Heaters

[scuttlecrusty22]

I'm sort of new to this whole crabber thing....I've had my crabs for over 2 months now almost 3. I don't have a heater for them because it is winter and my house is VERY warm and they live in the warmest room in the house. I do want to purchase a heater for them during the spring/summer bc my house gets 60 degrees at the least to cold for the hermies. I have a 10 gal. tank with 2 crabs, what would be the best kind of heater to use that is on the cheap end of things? Can human heating pads be used safely for hermit crabs? I have one that you can regulae the temp. on but I still don't want to risk it. What should be the wattage for a 10 gallon? I've heard 3 watts for every gallon but is that just a selling hoax? Thanks in advance!!!

[aussieJJDude]

Heaters are a good thing to have, and would encourage you to at least have one if needed - just not plugged in if the surrounding room is already warm.

IMO, the best heater for that sized tank is an under tank heater (UTH) - also known as a heating pad for reptiles - placed in the back of the tank, above the substrate line. For optimal results, you want it to cover the entire back of the tank above the substrate line - so no, wattages aren't really taken into account like they are for reptiles and such.

Human heating pads are best not to be used on crabs, since they aren't designed to be on all the time and lead to a potential fire risk.

[scuttlecrusty22]

Ok thanks a ton!!! I will definatly be purchasing one before long!!! I am super paranoid and a worry-some pet mama... Like I said in last post my house is VERY toasty right now so heating won't be a problem...for now. But I will purchase a heating pad ASAP just for precaution.