Getting temp right for sydney winter

[Tarn]

Hi Everyone,

This will be my first winter with hermit crabs. I would really appreciate any advice.
I got a heater mat to put under their tank. I have had a look and there is a layer of Styrofoam under the glass. If I remove this foam am I ok to put the mat directly under the tank? (the temp is at 20 degrees Celsius which I know needs to go up)

Also my humidity is always at around 80-90% I am guessing that adding more heat will increase this. Do I just open the lid a bit to drop the humidity?

Thanks for your help.
I love my babies so much and I want it to be perfect for them.

Tarn

[aussieJJDude]

Hey,
I'm glad that you got the mat now, rather than later! THat way you still have time to change things around.
First things first (I'm da realist ) it better to put the heat mat on the side of the tank, not underneath it. The reason is that moist sand makes a great insulator, plus when you have around 6 inches or so of it; you're looking to potentially cook your crabs if they dig to close to it.
A better and safe alternative it to place it on the side - like I said earlier - as the sand can offer them - the crabs - an option to escape the heat if things get a bit too warm and you want to heat the air in the enclosure.

To ensure that the tank stays around 25c or more (my crabs enjoy a temperature of 28c) your looking into purchasing a heat mat that covers the entire back of the tank, above the substrate line. Then if it doesn't bump up things enough I suggest looking into insulating the tank. Insulating involves wrapping the tank - such as the entire back, side, top and/or front - where the sand is - with reflective materials such as tinfoil, styrofoam or the heat reflective shield used for cars to radiate the heat inwards. This does include covering the UTH (heat mat) however, I never had a problem.

Personally, I think your humidity is stop on! If you feel that your humidity is too high you could air it out, but most likely when you increase the heat the humidity will drop a little. So IMO, doesn't really matter.

[Tarn]

Thanks JJ (is that what I should call you?)
The mat that I have is quite small. Probably 20cm square (it came with the small tank that I started with, We are in a much bigger tank now).
Could you recommend a brand that is best to get or do I just look for one that is the right size.
Do I attach the mat to the outside of the glass?
You don't ever make it to Sydney do you? I would love a second opinion on my set up.
I am so in love with these guys that I want to get everything right for them. The temp is at about 20 degrees now so I want to act fast.
Oh also do you have a place in Australia where you get good shells? My GF crochet a great net for them allowing me to give them a second story and to set up a shell shop for them (rather than just having the shells loose in the tank) they love it.

[aussieJJDude]

Thats ok! Call me whatever you want - within reason of course - but I'll respond to aussieJJDude (of course), aussie, JJ & Dude to name a few.
In australia, there isn't much of a market; or at least the places I've been looking at. From personal experience, I tend to stay away from zoomed or similar branded products. I've had great success with the unbranded ones from ebay - I saw that you're looking for some good shells, have you checked out ebay, especially nautilusly - they have great heat output, better variety of sizes (well compared to my LFS) and saves the hassle of going out and supporting those ugly pet stores. (Plus who doesn't like getting parcels?! ) And yes, you want to place the heat mat on the outside. If it isn't sticky, you can "glue" it on with silicone - allowing it to dry; ducktape, electrical tape or other "sticky things"...
Unfortunately, I've only gone to Sydney once & probably won't go there for quite a while - unless next time my family goes north. But having loads of pictures does wonders as well, I/HCA members will be able to help you out and give some feedback.
Just need those pics.

[Tarn]

haha I will start taking some photos. I have some photos of Goldie (she hasn't changed out of her painted shell yet).
We have this game of a Sunday where I take the lid off and let her think that she is escaping. Then we have a run around on the floor.
How do I attach photos?

[Tarn]

I Just found the info on posting photos. I will be doing it from Facebook. What is the address that I need to put in?

Thanks