Thoughts on space heaters?

[bridgettbiologist]

Hi everyone! I have a 10 gal tank with a wire mesh lid and a ceramic heat bulb. I want to switch to a glass lid, and I know a heat lamp would shatter it. I'm wondering if a small space heater placed next to the tank would be safe and effective. Thanks for the help!

Also, would a glass lid keep the tank more humid than the mesh one? (It is currently covered with plastic wrap and tape lol)

[angelbearpuppy]

I cannot answer about the space heater. But a glass lid will keep things more humid. Heat lamps also tend to zap humidity

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[curlysister]

Why not get an Under Tank Heater (to be mounted on the back or sides, not under)?

[aussieJJDude]

Why not get an Under Tank Heater (to be mounted on the back or sides, not under)?

This!

A heat cable - used for reptiles - could also be used, if you're struggling to locate a UTH for whatever reason. Just mount it on the outside above the substrate line, and insulate it using some tinfoil taped onto it, and it should help keep the temps up.

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[wodesorel]

I doubt a space heater would keep the tank warm enough, you'd have to heat the entire room to the temperature you wanted the tank to be!

[odelayheehoo]

I use a space heater to heat the room that my crabitats are in, but I have heaters on the tanks as well. I would not recommend heating a room to what your crabs should be at, that is unhealthy you both you and your house!

[bridgettbiologist]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I already own a Zoo-Med heat mat, but it does a poor job of heating the tank. That's why I also have to use the ceramic bulb.

Could you please recommend a good-quality heat mat or cable?

[aussieJJDude]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I already own a Zoo-Med heat mat, but it does a poor job of heating the tank. That's why I also have to use the ceramic bulb.

Could you please recommend a good-quality heat mat or cable?

If you're in the US, many highly reccomend using Ultratherm. Can be found online, such as beanfarm and reptile basics.

[bridgettbiologist]

Thanks! Is the 6 by 11 mat enough for a 10 gal tank?
Also, should it be placed on the side of the tank?
I really appreciate all the help!

Edit: Also are there any more budget-friendly heat mats?

[Motörcrab]

I believe a 11 x 17 Ultratherm would work best in your 10 gallon tank. I would also insulate the heater to direct more heat into the tank. I think it is easier to cool a tank down compared to trying to make it warmer.

[RiNiKy506]

I recommend the ultratherm from reptilebasics, I’m not sure if it was my location but the shipping prices were cheaper. I also had a ZooMed and IMO, the ultratherm works way better, you get a better heat mat and it’s cheaper. Plus you can reuse the ultratherm, the ZooMed doesn’t recommend that you reuse them once they have been attached, although people have reused them. Once you get the ultratherm attached and insulated your tank should be all set, I didn’t have any more problems after I insulated my ultratherm. Other brands don’t recommend insulating over the heat mat as a fire hazard, an ultratherm can be insulated over.
I see you were also looking into a glass canopy lid, I had to replace my tank hood bc it was left outside and it got warped. I’m not sure what size you need for a 10 gal, but here is what I have, others may have good recommendations for you as well. You can check your local pet stores, I got mine at a local pet store for $25, but this is what it is. Measure your tank for correct sizes and you can search online for “glass aquarium canopy lid” or try a pet store.



Rod♡Salty♡Bob♡Squirt♡Crabina
»-♡-> Our Purple Pinchers <-♡-«
Who♡Fearless♡Crimson♡LittleBit

[aussieJJDude]

A couple of members also reccomend the flukers brand UTH as well.

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[bridgettbiologist]

Thank you everyone for your help! I've got some shopping to do!

[wodesorel]

I heated my 10 gallons with Flukers medium 11x11 mats. They can also be insulated, and I keep my room chilly.