Raising tank temperature

[Drake X. Bit]

I live in Arizona, and it can get really cold in the Winter. I'm eventually thinking of moving to Ohio, where I know it gets even colder. My tank can drop to as low as 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and I really need to warm it up. I tried a pad, but it didn't raise the temp at all after 24 hours. Any help? My crabs are spending all day in shelter doing nothing, and that's really unhealthy.

[soilentgringa]

Hi!

Honestly the best thing you can do is get yourself an Ultratherm from one of these online vendors: Amazon, Reptile Basics, or The Bean Farm. You want to pick one that is as long as the back of your tank without extending past the edge, and about as wide as from the top of your substrate to the top of the tank. (Sometimes there may be an inch or so below the substrate level, but that's ok.)

Insulate it with Reflectix (Home Depot), aluminum foil (mine is), or another safe insulation material. A lot of folx have had success with foil or reflectix, then cardboard or foam presentation board, then tape.

Mine is insulated with foil, and if the temp drops too much, I put a fleece blanket over the top of the tank. Then again, I live in Texas so we didn't even have a winter!

[Crabinski]

I'm also in Arizona (Phoenix area) and have been able to keep the 29g nice and cozy in the winter using an Ultratherm UTH. For those chillier nights, I drape a small throw blanket around the back, sides and rear top for an additional temperature boost.

[aussieJJDude]

What pad do you use? size of pad? temperature of room? size of tank? insulation? *need details to help*

[Drake X. Bit]

What pad do you use? size of pad? temperature of room? size of tank? insulation? *need details to help*

I had a small heat pad that promised that it heated the tank by heating the glass, and sticking it on the outside. I didn't use insulation, because it was on the outside of the tank, and too high for the crabs to reach. The tank is a 10 gal, going to upgrade to 20 soon. Pad is 5" by 4", and room doesn't have a thermometer (only the tank does). I'll buy a Ultratherm when I get my 20 gal.

[Drake X. Bit]

Would a heating lamp work?

[daws409]

Would a heating lamp work?

Yes, but they cause humidity issues.

Sent from my HTC6515LVW using Tapatalk

[daws409]

What pad do you use? size of pad? temperature of room? size of tank? insulation? *need details to help*

I had a small heat pad that promised that it heated the tank by heating the glass, and sticking it on the outside. I didn't use insulation, because it was on the outside of the tank, and too high for the crabs to reach. The tank is a 10 gal, going to upgrade to 20 soon. Pad is 5" by 4", and room doesn't have a thermometer (only the tank does). I'll buy a Ultratherm when I get my 20 gal.

What is the brand?? Sounds like zoomed. They do little to nothing for heat. When upgrading, get one from http://Www.reptilebasics.com. You'll want the largest that will fit along the back and ABOVE the sub.

Edit: gauges are a must. Digital is better. Those temp strips on outside of tank are for fish and can't be relied on (even for fish IMO).

Sent from my HTC6515LVW using Tapatalk

[GotButterflies]

Temporarily you can try taking towels/blankets and putting them in the dryer, and drape them around/over your tank. (No dryer sheets).

You can try insulating around your heating pad. Use aluminum foil, cardboard, styrofoam, or reflectix. Do not insulate over the heating pad. Do all three sides if necessary.

Like Daws mentioned, you really need to have a gauge (preferably digital) to know the actual temperature of the tank. You don't want to overheat or freeze the crabs. Good luck

[Drake X. Bit]

What pad do you use? size of pad? temperature of room? size of tank? insulation? *need details to help*

I had a small heat pad that promised that it heated the tank by heating the glass, and sticking it on the outside. I didn't use insulation, because it was on the outside of the tank, and too high for the crabs to reach. The tank is a 10 gal, going to upgrade to 20 soon. Pad is 5" by 4", and room doesn't have a thermometer (only the tank does). I'll buy a Ultratherm when I get my 20 gal.

What is the brand?? Sounds like zoomed. They do little to nothing for heat. When upgrading, get one from http://Www.reptilebasics.com. You'll want the largest that will fit along the back and ABOVE the sub.

Edit: gauges are a must. Digital is better. Those temp strips on outside of tank are for fish and can't be relied on (even for fish IMO).

Sent from my HTC6515LVW using Tapatalk

Yah, i'm using a temp strip because my mother wouldn't buy an actual thermometer for me, and I haven't had the chance to go to the pet store. I'll buy one next time i'm at the store.

[Kardi]

Hey there! I'm on Ohio, so I've been dealing with winter for the past few months. I run a good UTH and insulate my tank on 2 sides, and then run a heating lamp with a day and night bulb, so it's on 24/7.

1. Get an accurite thermometer /hygometer. The heating lamps do suck humidity.

2. Use a glass top, but do not put the lamps on it. Mine hand abut 12 inches above and are at an angle.

3. Build a good sized moss pit. This will keep you from spraying all the time. Beware though - you should probably spray the top substrate every other day using this method.

This takes work and isn't the simplest, but I had 2 options: .at a crazy heating bill or work a bit harder.

My eccies have been well since winter set in and happy with their 84 to 86 degree tank.

Do keep an eye on spring and the rising temperatures so the ya k doesn't get to hot.

Best wishes!



Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G891A using Tapatalk