insulating tank

[crabs_lex]

i got a new ultratherm heater and reflectix to insulate it
could someone help me out and how to use them?
like do i just tape the heater to the side and them how would i use the reflectix? thanks

[avocadocrabbies]

i got a new ultratherm heater and reflectix to insulate it
could someone help me out and how to use them?
like do i just tape the heater to the side and them how would i use the reflectix? thanks

I don't know what reflectix is, sorry, but I can help you with how to install the UTH!

First off, there's no adhesive on them, so you're going to want to get some duct tape, packing tape, or aluminum tape to attach the UTH to the tank wall. I like to use cardboard covered in tinfoil as an insulator, which I just tape on top of the UTH, the tinfoil side facing the mat and the bare side of the cardboard facing outward.

So there are two sides to the UTH, one with the coppery strips and one without. As you tape the mat on, the copper strip side should be the side facing outwards and the plain side should go against the glass. Tape securely around the edges to attach it to the wall, whether you want the cord coming from the top or bottom is up to you. Hope this helped!


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[GotButterflies]

If you have an ultratherm, you can try to insulate over your heating pad and tank to raise the temperature of your tank. There are several ways to do this. Don't insulate over your heating pad if it is a zoomed, or any other heating pad that is insulated (padded). If your heating pad is insulated, you would insulate AROUND the heating pad.

Cheaper way: You can use aluminum foil (shiny part facing the crabitat), then cardboard. Attach using packaging tape, duct tape or Reflectix tape.

More expensive: Purchase a product called Reflectix. This product looks like car shade material. It is sold in rolls at local hardware stores like Lowes and Home Depot. You can also purchase it on Amazon. Cut the Reflectix to fit your tank. Attach using packaging tape, duct tape or Reflectix tape.

It can take several hours to see the difference. If doing the insulation doesn't raise your temperature, you might want to consider getting a bigger and or better heater. Most of us use ultratherms. They are great heaters. www.reptilebasics.com or www.beanfarm.com sells them.

[CrabbyLover77]

I just installed my Ultratherm last night. I bought the 6"x47". I bought a big role of duct tape on Amazon to go with it. Duct taped the heck out of the mat (on the edges around the corners and sides). Then I took aluminum foil and placed big pieces over the mat and duct taped them. I skipped the cardboard since I'm lazy (lol) and only need to boost the temp a couple degrees at night. It seems to be working well. Did you buy a thermostat to go with the mat so it can't overheat?

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[GotButterflies]

I just installed my Ultratherm last night. I bought the 6"x47". I bought a big role of duct tape on Amazon to go with it. Duct taped the heck out of the mat (on the edges around the corners and sides). Then I took aluminum foil and placed big pieces over the mat and duct taped them. I skipped the cardboard since I'm lazy (lol) and only need to boost the temp a couple degrees at night. It seems to be working well. Did you buy a thermostat to go with the mat so it can overheat?

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The thermostat will just keep your tank from going over a certain degree that you set. I personally love them. Here in Florida it gets really hot, so that is why I like using them.

[CrabbyLover77]

The thermostat will just keep your tank from going over a certain degree that you set. I personally love them. Here in Florida it gets really hot, so that is why I like using them.

Oops, I said so it can overheat, def meant so it can't overheat lol.

GB- Does your thermostat sometimes shut off a degree before what you have it set on? I have it set on 78, but it seems it will shut off at 77. If I push it up to 79-80, it will click back on again.
I don't set it higher because when I leave the house, I'm too ocd about fire to leave it on. So I don't want any temp drops to be too drastic. That's why I'm leaving it set at 78. Thanks!

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[crabs_lex]

i just set up my heater like ten minutes ago thank you
i used my ultratherm with reflectix

[CrabbyLover77]

i just set up my heater like ten minutes ago thank you
i used my ultratherm with reflectix

I hope you had an easier time than I did. There really wasn't a way to get behind my tank. I had to use a 2 step step stool and lean over the top of the tank. I must have pulled a muscle because my neck and shoulder area is sore lol.

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[crabs_lex]

I hope you had an easier time than I did. There really wasn't a way to get behind my tank. I had to use a 2 step step stool and lean over the top of the tank. I must have pulled a muscle because my neck and shoulder area is sore lol.

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oh no!!!
i actually built my own wooden stand for my tank (the shape looks like it’s like a rectangular cube i guess lol) my tank sits on top and there is storage underneath it it’s also on my hardwood floor so it put sliding pads underneath it so i can easily pull it out from the wall if needed

[CrabbyLover77]

oh no!!!
i actually built my own wooden stand for my tank (the shape looks like it’s like a rectangular cube i guess lol) my tank sits on top and there is storage underneath it it’s also on my hardwood floor so it put sliding pads underneath it so i can easily pull it out from the wall if needed

That's awesome! I have those sliding pads and never thought to pop them under the stand. My stand sits on carpet but those sliders would still probably work. Too late now though lol.

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[GotButterflies]

Oops, I said so it can overheat, def meant so it can't overheat lol.

GB- Does your thermostat sometimes shut off a degree before what you have it set on? I have it set on 78, but it seems it will shut off at 77. If I push it up to 79-80, it will click back on again.
I don't set it higher because when I leave the house, I'm too ocd about fire to leave it on. So I don't want any temp drops to be too drastic. That's why I'm leaving it set at 78. Thanks!

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I don't pay attention to it that close. All I notice is that my tanks don't overheat I let my tanks get up to 85. The hermits love the warmer temps. Your crabs will be more active if you allow them to get warmer temps. Try it! You do have to make sure their humidity is at least 80 (IMO). I personally keep my humidity at 99%. My crabs are constantly out, active and breeding.

[CrabbyLover77]

I don't pay attention to it that close. All I notice is that my tanks don't overheat I let my tanks get up to 85. The hermits love the warmer temps. Your crabs will be more active if you allow them to get warmer temps. Try it! You do have to make sure their humidity is at least 80 (IMO). I personally keep my humidity at 99%. My crabs are constantly out, active and breeding.

On another thread, I was told a buffering zone is normal in on/off thermostats. I also read it on the description that there is 2-3 degree buffer before the heater will kick on again. I must have missed that part the first time. I'm home all day today so I'll kick it up to 80. My humidity normally reads 99% too. Thanks so much!

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[GotButterflies]

On a other thread, I was told a buffering zone is normal in on/off thermostats. I also read it on the description that there is 2-3 degree buffer before the heater will kick on again. I must have missed that part the first time. I'm home all day today so I'll kick it up to 80. My humidity normally reads 99% too. Thanks so much!

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Yw! My pleasure!

[Wlfwo]

/quote]That's awesome! I have those sliding pads and never thought to pop them under the stand. My stand sits on carpet but those sliders would still probably work. Too late now though lol.

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I recently moved my fishtank which also sits on carpet. Now with it, I did remove about 2/3 of the water. Took 3 of us to get it ready. My husband slid a crowbar under a corner of the wooden stand, I kept anything from sliding off and my grandson put the slider under the corner. Repeated this for all corners. Slid it where I wanted it, then refilled. When I needed to move it back, I lowered the water level and moved it back by myself. So adding sliders is totally doable.

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