Safe Lighting for Land Hermit Crabs

Can I Use A Light To Keep Them Warm?

by Vanessa

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There has been a lot of false information when it comes to hermit crab care over the years. One of the biggest known factors of land hermit crab deaths is dehydration from the use of desk lamps with a common household bulb. Back in 1994 that is what I was advised to use by three different pet stores in three different states within Australia. Before under tank heaters and thermostats were made available to the public, one would leave the desk lamp on overnight to help keep the chill of dropping temperature at bay. Desk lamps have been proven unsuccessful at meeting the needs of land hermit crabs as a primary heat source, and have usually resulted in fatality, especially when coupled with wood shavings as a substrate.

As we know on a very hot day, all the humidity in the air escapes and we are left with hot, dry air. When you use the desk lamps with full spectrum light, you will find that hermit crabs will dig down or hide away to get away from the bright light. Since we are aiming for a warm, humid environment and active hermit crabs, it makes sense that the lamp will overheat the crabs and set them to hide.

If you use the Under Tank Heater as the primary heat source, you do not need the lamp as a heat source, but you may be still want to illuminate the tank overnight so that you can watch the activity in the food dish or stare wide-eyed during a seashell swap. The only light I recommend based on personal experioence is a moonlight-simulating globe (or moon glow bulb) that is coated with rare earth black phosphors that simulate the glow of the moon. Perfect for our nocturnal hermit crabs who are much more relaxed eating, climbing and swapping shells beneath the gentle light, which gently illuminates your crabitat. You will be amazed how much more active they will be.

It is recommended that you use bulbs no higher than 40 watt, with 25W for a small crabitat

 

	Esu Combo Light The Energy Savers Reptile 30" Combo Light is a three lamp light fixture designed to accommodate one 24", 20 watt fluorescent lamp and two incandescent lamps
	30" Reptile Bi-Light PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ITEM # RP434 UPC # 0 9631600434 4 Dimensions: 30.25"x4"x5.75" The Bi-Light Reptile Hood Lighting Fixture features a double high-heat ceramic socket built to withstand the higher heat that is emitted from high-wattage incandescent lamps. The fixtures are designed to direct light and heat down into the habitat. The double socket with single switch and cord holds two incandescent lamps up to 150 watts each. Available in 20" or 30" lengths.
	Esu NightLight bulb PRODUCT DESCRIPTION ITEM # RP418 UPC # 0 9631600418 4 Dimensions: 1.5"x1.5"x5.5" The Reptile Nightlight is an incandescent nocturnal black heat lamp. While casting a lunar glow, the heat radiating from the lamp allows the reptile to bask in its warmth.
ZooMed
	Economy Reptile Strip 20" 2 Incandescent/1 in-line switch Item# EH-20 24" 2 Incandescent1 in-line switch Item# EH-24 30" 3 Incandescent/2 in-line switch Item# EH-30 36" 3 Incandescent/2 in-line switch Item# EH-36 48" 4 Incandescent/2 in-line switch Item# EH-48 1. High temperature porcelain sockets for up to 75 watt bulbs. 2. High temperature white reflective paint. 3. In-line switches can be used with timer. 4. Sizes: 20", 24", 30", 36", & 48". 5. Heavy gauge welded steel construction.
	Porcelain Clamp Lamp 1. Custom ceramic base Clamp Lamp ideal for use with all types of reptile incandescent light sources or ceramic heat emitters. 2. Heat-resistant porcelain socket, handles up to a 150 watt spot or ceramic heat emitter. 3. Wire guard is safer than an aluminum reflector as it prevents unnecessary heat build up and possible hand burns. 4. Polarized plug for safety. Six foot power cord. Safety Clamp secures lamp to terrarium to prevent accidents (for extra safety, use the Repti Lamp Stand).
	Repti Lamp Stand 1. For use in suspending metal dome or wire basket lamp fixtures (Great for use with a Repti Clamp Lamp, Economy Clamp Lamp or Brooder Lamp). 2. Two easily adjustalbe sizes to fit most standard terrariums. 3. Suspends heat fixtures that would otherwise be difficult to secure or use. 4. Helps prevent accidental knocking over or tipping of heat fixtures. 5. Special clips keep power cords secure and out of the way. Regular: Item# LF-20 Small Size: Item# LF-21

Some bulbs are of the 'Edison Screw' type, and require a lamp such as ZooMed's Porcelain ReptiClamp Lamp or a Reptile Hood/Strip fitted for edison screw bulbs. Both are used over the tank, with the glass between the light and hermit crabs. A 15 Watt bulb can be used for lighting purposes, however the ambient (air) temperature may rise 1-2 degrees. With higher wattages you may notice a problem with keeping the humidity within the 72-82% range. Many hermit crab owners have chosen to add a large basin of water to their tank, or have installed drip systems, timed misters or waterfalls to keep the humidity level from dropping.

It is important to keep a close eye on both the humidity and temperature within your hermit crab's enclosure, and to provide an environment that will put your hermit crabs at ease as well as keep them happy and healthy. Investing in items such as under tank heaters, moon glow bulbs, hoods and possibly a thermostat or rheostat to regulate conditions and your hermit crabs will have a higher chance of survival when Summer leaves us and cooler days approach. Left without adequate heating and humidity would usually result in lowered activity, hibernation and perhaps fatality. While a desk lamp may seem an economical solution, I'm sure you will agree that the death of a loved hermit crab is too high a price to pay.

Copyright © 2003 Vanessa Pike-Russell

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