500 Dubia - Q about heating pad

[dolphinsilversea01]

So after some impatient waiting, I am finally going to get my second batch of dubias tomorrow or Sat. It went from getting about 200 to getting more than 500 - she has so many she wants to get rid of them, have to admit makes me happy

Has anyone used a zoo med heating pad on the rubbermaid containers? I have one regular heating pad underneath it, but it's a 50g and doesn't seem to be getting warm enough. I have an extra zoo med heating pad I was going to use, but will it melt the plastic? I don't really want to buy another pad if possible because I have like 7 around the house - the only one that doesn't have automatic shut off is the one already under the container.

Ok.. thanks =)

 

[LittleRob]

Any info on this? I too wanted a heating pad but noticed that most say not for plastic. And one of them does but its a tiny wattage one. Oh I also have a regular heating pad and can't tell the diff with it on or off even at high setting

 

[clear]

I used a heating pad for a long time, now I have more roach bins so opted for heat cable. Here is my setup.

viewtopic.php?f=76&t=92865

 

[dolphinsilversea01]

I understand that, I know alot of the different ways of heating through reading threads here. My question at the moment is will a zoo med heating pad melt the plastic of a rubbermaid container? It says not to use on plastic, but I was hoping someone had tried it and could give me better insight as to whether it really will or not. I just spent $$ on the 50g container, screen, hot glue, and the 500+ dubia I have coming - at this moment I don't know if I can afford even a $16 heating pad let alone heating tape or whatever else (like to keep some extra money for just in case - gas, etc.). Plus I have extra zoo meds so why not see if those will work.

If anyone has tried this and knows whether it does melt it or not please let me know. I have a regular heating pad on the bottom and if I can will put the zoo med on the side.

Thanks

 

[clear]

A heating pad is a heating pad. As long as its not reaching the melting point of the plastic it cant melt it. (I don't think a heating pad can get over like 100F but I could be wrong)

My heating setup including the cable and everything else was under $25 shipped to me. Most heating pads I found at walmart etc... that didn't have the auto-shut off was well over $40.

 

[BestRoach]

Many reptile heating pads are "thermo-regulated", and will not go over a certain temp...usually 100-110. However, that doesn't mean they can not melt plastic....certainly they can. I personally would not use a heating pad that puts out more than 15watts in a 12" x 12" area. Most "desert" type heat pads are around that power density, with certain pads for tropical or rain-forest species providing less power.

Even some human heating pads could melt plastic, or at least cause it to get brittle over time...and out-gas. This is why I prefer overhead heat....but I realise is not an option for some.

 

[bigmac1]

i dont want to steal anyones thread but can i use a zoomed 8 watt heat matt for extra heat on my dubias tote, i took my thermometer and i measured the heat of the mat for about 1 hour even more and it never got higher than 95 degrees would that melt the plastic.

 

[BestRoach]

That would be fine

 

[dolphinsilversea01]

Thanks Best Roach for replying. I will have to see what it says. I know its a zoo med repti them th 120Vac 60hz 24w, and I believe its for a 30 to 55g tank. My container is 55g.

I just got them today and I guess I can wait to see how hey do. Its not cold or anything. I guess I could also put a thermometer in their to see wht the temp is inside - to do this wher would be the best place to put it?

 

[mysterysock]

So what heating pad is recommended to produce the proper amount of heat for dubias in a rubbermaid container bc I'm trying to get all supplies needed? Thanks.

 

[BestRoach]

I always recommend human heating pads, as they are safer and can be self adjusted (depending on model). They can be had for around $15 at Amazon.com. Mind you, it must remain on 24/7, so those with an auto shutoff feature are no good.

I couldn't tell you specific brands of reptile UTH's, but anything putting out less than 15watts of heat in a 10" x 12" surface area should be safe for a plastic tote thats 20 gallons or larger in size.