Dubia colony concerns

[Mattrg]

Got my dubia colony a couple of weeks ago and I'm probably just being paranoid but I think there might be a problem. The temps are usually around 78-85 F and the humidity is around 60% but sometimes it gets to like 65. I took out one of the egg carton things and I found this http://s627.photobucket.com/user/MattRG420/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image-2.jpg.html?filters%5Buser%5D=100815656&filters%5Brecent%5D=1&sort=1&o=2
Not sure what it is but it doesn't have a smell and its completely dry. It was one of the outside pieces with little traffic, only found one nymph on it when I took it out. I have punched more holes in the top but I'm afraid to keep the thermometer in since last night one of the adults apparently climbed up the cords and through the hole I cut out for it. Here's some pics of my setup please let me know if you see any problems http://s627.photobucket.com/user/MattRG420/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image-3.jpg.html?filters%5Buser%5D=100815656&filters%5Brecent%5D=1&sort=1&o=1

http://s627.photobucket.com/user/MattRG420/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image-4.jpg.html?filters%5Buser%5D=100815656&filters%5Brecent%5D=1&sort=1&o=0

 

[jarich]

Hey Matt,

Wouldn't worry too much about the spot, but I would recommend a bit more ventilation and warmth. What many of us do is cut out that rectangular section in the top, then glue some screen in to place. That'll let you get better air flow but not allow for escapes. As for the temps, they seem to like having a warm area of around 90 F or so. This doesn't need to be everywhere, but just on one end, or just at the bottom, etc. Sort of like with you're dragon, they seem to do best when they have a choice of temps. Hope this helps

 

[Mattrg]

Thanks for the response, the temps I posted are about halfway down the egg crates so I think the floor temp is ok. How do people normally guage the temperature without the roaches crawling up the wires, and is it ok to have a setup like mine if I punch enough holes? Not trying to buy another tote.

 

[jarich]

Ya a lot of use what are called infrared temp guns. They are instant and give you the surface temperature as compared to the ambient air temp. There are no probes, just point and click. You can usually find them online for around $20 or at a hardware for a little more.

As for the poking holes, yes that should still work. I'd say you're just going to need quite a few more.

 

[Mattrg]

Ah ok well maybe ill have to invest in one of those. Thanks for the info.

 

[diver165]

don't freak out...

It's probably just some condensation that came into contact with some fras and stained the carton. It happens. Just make sure you strike a nice balance on the humidity. Keep the container warm and moist but not so moist you have condensation on the sides. You don't want that... Keep the black mold away by making sure the humidity level isn't so high that your egg flats don't get soggy. If you see that, you need to ventilate them a little more. Another thing to pay attention to is if you're feeding them fruit and you notice it molding before it is consumed. Back off on the heat and humidity a little. Same thing with their dry roach chow. If you notice it is moldy or the surface seems hard, back off on the humidity.

Something else that keeps the condensation down in the tub(s) is to cover them with an old blanket. That way the sides and top aren't colder causing the warm air to rise and condense on the tops and upper sides.