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Heating Problem

Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 11:34 am
by Wysper
I'm relatively new to hermit crabs, but not new to tanks and exotic pets in general. I currently have a 60g set up with 5:1 Sand/EE substrate, 7-8" deep. A Reptile Basics heater on the back, above the substrate (the 11"x48"), there is about 2-3" between the top of the sub and the bottom of the heater. I also have 2 reptitherms on either side of the tank. My issue is the heat has been dropping recently at night, as low as 65 degrees! With all 3 heaters operating.

Any suggestions please??

Re: Heating Problem

Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 12:32 pm
by 3dogs4eyes
Do you have your tank insulated at all? I was having the same issue. I got the rolled foil back insulation from the Hardware store and insulated the back and one side of my tank down to the sand line. It has helped immensely! I also made an insulating pad out of it to put on top of the tank on cooler nights. That may definitely help!

Re: Heating Problem

Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 12:34 pm
by 3dogs4eyes
This is what I got for reference: https://www.lowes.com/pd/Frost-King-1-i ... on/3228226

I doubled it on itself and duct taped the edges to put foil on both sides, then taped it to my tank.

Re: Heating Problem

Posted: Wed May 15, 2019 12:41 pm
by CrabMommaChara
As a bit of a precaution for the moment, keep some blankets on top of it.

Re: Heating Problem

Posted: Thu May 16, 2019 1:53 pm
by Wysper
I don't currently have it insulated, but was planning on putting some on the back after payday. (the downfall of monthly paychecks lol). Right now I thought the 2 heaters on both sides would help out, but I guess they just aren't enough. I will put some blankets on top as well, hopefully that will help! And can make a topper to go over the whole top with an insulation on it later down the road.

Thank you. I thought the issue was just me! lol

Re: Heating Problem

Posted: Tue May 21, 2019 10:20 pm
by PinchersAndShells
A cheaper alternative that has been working for me (and other crabbers) is taking a layer of cardboard and wrapping it in tinfoil! You can do multiple layers of cardboard but just one works for me. :)