HCA: Hermit Crab Association

We just got our heater in the mail! And we can't figure out how to put it on the tank Everywhere we've read shows how to put it underneath the tank but obviously we don't want that. Can anyone give a quick explanation of how we put it on the back of the tank? I know we have to use tape. But what is that white plastic thing in the middle of it? Thanks!

The plastic thing in the middle is supposed to have a cord coming out of it. That's how you plug it into the wall (or at least that was how mine came) and you have several options on taping it up there. Someone has suggested using double sided tape to get the heater even closer to the side of the tank. You can also use heat tape, I think you can buy it online where you got the UTH. I used gorilla tape and taped the outline of the heater to the back. It's very strong and seems to be holding it up great. It's been up for about a month and a half, so far so good.


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The white plastic thing is where the plug attaches. Put the flat side of that plastic against the tank. It should be at the bottom not the top. Place the ultratherm all the way to the top of the back wall of the tank.tape the edges with good tape. I used heat tape and it was amazing. I also used gorilla tape which worked well too. To make it even better pick up a sheet of styrofoam from your hardware store (just a couple of bucks) and tape it over it to insulate it. It works better that way.

Regular duck tape didn't work. It kept falling off.

Thank you guys! We're gonna try and set it up tonight

Electrical tape works great!

I use clear packaging tape. It holds well and is easy to get unstuck from the glass if for some reason you need to remove or reposition the heater.

Double stick tape has been working great so far for me!

I second double stick tape. I feel it adheres the UTH more closely, and that makes it more efficient.


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The heat tape I bought from ultratherm when I bought directly from them is double sided. I love it because the heat from the mat makes it stronger instead of weaker like some adhesives.

Hahaha I think we've all agreed tape is magical!

Can anyone give me an idea of how warm their crabitats are when running the Ultratherms? I've read that you don't have to have a thermostat switch or whatever the regulator is that you can adjust the temp on when you're using one.
I have a 55 gallon tank that is 48" long so I'm assuming I need one almost the length of the tank in order for it to be effective? I've got heat lamps right now but need to get a mat Monday when I get paid.

I keep saying my tank is almost done but I'm quickly finding out that may never be the case!!!

You need to also consider the height of the tank. I went for the 48x11 and planned for 10-12 inches of sub. I discovered the UTH, at the highest possible position, reached 3 inches down the line of sub, and dried the sub out faster than i was comfortable with. I ended up with only 7-8 inches of sub, without a false bottom! It warms my tank 79-82 and i keep my home at 71-72.


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On my 10 gallon I have a UTH that is as high as the tank is. (Tank is 12 inches with the rims, and the UTH is 11 inches square.) The sand does dry out towards the back quickly, but it keeps the tank warmer in winter and more humid, so I just watch it closely and add water to the sub as needed.

The tank is 12" wide, 48" long and around 22" tall. The sub is up to 13" deep in places, and I have noticed a bit of drying from the lamps.