HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi there! I have had 3 small PP for almost 3 weeks. They are in a 20 gal L with a little 3 gal topper. Substrate etc is the way it's supposed to be and I have an Ultratherm 6x23 inch on the back and insulated all around. I've finally gotten the temp/humidity to within 79 - 84 F and 79% and up humidity (depending on how crazy I get with the spray bottle).

What I'm curious about is the heat index. I noticed when it was 84°/84% the heat index was 96°F. Of course I Googled it & it said oh no that is way too hot for hermit crabs...get a fan or make sure it's ventilated somehow. It has a couple of places that are ventilated. How can the temp and humidity be in a good range but the heat index is too high? My thermometer/hygrometer is not in a perfect spot, but it's not right by the heat mat. Is Google just trying to stress me out??? Help. TIA

Yes, google is trying to stress you out LOL.
We don't factor the heat index - only the actual temp and relative humidity readings as found on the gauge. So your tank is perfectly fine.
Do be careful with misting, you don't want to add so much water that you cause a flood.

I knew it! Google will be my downfall! Thanks curlysister.

*shakes fist at Google*

Sorry if this is a silly question, but what is a heat index?

C: ClareCrabOwner :) wrote: ↑

Sat Apr 05, 2025 6:08 pm

Sorry if this is a silly question, but what is a heat index?

Here in Canada, we call it the 'humidex'. Basically it is the 'real feel' of the air.
If it was 80F with 80% humidity outside, it would feel like it was 97F.
If it was 80F with 10% humidity outside, it would feel like it was 80F.

I hope that makes sense!

Interesting! I've never heard of that, but it makes sense...
Thank you!

C: ClareCrabOwner :) wrote: ↑

Sun Apr 06, 2025 7:06 pm

Interesting! I've never heard of that, but it makes sense...
Thank you!

We also have Wind Chill Factor.
So if it is -20C (-4F) and the wind is 20 miles an hour, it will feel like -33C (-27F) on your skin.
If it is -20C (-4F) and the wind was 5 miles an hour, it will feel like -26C (-15F) on your skin.

Oh, yes! I've heard of wind chill before

Thank you!