+20113+9770&pcatid=9770
It is difficult to give a definitive answer, considering the temperature varies depending on the type of reptile you have. The following points are generalities:
• Tropical species need between 80-100F
• Desert species need higher daytime temperatures between 80-100F and cooler nighttime temperatures between 70-90F
Doctors Foster and Smith have a great under tank heater. Click the link below to see more details about this great product.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=6545
Their website has an online copy of the manual - I have copied the link here for you.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Media/PDF/231092-rhundertankheater.pdf
I recently bought the Zoo Med Nocturnal Infrared Heat Bulb from Doctors Foster & Smith and it works like a charm. Click on the link below for more information about this product and to purchase one.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=6016+6028+19111+6532&pcatid=6532
Reptiles who do not receive a proper range of temperature in their habitat can suffer from decreased appetite, digestion problems, stress and possible death.
I recommend ensuring that the proper heating levels are maintained for a few days before bringing your reptile home.
A primary heat source maintains the overall temperature of the tank, while a secondary heat source provides "hot spots" within the tank used as basking areas.
There are several heating options available:
• Nocturnal light bulbs
• Ceramic heat emitters (CHE's)
• Radiant Heat Panels (RHP's)
• Heating Pads
• Heat Tape
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