HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I finally got a 40gal breeder for my crabs! But the standard heating pad I've been using for their plastic bin isn't enough anymore. I've read great opinions on the Ultratherm heat pads, but I'm just not sure what size would be best, so I'm hoping that someone here who has experience with them can make a suggestion. My tank is 36" long, 16" tall and 18" wide and contains approximately 7 inches of sub. Also, should the heat pad go on the side or back of the tank? I have a static cling background on it that I really like, so I'm hoping to avoid putting it back there. If I get one small enough to stick to one side of the tank, will it be enough heat? If needed, however, I'm willing to remove the background.

I'm looking at the ones available on this site: http://www.reptilebasics.com/ultratherm-heat-pads

The rule of thumb for any UTH, Ultratherms included, is to go for the largest one that can fit on the back of the tank without dipping too far below the substrate. For a 40B, you'd want either the 6x35 or the 11x35. The price difference is only $4 but you'd be getting double the heating power with the 11x35, 46 vs 23 watts, and that's what really counts. Placing the UTH on the side would entail getting two substantially smaller units, one on each side, and it would be hard to match the heating power of one larger unit.

Great, thanks! I'll spring for the bigger one, then.

I was actually about to ask a similar question. This helped me too, thanks!

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I have an 11x35" Ultratherm heat pad that has been in use for about 1.5 years that I no longer need. I would be willing to sell it for $35 including shipping. Email me at brandy.lynn.haddock at gmail dot com if interested!