Safe
Lighting for Land Hermit Crabs
Can I Use A Light To Keep Them Warm?
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, coupled with wood shavings as substrate in a plastic 'kritter keeper' with vented lid. Before under tank heaters and thermostats were made available to the public, many hermit crab owners were advised by pet stores to 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, resulting in fatality, especially when coupled with wood
shavings as a substrate in an enclosure where any humidity escapes through the vented lid.
If
you use an Under Tank Heater which covers from a half to two thirds the dimensions of the base of your tank as the primary heat source,
you may not need the lamp as a heat source. 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 my personal choice to use bulbs no higher than 40
watt, with 25W for a small crabitat. Others have chosen higher wattages to warm their larger (100 and 120 Gallon tanks. It is important to take the size of your crabitat, substrate type and other factors before deciding upon your lighting needs.
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.
ESU |
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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 |
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ITEM # RP435 UPC # 0 9631600435 1
Dimensions 24.75"x3.75"x5.75"
The Bi-Light 2 Reptile Hood Lighting Fixture features two single high-heat ceramic sockets on separate switches and separate power cords and accommodates two incandescent lamps up to 150 watts each. The lamps can be plugged into individual timers for both day and night cycling. |
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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. |
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Night Glo Incandescent Bulb 15W
Simulates natural moonlight Coated with rare earth black phosphors Will not alter natural day length or photo period Protects pets from nigth time temperature drop Great for nocturnal viewing Promotes normal digestion & activity |
ZooMed |
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Zoo Med Combination 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
Accepts 1" (T8) or 1-1/2" (T12) diameter fluorescent reptile bulbs. Internal ballast. High temperature porcelain sockets for up to 75 watt bulbs (great for use with Zoo Med's DayLight Blue and NightLight Red Reptile Bulbs.) Independent rocker switches for separate control. Heavy duty 3 conductor cord. High temperature white reflective paint. Sizes 20", 24", 30", 36", & 48". Heavy gauge welded steel construction. |
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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). |
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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 |
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Night Glo Incandescent Bulb 15W
Simulates natural moonlight Coated with rare earth black phosphors Will not alter natural day length or photo period Protects pets from nigth time temperature drop Great for nocturnal viewing Promotes normal digestion & activity |
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Note: As with heat from an under tank heater, it is highly recommended that a temperature control device is used.
Copyright © 2005 Vanessa
Pike-Russell
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