Heat source for roaches

[JimNPHX]

I am getting my set-up together to raise a Dubia colony. (ordered 50 mix plus 10 pair of adults.) I have a 50-55g tub that will have 5 roach trays plus food & water dish. They will be kept inside where I usually have a temp between 68-70 (winter) - 75-80 (summer).

What is the best heat source to use? I would like to just have something for underneath the tub like a heat pad. Any suggestions? What would it take/cost to have it regulated with a thermostat? (Which one works best?)

Thanks

Jim

 

[lonomac]

I'm just using a heat pad, my house stays at 80 all year though. Could also just use a flood lamp with a 60w bulb in the winter and take the temp once every week or so

 

[Brad Ramsey]

Heating pad on lowest setting on one side only (not the side where the food is).

-Brad

 

[Scotty]

Heating pad on lowest setting on one side only (not the side where the food is).

-Brad

Ditto, what Brad said, that's what I use!

 

[JimNPHX]

When you say heat pad are you referring to a reptile heat pad or a human heat pad?
If reptile then what wattage? If human, do they last long when you have them on continuously, and is there any fire hazard?

Thanks

Jim

 

[Aquaseafoam]

I asked the same question before. I was told human heating pads. Some people leave half of it out from under the enclosure. I was worried about the safety of it as well. I am going to adhere some small foam "feet" on my rubbermaid roach enclosure to raise it 1/4-1/2" from the heating pad just to be safe.
Some people also put them on timers- I'm have a time finding a heating pad that doesn't automatically turn off after a couple hours.
HTH

 

[JimNPHX]

I asked the same question before. I was told human heating pads. Some people leave half of it out from under the enclosure. I was worried about the safety of it as well. I am going to adhere some small foam "feet" on my rubbermaid roach enclosure to raise it 1/4-1/2" from the heating pad just to be safe.
Some people also put them on timers- I'm have a time finding a heating pad that doesn't automatically turn off after a couple hours.
HTH

Well I went a head and set up my personal heating pad. Luckily it does not shut-off by itself. I have taken a temp reading twice and both times it was at 86 degrees. Is this too high?

I think I am going to get some heat cable and a thermostat. I'm just a little weary about leaving that heating pad on 24/7.

Jim

 

[Duke]

I once saw a set up (not for roaches) that used an aquarium heater in a mason jar of water to heat a terrestrial vivarium and it seemed to work. Built in thermostat. I have never actually tried it myself though and it would see that this would only work for an area that was already somewhat warm. ??

Duke

P.S. Does anyone have any hard data on the roach allergy thing? I keep reading about it and it keeps me away from them as my son has asthma but I keep wanting to find out if it is true or Urban Legend.

 

[Scotty]

Get a reptile heat pad controlled by a probe thermostat, with the probe located in the roach enclosure....temps reach desired temps for roach and then turns off...

 

[pedro92]

where do u get one of these pads at links or stores would be great brands and cost also
where at on the tub do i put it