Classic Dubia heating question!

[azmodane]

So so right now I got my Dubia in tub in closet. The temp outside the closet in the room is 76. Inside the closet with just a heating pad on is only like 82... When I throw my "black" light on it raises the temp to about 93 or 94 but it is drying my water crystals out.... Any other suggestions to either help keep the water crystals longer or to help raise temp?

 

[hartungs]

Before we can answer your question you need to clarify where you are taking your temperatures. The outside ambient temperature of the room or closet really doesn't matter that much. Do you have the ability to measure temperatures inside the bin? Preferably about 2 inches above the "floor" in the egg crates. What you are aiming for is between 87 and 92 degrees. There can be a larger range on the lower end, but this seems to be ideal. I like the fact that they are in the closet where it is dark. As far as the water crystals go...how much are you putting in there (and how often) and what size crystals are you using? The smaller crystals will "dry out" faster. I would suggest putting a larger lid full of crystals in there.

 

[azmodane]

The temp taken from about 1inch off the floor is about 89 with lamp on and inside the egg crates is about 92-93 and that is after the probe has been there for like an hour or so.... enclosed is a picture of the amnt of water crystals i put in daily

 

[hartungs]

Basically, it sounds like your temps are doing well. Again, what you want in an ideal situation is a dark enclosure with temps in the range of 87 to 92 degrees. The roaches will regulate their temperature by moving up and down the egg crates. As far as the crystals go, I would put in more. I would also use a plastic lid instead of a metal one. They seem to conduct less heat than metal and may help to increase the life of the crystals.

Good luck...