Exo Terra PT2000 Manual De Instrucciones página 4

IN WATER!
12. Hide the power cord so it is out of sight and out of reach of
the animals.
13. Secure the Heat Rock to keep it in place.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
Only the faithful observation of these installation, electrical and
maintenance guidelines will ensure the safe and efficient use of
this appliance.
Introduction
Reptiles (and amphibians) are ectotherms, or cold-blooded animals
(ecto, outside; therm, temperature). Although they do produce
metabolic heat, they have no efficient means of conserving it
or of increasing or decreasing its production. This means they
have to absorb heat from the surrounding environment. Although
unable to maintain a constant body temperature, reptiles (and
other ectotherms) use homeostatic regulation to compensate for
high and low temperatures. The blood flow to the skin tissues is
regulated, increasing heat loss or heat absorption. Reptiles can
also regulate the body temperature by simply moving to a cooler or
warmer spot, seeking sun or shade. In their natural biotope, reptiles
often use surfaces heated by the sun (branches, rocks, sand or the
forest floor) as a heat-conductor. The Heat Rock simulates a stone
heated by the sun (in nature, even after sunset, stones maintain
some heat for several hours). Various reptiles, even nocturnal, use
this form of conductive heat for thermo-regulation, important for
metabolism and digestion. The Heat Rock automatically turns off
when a certain surface temperature is reached (±50°C) to prevent
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burns or overheating. The electronically controlled heat element is
fully encapsulated and covers the entire stone to prevent hot spots.
The special thermal conductive resin is waterproof, non-toxic, easy
to clean and ensures even heat distribution. The natural looking Heat
Rock is easy to integrate in a dry terrarium set-up. It is important to
leave sufficient 'cold spots' to provide the animals with options and
make thermo-regulation possible.
Decoration
Always place the water bowl at the opposite side of the
tank. Hiding boxes or caves should also be placed in the
cold zone of the tank to promote natural behaviour.
Reptiles seek these hiding places to cool down and hide
from warm surfaces or the sun. Other decorations like
rocks or wood can be placed in the warm zone (above the
Heat Rock) to create even more temperature zones.
Additional heat sources
Next to the Heat Rock several types of heating
devices can be applied to create the ideal environment. In
nature heat is transferred in 3 different ways from its
source to the animal;