by Stacy Griffith
Contributor Stacey May – My Hungry Hermit
Why should I use a thermostat with my heat mat?
Hermit crabs need a consistent temperature range of 75-85°F (24-29.4°C) in their habitat (crabitat). A reptile heat mat provides gentle warmth, while a thermostat with a probe prevents overheating by regulating the output of the heat mat.
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up a Heat Mat with a Thermostat
1. Choosing the Right Heat Mat
🔥 Recommended Heat Mat: Ultratherm at Bean Farm
If you have issues finding an Ultratherm, I recommend this heat mat: Kabasi’s Heat Mat for Reptiles (Amazon)
- Choose a heat mat designed for pet enclosures versus heat mats for plants or heating pads for humans, as these provide safe and steady warmth.
- I recommend a non-adhesive infrared heat mat.
- Adhesive heat pads cannot be removed without damage and are not reusable.
- Adhesive heat pads should not be insulated according to the manufacturer.
- The mat should cover the back or side wall of the glass enclosure (not the bottom) to create a temperature gradient.
- Depending on your local climate and ambient home temperature, your heat mat should cover 50-100% of the glass wall of the enclosure.
- Not for use with plastic tanks, as they can overheat or warp.
2. Attaching the Heat Mat to the Crabitat
- Placement: Mount the heat mat on the back or side of the tank, not underneath.
- Position the heat mat at one end of the tank if it is not long enough to cover the entire length of the tank.
- Choose a tape that is heat-safe and will not leave a residue on your glass.
- Mount the mat about an inch above the surface of the substrate to prevent drying.
- Insulation: For maximum efficiency, insulate your heat mat with a product like Reflectix.
- Both sides of an infrared heat mat emit heat. Insulation directs all the heat into the enclosure.
- The insulation should also be a bit loose to allow air flow between the heat mat and the insulation.
- Proper Ventilation is Important: Ensure airflow between the glass, the mat and the insulation to prevent overheating. You can create airflow by mounting the heat mat and insulation with some slack so that it creates a slight gap.
Proper probe placement
3. Setting Up the Thermostat and Probe
- Thermostat Importance: This device prevents overheating by automatically turning the heat mat on and off as needed to maintain your target temperature.
- Probe Placement: Place the thermostat probe inside the crabitat, secured on the glass in front of the heat mat.
- Alternatively, you can place the probe outside of the tank, in the center of the mat – in between the mat and the glass.
- Temperature Setting: Set the thermostat to whatever temperature allows you to achieve the desired temperature gradient: 75-85°F (24-29.4°C) as measured on a separate temperature gauge positioned within the crabitat. Most heat mats do not heat above 130F.
📌 Recommended Thermostat: Inkbird Digital Temperature Controller (Amazon)
4. Monitoring and Adjustments
- Use a digital thermometer to cross-check temperature accuracy. Two gauges are ideal, one at each end of the enclosure; however, a single gauge can be used in the center of the enclosure.
- Adjust thermostat settings based on seasonal temperature changes in your home.
🌡 Recommended Thermometer: AcuRite 01226M Indoor Humidity Monitor
5. Safety Tips for Using a Heat Mat with a Thermostat
If you are unable to achieve and maintain a proper temperature in the crabitat with the thermostat set to 100F or less, while the probe is next to your heat pad, you should re-evaluate your set up. If you are forced to set your thermostat above 100°F you should reevaluate your crabitat design to allow the heat mat to work effectively. Keeping your heat pad at maximum output 24/7 can lead to cracked glass. The purpose of the probe placement on the glass is to prevent cracks. Glass canThe glass used on the side of aquariums is not as thick as the tempered glass used on the bottom of an aquarium where the UTH mats are traditionally designed to be used (in non-crabitats). Placing the probe on the side glass with the heat mat allows the thermostat to turn off the heat mat when its set temperature is exceeded, thereby preventing an overheating of the glass and reducing any related fire hazards. Glass can and will crack at high temperatures or from extreme temperature fluctuations.
Infrared heat mats, such as the Ultratherm UTH heat mats, work by heating objects and animals. They do not heat the air. If your tank has too much open space, the heat mat will not be able to heat effectively and you will struggle to achieve and maintain the correct temperature. Add additional decor items along your back wall to absorb heat from the pad. Fill in large areas of open space with decor.
Do not place your heat mat behind a foam wall. Blocking the heat coming into the tank can also cause your glass to overheat and crack.
Warning icons created by Good Ware – Flaticon
Stacey May shared her experience with me:
While stabilizing a new tank in anticipation of new arrivals, her tank was reading a perfect 80F in the center of the crabitat, but according to the thermostat probe hanging in that location. However, when she used a heat gun to check the glass, it was reading 132F. She had installed a foam background in front of her heat pad and her probe was not reading the temperature of the heat mat/glass.
Additional Information
One company representative informed a customer that heat mats should be replaced yearly. It was not clear if the issue was safety related or not. It is wise to inspect your heat pad yearly (or even more frequently) for signs of failure.
The Other Side
You will find a fairly even divide amongst heat mat users on this topic. About half follow the manufacturer’s recommended probe placement and about half place the probe away from the heat mat. Both sides will report they have not experienced issues with glass breakage. Your mileage may vary!
In Conclusion
By properly installing and maintaining a heat mat with a thermostat, you can ensure your glass does not overheat to the point of breaking.
Our recommendation is to follow the manufacturer’s website. Whether or not you choose to follow that recommendation is ultimately your decision. This post is intended to clarify the ‘why’ behind the manufacturer’s recommendation so that you can make a more informed decision.
Disclaimer
“This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.”