In a pickle >__<

[KadajsMommynDaddy]

Justin had to go to some appointment today but chose the buses to go(which means not going home till 4 or 5) So I got my cricket shipment in today. Kadaj is still in the 10 gal tank(permanent housing for our crickets) and the big tank is still dirty

I just swept all the dirt and leaves out of the tank(cousin had a reptile yrs ago, sat outdoors for some years then in the storage room for some yrs). Would thoroughly washing it out with rubbing alcohol and towels get it sterilized enough? Normally if it was something I could pick up by myself it would be washed out with antibacterial soap, thoroughly rinsed, then rubbing alcohol to rid of any residue. But since I am stuck alone here with no help I am wondering if diluted rubbing alcohol would be enough to kill germs? I am not strong enough to lift it myself and I worry about the crickets and getting them fed/watered/housed. Kadaj must be so hungry.

 

[CooperDragon]

I would rinse it really well to get the surface dirt off. Then I'd spray it down with either a vinegar/water mixture, or a bleach/water mixture. Let it sit for a bit, maybe 5-10 min then wipe it down, rinse it off again really well with water and dry it out thoroughly. Rubbing alcohol can also sanitize it after it has been cleaned out thoroughly. I'd be sure to give it a rinse afterwards though.

 

[KadajsMommynDaddy]

Thank you Cooper. Reading this, I was able to spray it down with vinegar and water then use lots of wet towels to rinse after it and rinsed a second time after rubbing alcohol. The crickets are now in Kadaj's old 10 gallon enclosure and he is in his almost 40 gallon. Lets hope the basking bulb is enough to warm his new place up

 

[CooperDragon]

Sounds good =). Vinegar works really well for removing grit and it's acidic enough that it works as a good cleaner. If you're worried about bacteria it works to an extent but heat or alcohol work better in those cases. I use vinegar as a daily cleaner for most things because I don't like harsh chemicals around my house if I can avoid it. If the basking area doesn't get hot enough in the big tank you can try raising it a little closer to the light to get the right temp.

 

[KadajsMommynDaddy]

It appears he is not getting enough heat according to the digital thermometer.

My heat set up is:
Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVA/UVB Bulb
High output hood made for reptisun
Exo-Terra High Intensity Basking Bulb
All living things reptile heat lamp w/the Exo-Terra basking bulb in it
I do have a Zoo Med Repti Therm Under Tank Heater under the cricket tank.

I took pictures to show how I set the new enclosure up.

http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/Atreya_Nixx_Rivera/library/Enclosure?sort=3&page=1

 

[CooperDragon]

How far away is the basking area from the basking bulb? If it's more than 6-8'' you can move it a bit closer to pick up more heat. The mat heaters work well for the crickets, just be sure there's enough ventilation under the tank so it doesn't get too hot.

 

[KadajsMommynDaddy]

It looks about 2 ft away so I need to move the ceiling hook so the fixture hangs more evenly when lowered. The UTH does have little legs on it.

 

[KadajsMommynDaddy]

Hmmm the temps still dont seem to be hot enough still. I lowered the heat lamp and it does register up to 94.5 but will fluxuate for no apparent reason. I will be turning on the space heater next.

 

[KadajsMommynDaddy]

We got the temp problem solved finally as long as the basking bulb and UV bulb do not have to be directly next to each other.

 

[CooperDragon]

It's good to keep them as close as possible so the UVB is received on the basking spot, but they don't have to be RIGHT next to eachother.

 

[Tonja]

Does the tank have a glass top on it? Is so, your baby is getting no UVB as it cannot pass through glass if the UVB is sitting on top.

 

[KadajsMommynDaddy]

I uploaded some pics of how the lighting situation is now. It is weird but seems to be the only way for now that the temps will be proper. I will not have any screen covering the tank until I can find a way to rig the UV bulb inside the tank because I too worry about him getting enough UVB if there was a screen. The UV bulb and the basking lamp I would say are about 2-3 inches apart.

Close Shot:
http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/Atreya_Nixx_Rivera/media/Enclosure/setup2_zps3045ecf2.jpg.html

Far Shot:
http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/Atreya_Nixx_Rivera/media/Enclosure/setup3_zps91cd2591.jpg.html

 

[Tonja]

both of my tanks have the uvb lights inside using heavy duty Velcro. in the 2 yrs ive had them inside like this they have never fallen or shifted position.

 

[KadajsMommynDaddy]

both of my tanks have the uvb lights inside using heavy duty Velcro. in the 2 yrs ive had them inside like this they have never fallen or shifted position.

Thank you, Tonja. I will look into the velcro thing. Will it still work if the velcro has to be mounted on the side of the light instead of the top and do you think my lighting setup is okay for now?

 

[Tonja]

Mine is on the sides but make sure its heavy duty or industrial. I got mine at walmart in the sewing notions dept.