Is there an optimal temperature for the substrate? The air in my crabitat ranges from 72*-82*. The substrate, however is only 72* a couple of inches down and at its deepest spot it's only 70* which is the temperature of the house.
This is a 225 gallon tank with 1/2 inch glass. I know that normally it is not recommended to put one of the sticky heat mats under the level of the substrate, but do you think it might work to bring the substrate temperature up? What would the pros and cons of doing this be?
Here's a link to a current picture of the tank. I'm sorry. I don't know how to post a picture so it shows up in this post.
https://scontent.feau1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/ ... e=5FBE6A40
Substrate temperature
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curlysister
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Re: Substrate temperature
Most of us don't check the substrate temperature. Some of the more scientific crabber do, but in ten years I never have.
It is more important to ensure that the air is heated to the proper temps, then the sub will be a bit warmer near the surface and cooler further down - crabs can choose the temp they want when under ground.
The biggest con of putting a heater under the tank is that it can be a fire hazard. Which is a pretty huge con. LOL.
It is more important to ensure that the air is heated to the proper temps, then the sub will be a bit warmer near the surface and cooler further down - crabs can choose the temp they want when under ground.
The biggest con of putting a heater under the tank is that it can be a fire hazard. Which is a pretty huge con. LOL.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers
Re: Substrate temperature
I could put a heat mat on the side of the tank. Would it heat through the 1/2 inch glass?curlysister wrote: ↑Tue Oct 27, 2020 2:58 pmMost of us don't check the substrate temperature. Some of the more scientific crabber do, but in ten years I never have.
It is more important to ensure that the air is heated to the proper temps, then the sub will be a bit warmer near the surface and cooler further down - crabs can choose the temp they want when under ground.
The biggest con of putting a heater under the tank is that it can be a fire hazard. Which is a pretty huge con. LOL.
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wodesorel
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Re: Substrate temperature
I heat the entire back of my tank, to give them the option of having a warmer place to molt - but my room temp can get down to 50 in the middle of winter. 70 degrees is actually really good, it mimics the natural temperature variation with digging. I think if you want to provide a warmer patch if some are seeking it, it would be okay. A good quality UTH (Ultratherm or Flukers) should work on the side, though there won't be a ton of penetration into the substrate.
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Re: Substrate temperature - update
Just a follow up on heating the substrate.
I placed a 4” x 6” ZooMed heater on the side of the tank under the soil level. It’s been five days, and I’m impressed with the effect that little heat pad has had on the soil temperature. One inch from the glass the sub temp is 84*. Six inches from it the sub temp is 73-74. It’s been gradually warming since I attached it, so I’ll continue to monitor the substrate temperature to make sure it doesn’t end up being too hot. I doubt that will happen though. The molting area is approximately 2’ x 2’ x 10”
I placed a 4” x 6” ZooMed heater on the side of the tank under the soil level. It’s been five days, and I’m impressed with the effect that little heat pad has had on the soil temperature. One inch from the glass the sub temp is 84*. Six inches from it the sub temp is 73-74. It’s been gradually warming since I attached it, so I’ll continue to monitor the substrate temperature to make sure it doesn’t end up being too hot. I doubt that will happen though. The molting area is approximately 2’ x 2’ x 10”