Which ultratherm size for a 55

[Raidz97]

So I've been wanting to buy a better heating pad since my old zoo mad(50 gal version) and heat bulb are not very good at maintaining a constant 80-85 temperature. Since alot of you own 55 gallons which heating pad should I get. A 6×35 or an 11×35. I know the 47 inch across is better but I think a 35in is enough. I just need help deciding how wide.

Thanks

**forgot to mention if a 35 across of either 6 or 11 inch wide is enough to heat up to 80-85 degrees

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[daws409]

I would go with a 6". If you live in a colder climate, go with the full length (6x47)

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[Raidz97]

Okay so a 6×35 it is. You Think temps will go up to 80-85. I live in kansas, winters drop around -10 F but rarely it stays around 20 f and summers are 80-90 tops.

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[daws409]

Where does your house temp stay?

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[Raidz97]

Between 70-75 f

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[daws409]

I think a 6x35 will be enough. If not, you can always insulate it during the winter. And you can use a dimmer (rheostat) or a thermostat (shuts on/off at certain temp) during the summer.

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[Raidz97]

Thanks,Im so bad at making decisions as you can see. How exactly does a rheostat work? If you dont mind explaining. Lastly you mind posting a pic of your tank so I can have an idea of the uth placement and insulation. Unless you already have pics somewhere else. Sorry to be a bother, still kind of new to all of this, I just want it to come out right.

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[daws409]

You're not bothering... That's what this forum is for! Here's a topic link that tells difference between dimmer, thermostat, and proportional thermostat. http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... p?t=114357 I hope that helps!

You'll want the UTH along the back center and above the substrate. You can insulate with layers of tin foil and styrofoam. Or cardboard, or the reflextive stuff (don't know proper name). They're so many ways to insulate. I chose to only use cardboard. ... I have pics scattered around the forum. Give me a min I'll edit with a few pics


Edit: best pic I could find. This is my 125G before I added anything to the tank. Blue tape is substrate minimum line...


2nd edit: brighter pic and link to topper tank



http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... p?t=114078

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[Raidz97]

Okay now I see. Currently I have 6 inches of substrate , I know its a little, but Im going to add maybe up to 10 on one side and even it out at 8 since I just acquired 3 E's. Then place the Uth an inch or two above the substrate. Thank you so much your a life saver

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[Raidz97]

Amazing topper on that huge 125gl!!! Wish I had that much space. It would be like crabbie heaven.

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[daws409]

Your welcome!! And thanks for the compliment!

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