Best heating device for 20 gallon long tank?

[adef99]

Hi! I've looked at more heating mat and cable options for my tank and I can't figure out which is best. I was told that for a heating cable, the wattage for my size tank should be 30-40W, but Exoterra only sells 25W and 50W. A heating mat seems more complicated to me!

[JoeHermits]

A heating mat isn’t complicated, you can just slap on whatever covers the back of the tank.

I don’t have experience with cables but I would imagine that a higher wattage cable would heat more easily, but you’ll have to monitor it so it doesn’t overheat the tank (use a thermostat if necessary).


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[crabbycasey]

I love my heating mats/uth (under tank heater), they’re super easy! I have one that came with adhesive and it was super easy to just stick it to the side of the tank. My big one didn’t have adhesive, so I just duct-taped it to the back. Pretty sure you can safely buy the biggest one that will fit the back of the tank above your substrate line. Not familiar with the cables at all though, so I can’t personally make the comparison, but uths are very easy to use...just stick it on and plug it in!


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[HermitofHermitCrabs]

I use a large UTH on one end of the tank and heat bulbs on the other end.

[aussieJJDude]

Its interesting to note, that in Aus more crabbers use cables rather than UTHs. (I think its primarily due to availability of sizes of UTHs being non-existent). With the cables, most crabbers seem to put it on both side walls as well as the back, above the substrate line. So you may be looking at a good 50watt + for a 20g long.

[HermitofHermitCrabs]

Its interesting to note, that in Aus more crabbers use cables rather than UTHs. (I think its primarily due to availability of sizes of UTHs being non-existent). With the cables, most crabbers seem to put it on both side walls as well as the back, above the substrate line. So you may be looking at a good 50watt + for a 20g long.

I have found UTHs to be next to useless on the sides of a tank since heat naturally rises. If you're looking to raise the temperature significantly heat bulbs and UTHs underneath the substrate are the way to go.

[curlysister]

HCA absolutely recommends against the use of UTH underneath a tank. The back or sides of the tank are safe, while underneath the tank is a fire hazard.

[aussieJJDude]

I have found UTHs to be next to useless on the sides of a tank since heat naturally rises. If you're looking to raise the temperature significantly heat bulbs and UTHs underneath the substrate are the way to go.

Haha, I'd found likewise having a UTH underneath. At an appropriate depth, heat simply can't rise through 6 plus inches of sand/EE, especially once moistened/settled. Thats why its recommended to place a UTH on the side of the tank, where its commonly recommended to have a UTH the size of the background above the substrate to adequately heat the tank.

Underneath also poses as a severe fire risk - in the way we set up our tanks - and could lead to the development of hot pockets, which could lead to implications when moulting.

[wodesorel]

I get 25 degrees out of my side mounted UTHs.

[HermitofHermitCrabs]

I get 25 degrees out of my side mounted UTHs.

Physics must operate differently in my terrariums. I’ve never found they raise the temp more than few degrees in one local area of the tank.

[wodesorel]

You should read through our guides for help. They are excellent heating devices, and very safe. I used to be a lamp user, but the cost for replacement bulbs racks up fast, and heat lamps have a higher fire and burn risk. UTH are set and forget.

[curlysister]

Physics must operate differently in my terrariums. I’ve never found they raise the temp more than few degrees in one local area of the tank.

If you insulate your tank (either over top of or around the UTH, depending on the brand), the temp in the entire tank will be higher, not just in one local area. You can also put a blanket or insulation over the lid to hold in the heat.

[HermitofHermitCrabs]

If you insulate your tank (either over top of or around the UTH, depending on the brand), the temp in the entire tank will be higher, not just in one local area. You can also put a blanket or insulation over the lid to hold in the heat.

Right, but then your terrarium is then an eyesore. Thankfully, I don’t need much heat where I live.

[curlysister]

Right, but then your terrarium is then an eyesore. Thankfully, I don’t need much heat where I live.

Better an eyesore (which it really isn't) than a fire hazard! I would very much re-think the placement of your UTH.

[HermitofHermitCrabs]

Better an eyesore (which it really isn't) than a fire hazard! I would very much re-think the placement of your UTH.

Never had any issues before and I’m always checking on all of the accessories.