HCA: Hermit Crab Association

So - I was all set on the zoo med ceramic heater in a large reflective dome but it says that that can't be used and that I have to use some caged fixture. Then I see that Zilla has a fixture that is good for the ceramic heaters... Does anyone have experience with any of this? I was all set to place my order and then....well, didn't....

I had a similar issue last fall when I started using a ceramic heat emitter. I already had a dome lamp that I was hoping to use, but when I researched whether it was safe or not, I got a lot of conflicting information. I didn't want to burn the house down (I think my parents would have been upset ), so I decided to just do it the easy way and buy one of those cage-like fixtures. It works great for me.

Auuuggghhh - glad to know someone encountered the same issue I did. I can't believe no one else has. I want to hang this lamp and not clamp it.

I haven't gone with the ceramic because of the downsides. Costs too much for me, gets too hot for me to be comfortable using around the cats, and from what I've read it tends to emit heat within a very tight area for basking and isn't so good at heating a large area.

The reason why you need the open cage design is because those suckers get HOT. Like, searing the skin from your hands hot. That's why they shouldn't be used inside enclosures because if lizards or the like get too close they'll literally be cooked. However, they're wonderful and sturdy and lasts for over 10 years IF you can get a set-up that works for their use safely.

Here is the dilemna - I will really need the heat in the winter. My house gets down in the lower 60s sometimes upper 50s so I don't think just a UTH will cut it.

Hmmmm....what to do, what to do....

No, the UTH won't work. A 30 degree difference is just too much for that I think....

It sounds like Tremors has a good set-up that works! Can you share a photo?

I'm wondering if a red infrared heat light would work. I'm wondering though if it would conflict with my LED moon lighting or if it would be ok...that might be another route to take. Do those get as hot? Can I put it in a reflector hood?

wodesorel wrote:It sounds like Tremors has a good set-up that works! Can you share a photo?

Sure. At the moment I also have two clamp lamps, one for a moon-glo light if I need extra heat and one for a UVA/UVB fluorescent light. Here are a few pics:

Thanks Tremors!