Heating for Dubia Roach Colony

[Critterlover]

Hi, I am getting everything set up to start a Dubia colony and was wondering what size CHE I would need for a rubbermaid tub that is like a 30 gallon tank. I have a small heat pad underneath it but the room it is in gets down to 65 degrees at night so I need something more. Any suggestions would be helpful

Thanks,
Kim

 

[Baldwin]

Get a laser thermometer so you can accurately measure the temps.

I am using Flexx-Watt heat tape. You can find it online. It heats up to 120*F and with an inline dimmer switch, I can adjust it to exactly what I need.

 

[Critterlover]

Thanks. I will do that.

 

[unkempt1]

I've used a human heating pad with no auto shutoff, as well as flexwatt tape. I have to say hands down the flexwatt is a better option.

 

[Critterlover]

I thought about a heating pad too but decided against it after doing some research.

 

[Critterlover]

I have set up the bin with flex watt tape and an in line dimmer but it is up to full and it is still only 72 to 75 degrees. Can I wrap the tub with something to insulate it? What would I use?

 

[unkempt1]

I have set up the bin with flex watt tape and an in line dimmer but it is up to full and it is still only 72 to 75 degrees. Can I wrap the tub with something to insulate it? What would I use?

Where and how are you measuring the temperature?

 

[Critterlover]

I have used the laser thermometer in the top and the bottom. If I put it between the egg crates it hits abot 90 to 95, is this enough?

 

[SouthernCritter]

I'd aim for about 85 in the center of the crates (mid way up tub). This way they can move higher or lower to get comfy.

 

[Critterlover]

I will try that. Is it ok that the cool end gets down to 70 or so at night.

 

[unkempt1]

I have used the laser thermometer in the top and the bottom. If I put it between the egg crates it hits abot 90 to 95, is this enough?

You want it closer to 95 on the bottom or hot side, however it's set up. For example, my flexwatt is on the side so I measure that as the hot side and the top of egg crates and other side as cool sides. When I had a human heating pad on the bottom I would measure on the floor and top of the egg crates.

If its 95 on the hotter bottom and 70ish on the tops you'll be good. That way if they get too hot they can move.

 

[Critterlover]

That answers my question. Thanks so much.

 

[Sauzo]

They will breed in pretty much anything that is remotely warm. I was so worried about temps on my breeder bin and tried all this stuff and that and just ended up slapping a reptile heat pad on the bottom of the bin and using a lamp dimmer set to the lowest setting and now ive got so many roaches I don't even know what to do. I started out with about 70 adult females and in about 6 months after I did my first major cleaning and counting, I now got just over 400 adult females and I threw out about that much in males and I got another tub filled with at least 2000 nymphs from tiny babies all the way up to large nymphs with those molting into adult females and males in that bin too. :shock:

 

[hotpocketdeath]

Well, I did something a bit different than what most people have done and it has been working well for me. My colony is flourishing quite nicely.

Currently, I use a 50w heat rope controlled by a digital thermostat http://www.amazon.com/Hydrofarm-MTP...t/dp/B000NZZG3S/ref=pd_bxgy_petsupplies_img_y

 

[dociledragons]

I thought about a heating pad too but decided against it after doing some research.

critter.......Sorry, to barge in but why did you decide not to use a heating pad.