Looking to Upgrade Tanks and need advise, please!

[hilarific1283]

Hey all! I'm fairly new to the crab life but am loving it so far. I have been thinking about upgrading from a 20 gal to a 40 gal while Petco has their $1 per gallon sale going on right now. My question is what type of lid do you prefer (screen top, acrylic, something else) and what heat source is best to get that size tank to the correct temperature?

[daws409]

UTH from repilebasics.com is best for heat. Get the largest that fits safely on back and above the sub.... Zoomed does little to nothing for heat.

For me, a hinged screen top works best so that you can control humidity and air flow... Also good with lights but as a caution, they tend to zap humidity.

*Try to get the biggest tat you can afford. You'll want a bigger one in the long run. I have a 90 gal and still want bigger lol.

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[kieagcarm]

I was recommended get a glass lid, you don't have to wrap it with Saran wrap like a screen lid

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[LadyJinglyJones]

If your house is dry (especially in the winter!) go with a glass or acrylic top, to keep humidity up... I'm counting the days till I can replace my mesh lid (covered in plastic wrap) with something less permiable. (Not to mention ugly.)

[daws409]

I couldn't find a top that I liked or met my needs to fit my 90 gal. (I wanted a hinged one so I wouldn't have to move light setup ever time I went in). After googling, I made my own screens with diy window kits. I used wire mesh (from Lowe's don't remember exact name) instead of plastic screen. I then covered it with packing tape (sticky side out) leaving some room for bubbles & air flow. For me this was cheaper and I got the design I wanted.... Another case of what works for one may not work for another.

Edit - wire mesh is actually called blue hawk rolled wire galvanized steel hardware cloth. I used this instead of typical window screen so that it wouldn't melt with my lights sitting directly on top.

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[GotButterflies]

I have two tats. A 100 gallon and a 75 gallon. I have glass lids. I love them, wouldn't recommend anything else. Helps keep the heat and humidity in. As far as the uth, I purchased both of mine from www.reptilebasics.com I also recommend buying the largest tank you can afford. You won't regret it!