Yes! Rule of thumb...every 6' of distance from direct sunlight source, allowance is 3 hours exposure...so if you are 12' from window...your tank can be in direct sunlight for 6 hours! Just make sure that there is ground cover (rock outcrops, plants and shady spots within the crabitat)...then your crabs will have the benefit of the sun, while still being able to take cover if they prefer...you will see a tremendous increase in daytime activity...amnell71 wrote:So, in your opinion, is it ok to let direct sunlight hit the tank, as long as you keep your eye on the temp?
I imagine that the recommendations were given due to the fact that not all tanks have glass lids, not all owners are at home to monitor temp and humidity (and if they aren't, I recommend that they not put tanks closer than 10' from direct light source)...and yes I think it was previously suggested for exactly the precautionary reasons you pointed out...some things just evolve into "requirements", and really lose their meaning when you don't understand the purpose...those precautions are still real, but the rule I mentioned is applicable for all distances...where you will have to use judgement, is with temperature...in the summer, I don't use my UTH if they are in a sunny room...and for my tanks with screen lids I use a damp towel over the top...someone in Arizona should not put their tank in front a sunny window where temps go up to 120F...really common sense, but needs to be clarified for younger owners, who may not be supervised with the care of their pets...I've wondered about the recommendations against it - they live in the tropics, after all. It seemed contradictory to me, that you "shouldn't" give them direct light. Though I do understand the need for extreme caution, since they are behind a glass barrier, which could have a magnifying glass effect.
