Tank Heat - Tips, Tricks & Why It Is So Important!

In their natural habitat, Hermit Crabs reside in warm climates within Australia, with temperatures ranging from the high 20s to low 30s Celsius. To ensure their well-being and vitality in captivity, it is essential to provide them with an environment that meets their thermal requirements. These crabs rely on an appropriate environment to regulate their body temperature effectively.

A temperature range of 27-32°C is ideal for Australian Hermit Crabs in captivity. This range maintains stable humidity levels and ensures that your hermit crabs remain active and comfortable.

Temperatures below 26°C are insufficient and may induce an unnatural hibernation in your crabs, while temperatures exceeding 32°C can cause significant distress and potentially harm them.

It is important to remember that hermit crabs are a tropical species capable of tolerating minor temperature variations for brief periods.

It's too cold in here!

It is crucial to maintain a temperature above 26°C for the well-being of Hermit Crabs. While they can tolerate cold temperatures for a limited period, prolonged exposure will pose challenges to their survival. Significantly low temperatures may induce an unnatural hibernation in your crabs.

Hibernation is an atypical behavior for hermit crabs and is typically a measure of last resort for their survival. Being cold-blooded creatures, they rely on consistent warmth. Temperatures dropping below 20°C will trigger hibernation, as they lack the ability to regulate their metabolism and body heat. Consequently, forced hibernation may be irreversible for them.

It's too hot in here!

Temperatures exceeding 32°C can create an excessively warm environment for your hermit crabs. In such conditions, they typically burrow beneath the substrate to regulate their body temperature. However, this may not always be the most favorable solution. If they consistently seek refuge underground to cool off, they may inadvertently deprive themselves of access to food and water, leading to lethargy and potential risks such as exposing themselves out of their shells to cool down, indicating distress. This behavior is concerning and could result in irreversible harm or fatality.

Manifestations of severe overheating, such as the leakage of a brown fluid or foaming at the mouth, signify critical conditions that the crab may not recover from, potentially resulting in permanent harm or death.

Heating up your tank

For optimal heating of your tank, it is recommended to utilize suitable heat sources like reptile heat mats and heat cords. It is advised to avoid using heat lamps as they tend to dehydrate the substrate, harm crabs, and create localized hot areas within the tank.

The positioning of the heat source is crucial; it should be positioned above the substrate level, preferably on the rear or sides of the tank. Under no circumstances should the heat source be placed beneath the tank or below the substrate level. This can lead to excessive drying and overheating of the substrate, posing risks to molting crabs. While some pet stores may suggest placing the heat source under the tank, it is essential to note that this advice is inaccurate. The primary objective is to warm the air inside the tank, not the substrate.

Cooling down your tank

It is a common occurrence for tanks to become overheated during the summer months, necessitating the need to lower their temperatures to the appropriate levels.

To address this issue, start by eliminating any additional heat sources surrounding the tank. Remove any excess insulation, as this can aid in reducing the temperature.

If certain heat sources cannot be removed, consider switching them off at the power source or adjusting the settings on your heat mats.

Avoid opening the lid or creating gaps in it, as this can deplete the humidity levels. Additionally, close any blinds near the tank to prevent sunlight from raising the temperature, and utilize air conditioning or fans to lower the room temperature.

Tips & Tricks for tank heat

• Thermostat - Investing in a thermostat for your tank can be highly beneficial. While it may not be inexpensive, it offers significant peace of mind. Thermostats automatically activate the heat sources when the temperature reaches the set minimum and deactivate them when it becomes too high. This ensures your tank remains within the optimal temperature range without constant manual adjustments. Simply connect your thermostat to a power outlet, plug your heat sources into the thermostat, and position the gauge inside the tank.

  
  

• Blankets - When used appropriately, blankets do not pose a fire hazard. Ensure that you never position a blanket directly over any heat source or electrical components. It is entirely safe and widely accepted within the hermit crab community to place a blanket on top of the tank or drape it over the front. This practice can effectively help increase the overall temperature within the tank.

  
  

• Insulation - Proper insulation over your heat source can significantly enhance temperature retention. Without insulation, up to 20% of the tank's heat may be lost. Consider using insulation mats, car sun shields, foil, or Styrofoam. Position the insulation over the heat source and secure it with tape.

  
  

• Sealed Tank - A sealed tank is essential for preventing heat loss. Therefore, we advise against using a mesh lid or sides for your tank. To fill any gaps, consider using materials such as cloth, insulation, Styrofoam, cling wrap, Perspex, or tape.

  
  

• Heater/Air Conditioner - It is important to consider the proximity of your tank to a heater or air conditioner, as this can significantly impact the tank's temperature, potentially causing it to become excessively high or unacceptably low.

  
  

• Tank Placement - The placement of your tank within the home is crucial. Is the tank positioned near a window or door where cold air could enter? Is it exposed to direct sunlight during the summer months? These factors can significantly impact the tank's temperature. Proximity to a window might cause temperatures to drop excessively in winter, while direct sunlight can lead to overheating in summer. To ensure your crabs experience a consistent 12-hour cycle of day and night, consider installing an LED aquarium light above the tank.

  
  

• Adjust Heat Sources - If you are having difficulty increasing the temperature during winter, consider adding additional heat sources to the sides of the tank or investing in a heat mat or cable with a higher wattage. We recommend a minimum of 20W, as anything less will not significantly impact the tank's temperature. For heat cords, focus on the wattage rather than the length. If the tank becomes too warm in the summer, remove any extra heat sources or reduce their intensity to adjust for the seasonal heat.

  
  

• Temporary Heating Solutions (Hot Water Bottles & Hand Warmers) - We do not recommend using a traditional hot water bottle, as it can crack the glass of your tank. Instead, fill a heatproof drinking bottle, such as one made of stainless steel, with hot water. Wrap it in a towel and place it inside the tank. This method can provide a small amount of heat, allowing your crabs to gather around it for warmth if the tank is too cold. Ensure the bottle is covered with a cloth to prevent burns. Additionally, you can place hand warmers on the outside of the tank. While this will not produce a significant temperature increase, it can be beneficial. These methods are temporary and should not be relied upon as your primary heat source.

  
  

Guidelines for Positioning Heat Sources

Heat Mats

Heat mats should be positioned on the back or sides of the tank, ensuring they are placed above the substrate line. Insulation tape, which is heat-resistant and effective for securing heat sources, can be used to affix them. This tape is commonly available at Bunnings. Align your mat so that its bottom edge is just above the substrate line, and use tape to secure all four sides of the mat to the tank. It is not necessary to tape the entire back of the mat; securing the edges is sufficient to keep it in place.

Heat Cords

Heat cords should be arranged in a zigzag pattern along the back or sides of the tank, maintaining a 3-4 cm gap between each line. Secure each section of the cord with insulation tape as you zigzag it along the tank until you reach the end. Typically, there is a small notch on the cord indicating where the heat source ends and the electrical cable begins.

To ensure the cord remains securely against the tank, cover the entire heat cord with insulation tape once the zigzagging is complete.

Illustrated steps are provided below.

Heat Cord zig zagged down the side of the tank, above the substrate line.

Heat Cord completely covered in insulation tape.

Insulation Mat taped down over the heat cord.