UTH my hermit crabs are cold!!!

[Hermiehomes4Gretchen]

Hello! It's not getting warm enough in my 10 gal even though I bought a zoo med UTH. What UTH should I buy.. I think I'm going to upgrade to a 20 gal tank soon. I've heard you can't reuse stick on UTHs. I have a low budget but I want my crabs to be happy... HELP!! Also I have no lighting. I'm getting mixed messages with lighting, the crab street journal says you should supply light, but some people just use natural light.

[curlysister]

That is correct that you can not re-use a mat that sticks. You also can not insulate over top of them - but you can insulate around them and on the other walls.
People are of mixed opinions regarding lights. Read through the care sheet, lots of info there. I decided to to add any light, because my crabs are in a room that has natural light from a window (not direct sunlight on the tank).

[Scarletfire]

Zoomed heat mats generally are not good in the sense that the rating is that strong enough, you cannot insulate it as Curly mentioned, and you cannot re-use it.

The brand Ultratherm is widely used. If you don't have access to that brand, THG heat tape is a good option. Irregardless of whichever UTH you use, ensure you place it to cover the entire back of the tank. If you do use heat tape, ensure ypu have a temperature regulator to prevent the temperature from rising too high.

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[Kydra]

I only had a Zoomed 10-20 gallon size UTH on my 20 long tank which was fine until it got colder. Went to the store yesterday to purchase another to put on the other side of the back glass and, because I've heard here about no insulation and really that they aren't that good, I bought the 30-40 gallon Zoomed UTH instead of the same smaller size.

I just added it last night and this AM temp was close to 5 degrees higher than usual. Now, with both on it's at 80 on the coolest end of the tank. I may need to unplug one until it gets cooler again in the house. For me, they are easy and convenient. Just stick it on and done. All I can say is that they are likely overpriced of course, but does the job without any hassle.

I do have most of the mesh lid covered with one piece of seran wrap which also helps to keep the heat in the tank.

[Hermiehomes4Gretchen]

Zoomed heat mats generally are not good in the sense that the rating is that strong enough, you cannot insulate it as Curly mentioned, and you cannot re-use it.

The brand Ultratherm is widely used. If you don't have access to that brand, THG heat tape is a good option. Irregardless of whichever UTH you use, ensure you place it to cover the entire back of the tank. If you do use heat tape, ensure ypu have a temperature regulator to prevent the temperature from rising too high.

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Can I use this kind of heat pad?
https://www.amazon.com/Windspeed-plug11 ... 37&sr=8-98

[Hermiehomes4Gretchen]

That is correct that you can not re-use a mat that sticks. You also can not insulate over top of them - but you can insulate around them and on the other walls.
People are of mixed opinions regarding lights. Read through the care sheet, lots of info there. I decided to to add any light, because my crabs are in a room that has natural light from a window (not direct sunlight on the tank).

My window provides my hermit crabs with enough light then.. they are not in direct sunlight just in a room with two big windows.


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[Kydra]

Can I use this kind of heat pad?
https://www.amazon.com/Windspeed-plug11 ... 37&sr=8-98

I've used something similar taped on with electrical tape before... Didn't look at the specs but it was so so. I did not insulate or anything though (if you can). Just more convenient for me to buy another Zoomed and all is well.

I was going to add that I believe Petco is doing the dollar a gallon sale again from the prices yesterday if you are up to getting a 20 for $20. Others will give you different advice on UTHs. I was less concerned with the cost just easy and convenient and already had a Zoomed UTH.

Good luck with everything!

[Hermiehomes4Gretchen]

I've used something similar taped on with electrical tape before... Didn't look at the specs but it was so so. I did not insulate or anything though (if you can). Just more convenient for me to buy another Zoomed and all is well.

I was going to add that I believe Petco is doing the dollar a gallon sale again from the prices yesterday if you are up to getting a 20 for $20. Others will give you different advice on UTHs. I was less concerned with the cost just easy and convenient and already had a Zoomed UTH.

Good luck with everything!

Thanks


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[Hermiehomes4Gretchen]

I think I'm going with flukers because it's reusable. And it has good ratings!

[aussieJJDude]

I think I'm going with flukers because it's reusable. And it has good ratings!

A couple of our members have had good experiences with flukers, so I dont imagine you'll run into much issue using this brand.

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[wodesorel]

I think I'm going with flukers because it's reusable. And it has good ratings!

If your room temp is 68 or below, you'll need one that covers as much of the back as possible. Don't go by gallon size! I use mostly Flukers myself and really like them.