Heat mat question

[Alolily1518]

Hello, I’m fairly new to hermit crabbing. Mine are in a 29 gallon tank and right now I have 2 of those UTH mats on the back and side but they’re not getting the tank warm enough (75°). I’ve been waiting for the ultratherm heat mats to come back in stock but the customer service at both bean farm and reptile basics don’t know when they will be getting them. Bean farm does have one that is 6x48 and a 29 gallon tank is about 30” long. Does anyone know whether the heat mat can be placed around the corner of a tank? I wasn’t sure if that would interfere with the wiring.

[curlysister]

No, they can't go around a corner.
What type do you have now? Some can be insulated over top, while others can't so you could insulate where the UTH isn't. Your temp isn't bad at all, you can probably get a couple more degrees by folding up a blanket and putting it on the top of your tank - what do you have for a lid?

[Alolily1518]

Thanks for the quick reply. I’ve read about the cardboard and tin foil insulation so I’m going to do that for now while I wait. I have the sticky back mats so I know it has to go around them. I have a glass top. Another quick question if you don’t mind answering. I originally had two crabs, then read it’s a good idea to have at least 3 in case one buries to molt so I got another. Well the newest buried itself after a few days and haven’t seen him for a few weeks. Now my biggest has buried himself a few days ago so I’m thinking he’s molting too so that leaves one all alone. Should I get another? I feel like it could become a never ending process

[curlysister]

For sure try folding up a blanket and putting it on top of your glass lid - that usually gets me another couple of degrees.
No, you don't need to get another. I have only had my two crabs for over ten years. It is rare that they have both been down to molt at the same time, so there are literally months when only one is above ground. They are fine alone. You are right that it could be a never ending process! LOL!

[wodesorel]

I use a Fluker's jumbo heat mat on my 29 gallon, it's 11x29 so a perfect fit on the back. The room the tank is in often gets into the 50s in winter and I've never had trouble with low temps. The pad and the lid is insulated.

[Alolily1518]

Thanks all for the helpful replies. Bean farm got some mats in so I was able to get one tank is now holding steady at 79-80° so I’m so happy about that. Plus my biggest changed shells into some bigger ones I got recently which I’m excited about. That’s my favorite thing watching them looking over the shells to see if there’s one they like

[ATS]

What size mat should be used? My tank is the 20 gallon long. I need to up my temp a few degrees. I'm also wondering if it is best to have the pad at the bottom side of the tank (in contact with more substrate) or the top side (in contact with more air). Thanks for any help.

[wodesorel]

What size mat should be used? My tank is the 20 gallon long. I need to up my temp a few degrees. I'm also wondering if it is best to have the pad at the bottom side of the tank (in contact with more substrate) or the top side (in contact with more air). Thanks for any help.

It tends to work better when it heats the air. For a 20 gallon long, a 6x29 inch pad should do the trick. Ultratherm brand can be insulated overtop for a boost if needed.

[crabocado]

It tends to work better when it heats the air. For a 20 gallon long, a 6x29 inch pad should do the trick. Ultratherm brand can be insulated overtop for a boost if needed.

Oh that's interesting! Is that because otherwise it dries out the substrate? Without thinking much about it, I assumed the name "under-tank heater" implies they are for use under the tank. Since that is not practical, I have mine on the side. But from what you say, perhaps I should move it up above the top of the substrate (I have it below the top of the substrate so it doesn't "block the view"). Although since heat rises, that's an argument for keeping it fairly low.

[ATS]

Thanks so much for the help. I am finding the 6 x 29 inch very tough to find. I only found it at Bean Farm and they are sold out. I guess supplies are tough to get during the pandemic. Any other suggestions? Any brands you can suggest?

[wodesorel]

Without thinking much about it, I assumed the name "under-tank heater" implies they are for use under the tank.

Under tank for reptiles, who can only digest properly by laying on heated surfaces. The pads were originally designed to make a small section of hard or shallow substrated (1/2 inch or less) flooring warmed to around 90ish degrees. The rest of a reptile's tank would be cooler, to allow for a temperature gradient of around 10 degrees so they can adjust as needed. We use the pads completely off label for hermits by warming the air of the entire tank to an even temperature of around 80. It takes a much bigger pad and less obstruction for it to work that way. (Even then, there are a few of us who do warm below the substrate line, though it will cause the sub to dry out quicker and needs maintenence often.)

[wodesorel]

Thanks so much for the help. I am finding the 6 x 29 inch very tough to find. I only found it at Bean Farm and they are sold out. I guess supplies are tough to get during the pandemic. Any other suggestions? Any brands you can suggest?

Ultratherm is going to be the best in the 6 inch wide size. If you don't mind messing with keeping the substrate moist you should be able to get away with the 11 inch, but it might actually make the tank too warm. 20 longs are fussy. Bean Farm, Reptile Basic and I think Reptile Supply Co. have been getting restocked fairly regularly.

I use Flukers brand and love them, but their size range aren't as good. I think they may have a 6x17? I use an 11x29 on my 29 gallon, but that might be overkill on a 20.

[JTKermie]

I have ultratherm 11"x23s on the back of my 29s and they work well for my setups. They'd probably get the tanks too warm if not used with thermostatic controllers.