Zoo Med Hermit Crab Heater (4 watt)

Adhesive 4 Watt Heater for Hermit Crab Terrariums

Product Description

Zoo Med Hermit Crab Heater is a 4-watt UL-approved adhesive heater for plastic "keeper" cages. It raises the temperature in small terrariums by approximately 5 degrees, providing a subtle increase for hermit crabs, which enjoy 72 to 80°F in the wild. Attach it to the back or side of a small plastic or glass terrarium, or to the underside of a glass terrarium.

Benefits

• UL Approved for Plastic Cages: A 4-watt adhesive heater is UL approved for use on plastic "keeper" type cages when applied correctly.
• Raises Temperature About Five Degrees: Raises the ambient temperature in small terrariums about five degrees for a subtle increase in warmth.
• Suits Hermit Crab Temperatures: Hermit crabs enjoy 72 to 80°F in the wild, which is warmer than the typical room temperature in your home.
• Flexible Mounting: Attaches to the back or side of a small plastic or glass terrarium, or to the underside of a glass terrarium.
• Natural Temperature Gradient: Placed on the right or left side, it keeps one side of the terrarium warmer than the other.
• Rubber Feet Included: Enclosed rubber feet elevate a glass tank with an underneath heater, allowing excess heat to escape.

Specifications

How to Use

Recommended-Usage Chart

Disclaimer: Product information and usage guidelines are provided by the manufacturer. Always use products as directed and reach out to your vet if you have any questions or concerns about your pet's health.

Usage Instructions

• Clean the Surface: Clean the terrarium surface, then peel the adhesive paper off the back of the heater.
• Stick It in Place: Stick the heater on the right or left side and gently rub it to make firm contact.
• Add Rubber Feet if Underneath: If the heater is underneath a glass tank, attach the enclosed rubber feet to each bottom corner.
• Add Substrate: Use a substrate on the terrarium floor, no deeper than 1.5 inches if the heater is underneath.
• Plug In on a Level Surface: Place the terrarium on a hard, level surface, then plug the heater into an outlet.
• Check the Temperature: Track your hermit crab terrarium's temperature with a thermometer, keeping it between 72 and 80°F.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Exterior Use Only: Do not use the heater inside a terrarium; attach it only to the outside surface.
• No Water Tanks: Do not use the heater with aquatic terrariums or water-filled tanks, and never submerge it.
• No Wood or Metal: Do not mount the heater to wood or metal surfaces, and use it only on standard manufactured tanks.
• Keep Water and Heat Away: Never place a water dish, heat lamp, or other heat source directly above the heater area.
• Allow Ventilation: Do not place the terrarium on carpeting or near materials that could trap excess heat around the heater.
• Hot Weather and Sunlight: Unplug the heater if your house rises above 80°F, and keep the terrarium out of direct sunlight.
• Do Not Remove Once Attached: Removing the heater after attaching it voids all guarantees and can easily damage internal wire connections.
• Electrical Safety: Indoor use only; never rest the tank on the cord or plastic housing, and use spacers where required.
• Discard if Damaged: Discard the pad if it shows cracking, blistering, melting, discoloration, or any other sign of deterioration.

Storage Information

• Keep Flat Until Installation: Keep the heater flat in its packaging until installation to prevent damage to the adhesive and pad.
• Cool, Dry Storage: Until you install it, always keep the heater in a cool, moisture-free location, away from direct heat or sunlight.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, priority, and international delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How much will the Hermit Crab Heater warm my terrarium?

Ans: Zoo Med says it raises the ambient temperature in small terrariums about five degrees. Hermit crabs enjoy 72 to 80°F in the wild which is warmer than normal room temperature, so use a thermometer to confirm your terrarium stays within that range.

Q2: Can I put the heater in a plastic cage?

Ans: Yes. The Hermit Crab Heater is UL-approved for plastic keeper-type cages and can be safely placed on plastic if applied correctly. On a small plastic terrarium, attach it to the back or side, since the underneath mounting is described for glass terrariums.

Q3: Where should I place the heater?

Ans: Place it on the back or side of a small plastic or glass terrarium, or underneath a glass terrarium. Positioning it on the right or left side keeps one side warmer, creating a natural temperature gradient for your crabs. Always attach it to the outside.

Q4: Do I need the rubber feet?

Ans: Only if the heater is underneath a glass tank. In that case, you must attach the enclosed rubber feet to each bottom corner to slightly elevate the terrarium, allowing any excess heat to escape from the bottom. Never place the terrarium on carpeting.

Q5: What substrate should I use with the heater?

Ans: You must use a substrate on the bottom of your terrarium, and Zoo Med recommends Hermit Crab Sand or Hermit Soil. If the heater is underneath the tank, use no more than 1.5 inches of substrate or bedding.

Q6: Can I use the Hermit Crab Heater on an aquatic tank?

Ans: No. Do not use the heater with aquatic terrariums or tanks filled with water, and do not submerge it for any reason. If the heater is underneath the terrarium, also avoid placing a water dish directly above it inside the tank.

Q7: Can I move the heater to another terrarium?

Ans: No. Do not remove the Hermit Crab Heater once it has been attached to your terrarium. Removal voids all guarantees and can easily damage the internal wire connections, so choose your mounting spot carefully before sticking it to the glass or plastic.

Q8: What should I do if my house gets warm?

Ans: Unplug the heater if the temperature in your house rises above 80°F. Also, keep the terrarium out of direct sunlight, and never place heat lamps or other heat sources directly above the area where the heater is attached, to avoid overheating your hermit crabs.