List of Desired Changes

[PinchersAndShells]

Fun to make your own fish nets but, on the other hand, much easier and cheaper just to buy a bag of fishnet from the arts and craft store like Hobby Lobby or Miachels.

I might take that into consideration, but I kinda want to make one so I can adjust the spacing so my crabs won't fall through. Thank you though.

[PinchersAndShells]

Hello, you may want to consider getting a heating pad from reptile basics also. They really thrive in the mid to upper 80's.

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I'm planning on getting one, but I'm having electricity issues where we keep blowing the breaker box because of my heat lamp and the air conditioners. Not only that, but my mom keeps saying that 75 is a good temperature for them and they'll be fine, which I know that 75 is pretty much the bare minimum. I'm hoping I can at least get one for the winter and for the summer keep doing it manually. (Throwing a heat pad in the microwave and then setting it on top of the tank. Which gets it to 80.) I'm assuming that an Ultratherm would use less wattage than a heat bulb, but it's going to take some convincing and maybe I might just end up buying it without telling my mom.

[KayedeeLove<3]

Well now, i don't want to get you into trouble! Just be aware that 75 is the bare minimum, maybe show her this page?

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[Kermie16]

When I had my 10 g with zoomed UTH (unable to insulate), I put aluminum foil along top of tank and both sides of tank so literally only able to see through front of tank. It seemed to help. So if no other solution, u can do that to increase heat in tank a few
More degrees. Definitely fun to make fish nets, so I get u on that!

[PinchersAndShells]

Currently in the process of crocheting a fishnet out of Natural Jute twine. The price at my local craft store was fairly cheap - $1.99! And I got it at a discount due to labor day, 20% off. Brought it down to $1.36, I feel like I made out like a bandit! I plan on cleaning out the net by boiling it before it goes into the crabitat. Then soaking it in dechlorinated saltwater to help keep mold away. I'm enjoying making this so far!

[PinchersAndShells]

Next up - Ultratherm 6" by 23" (for the winter) and digital thermometer with probe. Both from reptilebasics, adding up to $41.97 in total with shipping. After that would probably come the aquarium hood or the air pump.
Of course, in my free time I'm going to keep adding tiny things. Like my fishnet that just needs suction cups now. I also planted some chia seeds near the pools.

[PinchersAndShells]

I got my suction cups to hang the net with, just have to clean it now. I'm selling my ten gallon for about $15 dollars (how much I originally paid for it). What side project should I try to take on next? Moss and leaf pit and shell shop? Or air pump and airstones?

[PinchersAndShells]

I think I'm leaning towards getting the air pump and air stones first.

[PinchersAndShells]

Added in the air pump and air stones, but the price listed is likely to change because I'm probably going to get a gang valve to replace my T valve to even out the pressure on both ends. Might need more tubing too.

[PinchersAndShells]

I'm ordering my 6" by 23" Ultratherm and digital thermometer with probe from reptliebasics.com today. Should be here in 5-7 business days.

[PinchersAndShells]

Got my Ultratherm 6" by 23" and digital thermometer/hygrometer today. I went over to my moms to grab part of my uniform for work and picked up the box to see what everything looks like. Calibrating the hygrometer currently, I'm hoping by the time my dad is done watching football that it'll be done. The temperature seems to be right about where it should be.

[LadyJinglyJones]

Dunno if anyone agrees with me, but I will generally spend a little more cash and get the quietest air pump I can - I hate the low thrumming you get with the cheapest ones. Online ordering for fish equip is often the most economical, I find... and finding stuff is no problem, even if your LPS (local pet shop) isn't all that great.

Did you get a thermostat? I keep reading that ultratherms need them.

And I'm crocheting a net too! Its to cover the back wall where theres no cork tile, so they can reach the 'secret' treat platform by climbing up. (Thought it would be fun to reward their natural instincts... it's where I'll put the sweeter things, like to mimic berries or flower nectar or whatever.)

[PinchersAndShells]

Dunno if anyone agrees with me, but I will generally spend a little more cash and get the quietest air pump I can - I hate the low thrumming you get with the cheapest ones. Online ordering for fish equip is often the most economical, I find... and finding stuff is no problem, even if your LPS (local pet shop) isn't all that great.

Did you get a thermostat? I keep reading that ultratherms need them.

And I'm crocheting a net too! Its to cover the back wall where theres no cork tile, so they can reach the 'secret' treat platform by climbing up. (Thought it would be fun to reward their natural instincts... it's where I'll put the sweeter things, like to mimic berries or flower nectar or whatever.)

I found that the air pump I got works pretty well and pretty quietly. The only real noise I've heard coming from it is it vibrating when it touches a weird surface, so I set it on top of a coffee tub filled with baggies of hermit crab food.
Is a thermostat the same thing as a thermometer? I may look into it if the temperature becomes an issue. I did get a digital thermometer and hygrometer from the same website as the Ultratherm.

[PinchersAndShells]

Got my Ultratherm set up and insulated, and also my digital thermometer/hygrometer set up as well. The 'tat is currently reading about 88.4 degrees F and 80% humidity.

[LadyJinglyJones]

A thermostat is like the one in your house that controls the temperature (heat & central air usually), keeping the air temp at whatever degree you set it to. I only ask because I've read on three different reptile boards (while researching Ultratherms) that they can get quite hot & need a thermostat.... but then, reptile people use them under the tank, not so much to heat the terarium air, so I'm trying to see what other crabbers do, because I dunno.