HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hello friends! (This is my first post so great apologies if I muck anything up!)

I am in the process of setting up a crabitat for some future hermits. I've been reading about UVB lighting and I understand that it's not necessary but could well be nice for them to have. My tank will be set up downstairs with minimal natural light coming in, and regular flourescents for general room lighting. Personally I don't think it's perfect but I am happy to do what I need to improve that!

So, knowing that glass and mesh and plastic will block most to all of the UVB rays, is there any method out there of setting up a light inside the tank? I'll have at least 10 inches above the substrate and can keep it away from climbing materials so the crabs don't climb too close. I was hopeful for an LED strip after seeing some used in a YouTube video but further research on my own has been discouraging. That's why I'm turning to you, experienced crabbers! What's out there that I haven't been able to find?

Thank you all in advance!!!

kamiraptor wrote:Hello friends! (This is my first post so great apologies if I muck anything up!)

I am in the process of setting up a crabitat for some future hermits. I've been reading about UVB lighting and I understand that it's not necessary but could well be nice for them to have. My tank will be set up downstairs with minimal natural light coming in, and regular flourescents for general room lighting. Personally I don't think it's perfect but I am happy to do what I need to improve that!

So, knowing that glass and mesh and plastic will block most to all of the UVB rays, is there any method out there of setting up a light inside the tank? I'll have at least 10 inches above the substrate and can keep it away from climbing materials so the crabs don't climb too close. I was hopeful for an LED strip after seeing some used in a YouTube video but further research on my own has been discouraging. That's why I'm turning to you, experienced crabbers! What's out there that I haven't been able to find?

Thank you all in advance!!!

Get an 18" long under cabinet fixture and a UVB 10 bulb for it. You can mount it under the lid of your tank.

I grabbed one from Walmart but it was a 12" so I have to wait till they've restocked the 18". I'm going to put it in my topper.

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With a 10 inch distance you will probably need to use only a 5.0 bulb. Check the distance requirements for the brand of bulb you are wanting.

UVB LED do exist now but the technology is new, super expensive, and they haven't ironed out the kinks yet when it comes to reptile (or crab) use.

Welcome to the HCA

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000HJ75 ... UTF8&psc=1

I bought that on Amazon and then used a couple of Command's rated-for-the-bathroom Velcro strips to mount it inside the tank.

Thank you everyone!!!