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Heating on a Budget
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 8:54 am
by Jamison
What are some good heaters for a 40 gallon tank. I’m on a budget, and live in a warm climate, so I don’t need the best, just something to provide a little heat.
Re: Heating on a Budget
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 9:27 am
by CrabbyLover77
Ultratherm is a good uth. I've found Reptile Basics has the best prices. None of their mats are over $32.99. I bought the 6"x47" for my 55 gal and it only cost me $30. It keeps it nice and toasty too. Also bought a 6"x11" separately for my 20 gal and it was $16.99. (Add shipping for both of course). Don't forget you'll want to grab a thermostat to regulate the temp of the uth so it doesn't get too hot. I got both of mine on Amazon for $18.99 each.
Uth:
https://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads
Thermostat:
https://smile.amazon.com/Century-Thermo ... ljaz10cnVl
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Re: Heating on a Budget
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 9:39 am
by Motörcrab
Heating is the one thing I personally wouldn't purchase cheaper unknown brands. They may not have the quality control in place and could pose hazards. There is some potential risk are no matter what brand you purchase. A lot of products are made in the same factory and just get a different branding so you could potentially get a good deal.
If you search "under tank heater" on Amazon there a a ton that show up. I have seen some for under $10 with current Black Friday deals!
Choosing the correct heater is will depend on your crabitat, house temperature, and humidity. I found it's easiest to overkill on the UTH, and control the temperature with a thermostat. I'm with CrabbyLover77 Reptile Basics Ultratherms are my go to choice as well!
Re: Heating on a Budget
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 12:06 pm
by Jamison
What size of Ultratherm from reptile basics would you reccommend for a 40 gallon tank. House is never below 60 degrees
Re: Heating on a Budget
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 1:11 pm
by CrabbyLover77
Jamison wrote:What size of Ultratherm from reptile basics would you reccommend for a 40 gallon tank. House is never below 60 degrees
What size is your tank? Is it a regular 40 gal or a 40 gal breeder?
If you have a reg 40 gal (48″ x 12″ x 16″) I'd get the 6" x 47".
If you have a 40 gal breeder (36″ x 18″ x 16″) I'd get the 6" x 35"
They do have 11" x 47" and 11" x 35" which are options, but they are currently out of stock on their website.
Make sure you have some duct tape. These uth's do not have any adhesive, so you'll have to tape around them. You'll want to place it on the back above the substrate line (it's okay if some of the uth is on the substrate, you just want to get most of it above so you can heat the air).
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Re: Heating on a Budget
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 3:02 pm
by Motörcrab
Here is a guide Fleabag helped with a year or two ago! This should help explain the basics.
viewtopic.php?f=26&t=119297&hilit=Fleab ... e#p1072369
Just remember that an UTH will generally only raise the temperature of your crabitat about 8 degrees higher than room temperature. If your house gets down to 60 you may get your tank to 70 with insulation, if they type of UTH you purchase can be insulated. We also have additional heating pads on one side of our crabitats for the winter months.
Re: Heating on a Budget
Posted: Thu Nov 26, 2020 3:27 pm
by CrabbyLover77
Fleabag's guide was very helpful for me, def check it out!
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Re: Heating on a Budget
Posted: Fri Nov 27, 2020 5:57 pm
by wodesorel
60 is actually quite cold! The average house is between 68 and 72 year round. You'll need a good sized UTH to boost it up those 20 degrees when it's required. You may also want to consider a thermostat (at some point, not a must) that can make adjustments depending on how warm the room is so the tank never gets too hot or too cold.