HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So I have 4 pp’s and my tank has been running a high of 89 and a low of 85 for the last couple days since I added cardboard covered in foil for insulation over my ultratherm since winter is coming. Usually I’m between 78 and 82. I just want to be sure I don’t overheat my babies, as I’ve read a 85 is comfortable but also I’ve read not above 80. Thanks in advance


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80 is a good middle ground, 85 constant is as high as I'll personally go. They can tolerate higher than that in short bursts, or in limited areas of the crabitat creating a gradient, but I have only let my tanks get evenly hot (90 to 95 the one summer during the days without a/c) with a substantial (10 degree +) cooldown period overnight. While hermits are tropical, sustained high temps are not that common where they are found and nighttime drops are normal.

Overheated crabs may stay buried or hidden, streak naked, or froth/bubble at the mouth. It can be very dangerous, but every crab seems to have it's own upper limit.

Wodesorel gave you great advice I just wanted to add that I use a thermostat recommended by another user here, it’s really easy to use and it gives you peace of mind to not overheat the tank. I also think it’s very reasonably priced, I have a more expensive one I bought with some crabs I adopted and I’d take this one over that one any day.

BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Co ... UTF8&psc=1

Thank you guys for the great advice, I’ve managed to use the ac in my room along with the heating mat to maintain 80-85 now. However I love that thermostat, I will definitely be purchasing one of those soon.


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