Just Bought an UTH for Dubias but can't use on plastic?

[SoleSky]

I just bought an UTH from amazon for my dubia roaches. I have them in a sterilite tub though. I was reading mixed reviews online about the heating. It's the one for 10-20 gallon aquarium. I am really scared of starting a fire! Should I return it?

 

[Claudiusx]

As long as it doesn't malfunction, it shouldn't really be a problem.

Although, I use a human heating pad instead...
That would be more ideal, IMO.

-Brandon

 

[Baldwin]

Many have used it with no problems. If you are really worried, you can purchase a rheostat to control the temperature.

Or, you can return it and order Flexwatt heat tape. I am using heat tape with Sterilite containers and have no issues.

 

[SoleSky]

Yeah I might return it. I was looking at options for the flexwatt heat tape but I think I may use the human heating pad. It just seemed like the human one is more dangerous to leave on, I guess not?

 

[sunvaar]

From what I've read, the UTH on the totes is fine as long as it's checked on. Most of the plastic totes have a heat capacity of 110-120 degrees, depending on the brand. So keeping your dubias at around 85-92 degrees shouldn't be a problem. In fact, I just started my own colony and I'm going to be using UTH's. Just to be safe though, I'll use them in conjunction with a auto-off thermostat I have that maintains the heat at a set temperature.

In addition, human heating pads can work but someone I know brought up a good point - most aren't made to run 24/7, for a reason. It's hard to find a model nowadays that doesnt have an auto-off feature because they're known to melt things around them/themselves, and start fires. They're made with cheap materials, so I would feel safer with a UTH- because they're made and tested to run 24/7. It's all personal preference though.

Just remember if you do decide on a human heating pad, get one without the auto-off feature! Don't want your dubias to freeze! :wink:

 

[Sauzo]

I personally use a Zoo Med 30-40 gallon UTH with a lamp dimmer from Home Depot on my 45 gallon Rubbermaid Roughneck tote and it work fine. Have it set to the lowest setting and I got babies all over.

 

[SoleSky]

Personally I've been keeping the dubias for awhile now and they're still breeding in 70 degree temps in my house. I think I've bred super dubias through natural selection haha.