Dubia Heating

[fusebaum]

I have a few questions about how I should heat my dubia colony. First of all: will a heat mat melt my rubbermaid container? Next, what kind of heating is best? I was looking at some heat tape which is very cost effective so I'm wondering if anyone else has had luck with it or if it doesn't get hot enough? Any opinions/experiences would be greatly appreciated!

 

[raegsmith]

I use a heat mat to heat my dubia roaches. The set is as follows:

4 bricks on the base
a wire rack sitting on top of the bricks
the heat mat sitting on top of the wire rack
rubbermaid bin sitting on top of the heat mat

I use the medium setting and the temp between the heat mat and the bin gets about 105-110. I don't think that is hot enough to cause any damage to the bin. I've used it this way for almost a year with no problems.

I use the following heat mat because it doesn't have an auto off switch

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IV4N/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[fusebaum]

Do you know where they sell them besides amazon? I'm getting my colony in a couple days and I'm afraid it won't get here in time.

 

[shara]

They won't die without the heating (unless it's really cold... but it's June!), they just won't breed. I think it would be fine for a couple of days until you get the mat in. I just taped a regular household heating pad to the side of mine.

 

[unkempt1]

I have a human heating pad that doesn't have an auto-shutoff. I keep it on high and it works really well.

 

[brankoogr]

i have a question here too... i made a new and my first colony and i put it on my tv reciever which basicly heats it for free the temp is around 30 degree celsius.

1. can this be harmfull to the device? (what do you think?)
2. how long does it take before they can breed?

photo:


they are fat and all just no breeding yet, they got food wormth and water so no idea had it between 2 weeks to 1 month

 

[brankoogr]

another question... if i would keep them in my closet at around 25degree celsius is that warm enough? im thinkin to put them there so its dark and noone bothers them?

 

[DorkiTimmy]

You would like to place it somewhere in the dark since your been is see through. Dubia strives best in the dark they are not active if its bright. The temperature should be 70F+ or 80-90 is what they strive best for. It also takes about 4-6months before they start depending on their age.

 

[kjinxx2]

It looks like you have some moisture building up on the inside of your container, you need to add ventilation or mold will soon form - that's one way to wipe out your entire colony in a hurry

 

[brankoogr]

thank you i moved it inside my closet which i rarely use so they have it dark the temps are around 77F so thats k i guess

 

[shara]

I wrap a moving blanket around the outside of my enclosure to insulate and help retain heat. My habitat is consistently 80-85 f and my dubias are breeding insanely. Maybe some insulation would bring your temp up slightly.