Ultratherm sizing question

[Fledgling]

So I just upgraded to a 30 gal and my 6"x11" Ultratherm is not cutting it at all. I measured the dimensions and there 8" from the sub to the top of the tank and the tank is 30" across. I live in Wisconsin in an apartment where the landlords control the heater, so I won't be able to do much as far as ambient temperature, but I do have supplies ready to insulate the tank when the time comes.

I'm trying to decide which Ultratherm size will work best. My thermometer has been reading around 23-24°C and I know I need it to be at least 27°C, so I need to order ASAP.

What size has worked best for those of you with 30gal tanks?

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[Happyhermiehome]

Maybe U could use a low wattage heat lamp to boost the temp a bit Till you figure out the UTH situation If u have one on hand. Or a through a couple a blankets over the tank at night. I put a snuggie over mine when hubby turns the AC down really low. I have also read somewhere to cover the sides of the tank with tinfoil to trap in heat. just till u get your new Ultratherm.

[Fledgling]

Yep, I've got an aquarium hood lamp on during the day (since I'm too poor for heat lamps) and I have insulation materials I was saving for winter. I may try the blanket thing for at night, but I'd rather not leave a blanket on top of the aquarium hood during the day due to the fire hazard. Thanks for the feedback!

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[Happyhermiehome]

Yeah I know the heat lamps can be expensive from the pet store. I was lucky enough to get a double dome and a single dome at a local flea market for $1 each! Before I got them when I just had my very first crab that was giving to me in a 10g tank with no heat source I used a bendy desk lamp and put it on top of a crate next to the tank and bent it down over the screen as close as I could get it. I used a night heat bulb from the pet section at Walmart since I could use it day and night. It worked pretty good temporarily.
Oh yeah might not want to cover your hood lights with blankets. I didn't think of that. I don't have hood lights but I just leave the portion of the screen where my dome lights are uncovered and make sure the blanket isn't touching them.
Maybe if u have a space heater u could run it in near the tank at night.
Sorry I haven't got a recommendation for the ultratherm I don't have one on my 50g yet lol...I live in NorCal and it's still blazing hot at the moment so I've just been running day/night bulbs on dimmers. But someone more experienced then I will no doubt give you the right info

[wodesorel]

How cold does the landlord keep it? You should be fine with the longest pad you can fit on the back.

[mjjluver]

I got something like this
http://www.homedepot.com/p/HDX-75-Watt- ... /205139241
and also I was able to find one for cheap at a garage sale
I wrapped it with reflectix to keep the heat in since I had some leftover from wrapping the UTH

[Fledgling]

How cold does the landlord keep it? You should be fine with the longest pad you can fit on the back.

68°F at most. This morning it's at 64°F. Would it be bad if it overlapped the sand by a couple inches?

I may have to try the desk lamp thing in the meantime. It's getting chilly early this year...

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[daws409]

You could overlap with the sand. Doing it this way would cut down the risk of fire as opposed to having the whole back side of tank covered in an ultratherm.... You could also get the reflectix stuff from Lowe's to insulate the tank. It's very similar to the reflectors that go on windshields.

Heat lights also work but I wouldn't rely on them as the main heat source. They tend to zap humidity.

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[wodesorel]

At those temps I would recommend a pad that covers the entire back. You could always pick up a $10 rheostat to dial it back if it was too much. I use an 11x11 pad on my 10 gallon that is 20x12 and it heats it perfectly in winter even though i keep my bedroom in the mid to low 60s at night. Edit: i have mine mildly insulated with cardboard and aluminium, and temps range from 85 in the middle.back to 72 at the front corners.

There is no fire risk when using pads on the back. At most you have to watch the substrate against the pad and add water as needed as it will evaporate faster. Really helps with steadying humidity though!

[Fledgling]

I have a glass lid, so humidity hasn't really been an issue thus far (the lowest it's been is 92% after tank maintenance). I have heard that putting a heating pad over the sand filled part can lead to cracks in the glass, which is why I was concerned. I'll have to measure the tank back again.

Edit: I do have a Zilla thermostat and some insulation they send the fish in at work (aluminum on one side, kind of bubble wrap-like texture) for when winter really hits. So I'm prepared for that at least...

[wodesorel]

It will only crack if you were to use or spill cool or cold water against it, same as with a heat lamp. It it sudden extreme changes in temperature that cause parts of the glass to expand or contract which causes the cracking or explosive shattering. Even then it is less likely with a heat pad since the glass shouldn't get much above 110 degrees, as opposed to the very high temps a bulb can cause. I have cracked tanks with heat bulbs, never with a pad and I'm using 17 of them.

[Fledgling]

Awesome! Thank you so much everybody! I'll put in the order now!

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