Tank Temperature

[boatswain]

Thank you for your answer.

The soil that I use is eco earth. It is around 5" deep, I think this is enough for small crabs.

Water.... I use a bottled drink water without Dechlor conditioner. Am I wrong? should I use water conditioner with bottled water? The same water I use for a salt water.

I have a digital remote sensor for temp/humidity control. And, I have a solid lead on top of the tank.

Unfortunately, this termo pad is not available for me on amazon.ca and can not be shipped to Canada... As usual...

I think, my problem is a small pad which is not enough for the tank. I need to increase the temperature.

What do you think, can I dig them out. My children worrying... We did not see two of them more than a week...

Thanks again!

[Hermiesguardian]

Thank you for your answer.

The soil that I use is eco earth. It is around 5" deep, I think this is enough for small crabs.

they need a minimum of 6 inches. Doesn't matter how small they are. This helps keep them safe while molting. They give off a sweet odor that other crabs find appetizing. With deep enough substrate and plenty of calcium and protein there should be no cannabilism.
Water.... I use a bottled drink water without Dechlor conditioner. Am I wrong? should I use water conditioner with bottled water? The same water I use for a salt water.

you do need a dechlorinator. One that eliminates chlorine, chloromine and neutralizes heavy metals and ammonia. A good one is Prime. You only need a drop per gallon so it lasts a long time.

I have a digital remote sensor for temp/humidity control. And, I have a solid lead on top of the tank.

Unfortunately, this termo pad is not available for me on amazon.ca and can not be shipped to Canada... As usual...

I think, my problem is a small pad which is not enough for the tank. I need to increase the temperature.

What do you think, can I dig them out. My children worrying... We did not see two of them more than a week...

never dig them up unless it's an emergency, like a flood or bacterial bloom. Crabs can stay buried for months while molting. If not molting they bury to destress or just because. And they may be coming up at night without you knowing. You can smooth out the substrate and if they're out at night, you'll see foot prints or drag prints.
Thanks again!

[Princess R.]

I have realized that when my crabs are in a tank with 80+ degrees, they are less active than when the temp bumps down to 75.

[Hermie escape artist]

Hi fellow crabbers. I want to take a moment and discuss tank temperature.

Over the years, it seems that the recommended temps in crabitats have risen till they are over 80°F.

The temperature range in a purple pincher's natural habitat is anywhere from 69°F to 89°F.

If someone has a tank of PP's and their temps are in the low or mid 70's, the crabs will be fine. They aren't going to be adversely affected.

If you have species from warmer climates or have a tank of mixed species, sure, make sure you're in low 80's, but PP's will be just fine at 74°.



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Mine is around 70 ... and he is not active ! He eats kinda .. it's way to low! I think he stays in one place curled up in his shell he is cold

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[curlysister]

Boatswain, why don't you start a new thread, over in the 'new crabs and new crab owners' section, and we can help with your conditions. Do not dig up your crabs!

[Crabby Fritos]

I have a 10gal tank, nights are getting cooler here in the east coast, what heat source would you recommend and where to get it? worrying about fire hazard..


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Sorry, I don't know if this is too late. I went to my local Petsmart/Petco (Don't know if there's a difference on the East Coast) and got a $20 Lamp from the ZooMed Reptile line. I also bought a combo pack of their NightLight Red/ Daylight Blue bulbs as the lamp does not come with any. It does wonder for my tank and at times even have to turn it off. The added heat tends to reduce the humidity over a period of time and before you leave it alone, you will want to fix all the tweaks. I hope this was helpful. : )

[Katievalencia]

I got the ultratherm as advised by most and placed it at the back of my 10gal tank.. i still cannot get the temp up. Mostly 67-70f.. i might be doing it wrong? If anyone can send me a picture of their heat set up? Would greatly appreciate it!


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[wodesorel]

I got the ultratherm as advised by most and placed it at the back of my 10gal tank.. i still cannot get the temp up. Mostly 67-70f.. i might be doing it wrong? If anyone can send me a picture of their heat set up? Would greatly appreciate it!


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A few questions!

What is the temperature of the room?

What is the size of the Ultratherm?

[Katievalencia]

I got the ultratherm as advised by most and placed it at the back of my 10gal tank.. i still cannot get the temp up. Mostly 67-70f.. i might be doing it wrong? If anyone can send me a picture of their heat set up? Would greatly appreciate it!


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A few questions!

What is the temperature of the room? 65

What is the size of the Ultratherm? Covered the whole back part of the 10gal


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[RiNiKy506]

Insulate the ultratherm, you can use a blanket to cover your tank until you get stuff to insulate, cover the back, top and sides. I used a different type of carpet padding to insulate mine, I think other use cardboard wrapped with tinfoil. Poly pro insulation board works great too, I think you can even get smaller pieces at a hardware store. That will make a huge difference in getting your tank temp up.

Edit added pictures.

My isolation tank, just have it covered with a towel.


I couldn’t get great pictures of my main tank bc my sons tv is in the way. Can’t wait until we move!



Rod♡Salty♡Bob♡Squirt♡Crabina♡Who
»-♡-> Our Purple Pinchers <-♡-«

[Katievalencia]

Insulate the ultratherm, you can use a blanket to cover your tank until you get stuff to insulate, cover the back, top and sides. I used a different type of carpet padding to insulate mine, I think other use cardboard wrapped with tinfoil. Poly pro insulation board works great too, I think you can even get smaller pieces at a hardware store. That will make a huge difference in getting your tank temp up.


Rod♡Salty♡Bob♡Squirt♡Crabina♡Who
»-♡-> Our Purple Pinchers <-♡-«

Thanks! Do i need to cover the top fully? Is it necessary to leave a lil bit for air to come in?


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[Katievalencia]

Insulate the ultratherm, you can use a blanket to cover your tank until you get stuff to insulate, cover the back, top and sides. I used a different type of carpet padding to insulate mine, I think other use cardboard wrapped with tinfoil. Poly pro insulation board works great too, I think you can even get smaller pieces at a hardware store. That will make a huge difference in getting your tank temp up.

Edit added pictures.

My isolation tank, just have it covered with a towel.


I couldn’t get great pictures of my main tank bc my sons tv is in the way. Can’t wait until we move!



Rod♡Salty♡Bob♡Squirt♡Crabina♡Who
»-♡-> Our Purple Pinchers <-♡-«

That is a very nice set up! So my mistake is i didnt put any insulation over the ultratherm and left it by itself..‍ i was thinking of fire hazard..


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[RiNiKy506]

Thanks! Do i need to cover the top fully? Is it necessary to leave a lil bit for air to come in?


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I added pictures to my previous post for you, they didn’t turn out the greatest. We’re in the process of moving so I’m missing some lights and my son’s tv is in the way to get any good pictures for you. You don’t have to leave any spaces open, the air exchange from when you feed them should be enough.
Thank you it’s ok, I did the same thing when I got mine, the ultratherms are the only kind (I believe) that can be insulated over.


Rod♡Salty♡Bob♡Squirt♡Crabina♡Who
»-♡-> Our Purple Pinchers <-♡-«

[wodesorel]

Is the pad warm to the touch at all? Even if it isn't insulated, you should be seeing more heat then a couple of degrees. I'm wondering if your thermometer or the UTH is bad. Definitely try insulating, but if it doesn't go up significantly then something is wrong.

[NinjaPurgs]

Thanks for posting this update Soilent.