heat mat or lamp?

nailartjess · 04-11-2008, 05:15 AM

Ok, before setting up my crabitat I am doing soe research. Do I get a heat mat or a lamp? I am using a 2.5foot fish tank for them, I also still have the light which u use for aquariums qhich I thought I could just turn on for them anyway if they need light at some times of the day or when I want to watch them.

Any advice please?

Jess

Yadokari · 04-11-2008, 05:32 AM

A large heat lamp will do. It'll be cheaper and some argue that it's safer for crabs, because UTH can burn a crab if they bury right on top of the thing. I used to use an UTH though and it never posed a threat to my crabs. I don't think crabs are THAT dumb that they'll decide to molt or rest on top of a really hot area...

In any case, I say lamp. Why? Because it's cheaper.

nailartjess · 04-11-2008, 07:09 AM

if i get a lamp what do i do thru the night when it is time to turn it off or does it stay on permanently?

HermitPaws · 04-12-2008, 01:11 PM

that depends on how high of watt/ size bulb you use and the size of your tank.

id say a 75 watt is good for a 20 gallon ( i leave mine on atleast 18 out of the 24 hours of the day)

Donna M · 04-23-2008, 10:54 PM

I have a small tank and use a 40-watt lamp and the crabbies seem very happy. But I am concerned about leaving the lamp on 24/7. I'd like to be able to turn it off so the crabs can get some relief from the constant bright light, but there would then be no source of heat. I would be interested to hear from other crabbers about leaving a lamp on all the time. The crabs do get some shade when they are in their huts, or bury themselves for a nap.

I've not heard good things about UTH's. I had a very small one on the side of my tank before I got the lamp and it didn't do anything. It put out such a slight amount of heat that I may as well not have used it at all. But then again, it was very small.

Also, it's kind of comforting to have a light on all night. Burglars will be less likely to come to my place, I would think. Plus now I can see when I come home in the dark..........there's always this huge "nightlight" in my living room! LOL!

Good luck,

Donna M.

04-11-2008, 05:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
nailartjess Hi, I'm New Here! Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 15	heat mat or lamp? Ok, before setting up my crabitat I am doing soe research. Do I get a heat mat or a lamp? I am using a 2.5foot fish tank for them, I also still have the light which u use for aquariums qhich I thought I could just turn on for them anyway if they need light at some times of the day or when I want to watch them. Any advice please? Jess

04-11-2008, 05:32 AM	#2 (permalink)
Yadokari (Small Crab) Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 297	Re: heat mat or lamp? A large heat lamp will do. It'll be cheaper and some argue that it's safer for crabs, because UTH can burn a crab if they bury right on top of the thing. I used to use an UTH though and it never posed a threat to my crabs. I don't think crabs are THAT dumb that they'll decide to molt or rest on top of a really hot area... In any case, I say lamp. Why? Because it's cheaper.

04-11-2008, 07:09 AM	#3 (permalink)
nailartjess Hi, I'm New Here! Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 15	Re: heat mat or lamp? if i get a lamp what do i do thru the night when it is time to turn it off or does it stay on permanently?

04-12-2008, 01:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
HermitPaws "Third Molt, A Success" Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Centennial,colorado Posts: 976	Re: heat mat or lamp? that depends on how high of watt/ size bulb you use and the size of your tank. id say a 75 watt is good for a 20 gallon ( i leave mine on atleast 18 out of the 24 hours of the day) __________________ RECIPES 4 CRABS= http://hermitpaws.webs.com/ NEW RECIPES ARE UP

04-23-2008, 10:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
Donna M "First Molt In Progress" Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 158	Re: heat mat or lamp? I have a small tank and use a 40-watt lamp and the crabbies seem very happy. But I am concerned about leaving the lamp on 24/7. I'd like to be able to turn it off so the crabs can get some relief from the constant bright light, but there would then be no source of heat. I would be interested to hear from other crabbers about leaving a lamp on all the time. The crabs do get some shade when they are in their huts, or bury themselves for a nap. I've not heard good things about UTH's. I had a very small one on the side of my tank before I got the lamp and it didn't do anything. It put out such a slight amount of heat that I may as well not have used it at all. But then again, it was very small. Also, it's kind of comforting to have a light on all night. Burglars will be less likely to come to my place, I would think. Plus now I can see when I come home in the dark..........there's always this huge "nightlight" in my living room! LOL! Good luck, Donna M.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode