Wattage
6 W
Thermostat
Built-in auto cut-off
Part no.
PT2000
Warranty
2 years
Voltage
230-240V, 50Hz
Most it costs a year
$16
Suits tank or enclosure size
Dry glass terrariums only
Temperature range
Surface cut-off about 50°C
Wattage
10 W
Thermostat
Built-in auto cut-off
Part no.
PT2002
Warranty
2 years
Voltage
230-240V, 50Hz
Most it costs a year
$26
Suits tank or enclosure size
Dry glass terrariums only
Temperature range
Surface cut-off about 50°C
Wattage
15 W
Thermostat
Built-in auto cut-off
Part no.
PT2004
Warranty
2 years
Voltage
230-240V, 50Hz
Most it costs a year
$39
Suits tank or enclosure size
Dry glass terrariums only
Temperature range
Surface cut-off about 50°C
Exo Terra Heating Rock
The Exo Terra Heat Wave Rock is an electronically controlled heat stone, not a passive decor rock. A fully-encased heating element sits inside a cast resin stone, warming the surface by conduction so reptiles that bask on rocks in the wild can settle onto a similarly warm surface indoors. It plugs into mains power and cycles on and off automatically to hold the surface at a set temperature.
Key features
- Fully-encased electronically controlled heating element, sealed under thermal conductive resin
- Automatic shut-off at a set surface temperature, cycling on and off to prevent overheating
- Even heat distribution across the whole stone rather than a single hot patch
- No visible light output, so it will not disturb a normal day and night cycle
- Compatible with an Exo Terra thermostat for additional temperature control
- Natural stone look and texture, easy to wipe clean
Specifications
| Size | SKU | Wattage | Dimensions (L x W x H) | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | RP40 | 5W | 15.5 x 10 x 3 cm | 230-240V, 50Hz |
| Medium | RP41 | 10W | 15.6 x 10 x 3 cm | 230-240V, 50Hz |
| Large | RP42 | 15W | 31 x 18 x 3 cm | 230-240V, 50Hz |
Which size do I need?
Match the rock to the enclosure footprint and the animal using it. Small 5W suits smaller terrariums with geckos and small lizards, Medium 10W suits mid-sized enclosures, and Large 15W suits bigger terrariums that need a larger basking surface. Place it at one end of the enclosure so the animal can move off it to thermoregulate.
Suitable for, and not suitable for
Suitable for dry terrarium set-ups housing reptiles that bask on rock or ground substrate, used alongside a normal ambient heat source and, where the species needs it, UVB lighting. Not suitable for humid or paludarium set-ups, anywhere it could be splashed or submerged, or as the sole heat source in an enclosure that needs a full thermal gradient.
Safety
This is the modern, encased-element style of heat rock, not the old-style electric hot rock with a reputation for causing burns. Older hot rocks used an exposed or unevenly distributed heating wire, which could create a single very hot spot with no temperature cut-off. This rock's element is fully encased under resin for even heat distribution, and it automatically shuts off once the surface reaches a set temperature before cycling back on, rather than heating continuously.
It is still an electrical appliance and is not waterproof, so it is for dry terrariums only and must be kept away from water. Keep the cord out of the animal's reach, secure the rock so it cannot be flipped or chewed, leave enough unheated space for the animal to move away from the heat, and do not use it if the cord or plug is damaged. Pairing it with an Exo Terra thermostat adds an extra layer of control on top of the built-in shut-off.
Care and maintenance
Unplug the rock and let it cool before cleaning. Wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth only, never immerse the rock, cord or plug in water, and check the cord and plug for damage before each use.
Goes well with
An Exo Terra thermostat for extra temperature control, a reliable thermometer for checking surface and ambient temperatures, and a substrate suited to the species being kept.
Warranty and delivery
As with all products sold by Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium, this item is covered by the consumer guarantees that apply under Australian Consumer Law.
Common questions
Is this the old kind of hot rock that burns reptiles?
No. Older hot rocks used an exposed or unevenly spread heating element with no temperature cut-off, which could create a single very hot spot. This rock has a fully-encased element for even heat distribution and switches itself off once the surface reaches a set temperature.
Can I use it in a humid terrarium?
No. It is not waterproof and is designed for dry terrarium set-ups only.
Does it need a separate thermostat?
It has a built-in automatic shut-off, so a separate thermostat is not required, but it can be run through an Exo Terra thermostat for extra control if you prefer.
Will it disturb my reptile's day and night cycle?
No. It gives off heat but no visible light, so it can run overnight without affecting lighting cycles.
How do I clean it?
Unplug it, let it cool, then wipe with a dry or barely damp cloth. Do not submerge it in water.




