I have read a little bit about starting a colony, but it almost seems too easy I read that typically you keep them in a smooth container like a big tote box, so they can't climb out, keep them misted and throw in some fruit periodically over a couple days to keep them fed and growing, and they like the shelter of egg cartons. I do know they need to stay warm to breed, but is that really all there is to it?
That's not a huge colony to start but having some adults mixed in will help. I'd expect a colony that size to still take a few months to really get going with new generations. Their care really is pretty easy. I don't bother misting them. I just keep providing them with fresh veges and sometimes orange slices and they're pretty happy campers. I have the tank on a bakers rack for ventilation under the heat mat I have attached to the bottom. Other than that I just give them a dark spot in the basement and let them go.