Heat Lamps are DANGEROUS for hermit crabs?

Hermit crabs are not basking animals and do not require overhead heating like heat lamps or deep heat projectors. In fact, exposing them to such heat sources can be extremely dangerous. Heat lamps not only zap the humidity essential for their well-being but also pose a risk of overheating and potentially cooking the crabs, as they often seek shelter away from direct sunlight. Therefore, it's crucial to provide alternative heating solutions, such as heat mats regulated by a thermostat placed on the back of the tank, to ensure the safety and comfort of your hermit crabs. We recommend Beanfarm and Reptile Basics for heat mats. 

Maintaining a consistent temperature gradient throughout the habitat is crucial for the well-being of hermit crabs. Hot spots, areas of elevated temperature within the enclosure, can pose significant risks to the health and safety of the crabs if not carefully managed. These hot spots often occur near unsafe heat sources such as heat lamps or heat rocks, where temperatures can become excessively high and create discomfort or even harm to the crabs.

Hot spots can lead to dehydration, as the increased temperature accelerates moisture evaporation from the crab's exoskeleton and surrounding environment. Additionally, hermit crabs may avoid hot spots by seeking refuge in cooler areas of the habitat, disrupting their natural behaviors.

To prevent hot spots, it's essential to monitor temperature levels regularly. Use a digital thermometer, and never trust the ones from pet stores. Using a thermostat with heat mats helps maintain a stable temperature range without creating hot spots. Providing lots of hiding spots and substrate depth allows hermit crabs to burrow and regulate their body temperature as needed, reducing the risk of overheating.

Hermit crabs are ectothermic animals, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. While they are not technically considered "cold-blooded" in the traditional sense, like reptiles, hermit crabs do not generate their body heat internally and instead rely on their environment to maintain a suitable temperature for metabolic functions. As ectotherms, hermit crabs adjust their activity levels and seek out warmer or cooler areas within their habitat to regulate their body temperature as needed. 

Some people argue it is safe to use heat lamps if you’re spraying or misting the tank. This is not true. You should never spray a hermit crab tank for the following reasons.

1. Bacterial Bloom: When water is sprayed or misted onto the substrate, it can pool at the bottom of the tank, leading to excessive moisture buildup. This creates a favorable environment for bacteria to proliferate, resulting in a bacterial bloom.

2. Risk of Flooding: Excessive spraying can cause the substrate to become overly saturated, leading to flooding within the tank. Flooding poses a significant risk to hermit crabs, particularly during molting, as it can drown or suffocate them.

3. Humidity Fluctuations: Spraying water into the tank can create sudden fluctuations in humidity levels, which can be harmful to hermit crabs. These fluctuations can negatively impact their respiratory function, as they require consistent humidity levels to breathe properly.

4. Mold and Fungal Growth: Excess moisture resulting from spraying can also promote the growth of mold and fungi within the tank.

Instead of spraying or misting the tank, it's recommended to maintain humidity levels by providing appropriate sized water sources, such as 2cup + freshwater and saltwater pools. Additionally, using a substrate that retains moisture well, such as a 5:1 ratio mixture of sand and coconut fiber, can help maintain humidity levels without the need for spraying. If additional humidity is required, consider placing dampened moss in the tank to create a humid microclimate.