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Heat and humidity problem

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 11:28 am
by NLindsey921
So I recently got a 29 gallon tank for my crabs. Got everything set up and the crabs are loving it. It has a screen top that I have taped tin foil over and I only have a hole big enough for the heat lamp to shine through. The problem is that the temp is not going above 78 and the humidity even with a bubbler sits at 79%

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Re: Heat and humidity problem

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 2:23 pm
by Rawrgeous
Unfortunately it can be tough with heat lamps, as they tend to sap humidity. Maybe a humidifier/ fogger would help at this point? Or switching to an Ultratherm? That, or maybe try a bit more cocifiber, as it always boosts my humidity levels. Good luck!

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Re: Heat and humidity problem

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:44 pm
by NLindsey921
My substrate is mostly coco fiber. I was thinking of getting an ultra therm but I'm not sure how well its going to work.

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Re: Heat and humidity problem

Posted: Wed Sep 21, 2016 8:57 pm
by CrabbyMom33
I use a combination of Ultratherms and lights. That allows me to keep both at a medium level. Also, if you have a craft store nearby you may be able to get clear vinyl to cover your screen top. I use that with magnetic tape around the edges to allow it to connect with the lid. Not a lot of expense, but keeps humidity in much better! I have metal Zilla dual bulb hood that I put up to 60 watts bulbs in and set it on top of the vinyl with no issue. I think I got 16 gauge vinyl at a Joann's.

Re: Heat and humidity problem

Posted: Thu Sep 22, 2016 1:53 am
by Rawrgeous
I truly think it will solve your humidity issues. My ultratherm keeps my tank around 83-86 degrees and it's only partially insulated. Without the drying effects of the lamps i imagine the humidity would easily jump up the extra few percent with your bubblers going. Especially since you could seal up the hole were the heat lamp is now if you had to. I understand it's an investment, and might not be an immediate thing, but I've never heard of somebody not liking their ultratherm here- that's why we recommend them. I almost feel like I advertise for them. lol XD I have a 29 gallon I'm getting for free from a friend soon, so if I end up getting that set up anytime soon I'll let you know how the specs go, but I fear it might be quite sometime before that happens. Another thing I did when I thought I was having humidity issues was I got a cheap humidifier for humans, and I run it outside the tank. Always perks the humidity right up. Others have rigged tubes to go into the tank, but I've never had to. :D
I really like the lid idea, cheap, and it might solve the problem by itself! :)