roach box/bins ideas

Hello everyone I'm currently putting together my indoor setup and was wondering which way to go about heating up the roach bins. I know most folks use domes with red lights. Has anyone gone as far as mounting the light to the box lid so it's inside the box to help save some space(I'm planning on using the free space under the rack that holds the cages, mounted on top adds 12" in height) I was going to go with heat tape but I don't think I'l be able to hit the 90-95 temp thats needed due to the fact that I'd be taping it onto my garage floor. I was thinking I could just wire a socket In the corner of each lid then I can wire them together so I only have one plug. And control them with a thermostat? Any suggestions?

I personally use and recommend a therapeutic heating pad (without auto shutoff) that I bought at the pharmacy (shoppers drugmart) for $20. It just lays under the plastic bin and keeps the temps perfect. The one I have is sunbeam brand.

ghettomike said:

I personally use and recommend a therapeutic heating pad (without auto shutoff) that I bought at the pharmacy (shoppers drugmart) for $20. It just lays under the plastic bin and keeps the temps perfect. The one I have is sunbeam brand.

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wouldn't reptile heat pads do the same thing? I guess I could away plug the 4-6 of them in a power strip?

I use an undertank heater. Btw my roaches (dubia) are in two plastic containers, each are about 10 gallons maybe, they are doing fine on 80 F or higher a bit but not much.

I use a UTH and it works great. Also try to get solid colored container, the darker the better. Egg crates or even crumbled news paper as well as paper towel rolls work great for hiding. Try to keep the the temps between 90 and 95 and they will reproduce fast.

Ta2Smitty said:

wouldn't reptile heat pads do the same thing? I guess I could away plug the 4-6 of them in a power strip?

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ya they should do the same thing and if you already have them and don't use them then its one less expense.

If you hae more than couple of bins it is more efficient to just heat a cabinet. Ceramic heat emitters are good for this purpose along with a thermostat of course. Do not use heating pads purchased from the drug store designed as human heat pads. It is not safe as they were not designed to be used as a continual heat source nor to provide heat between solid objects such as a bin and the shelf. For multiple enclosures this is the safest, most efficient and economical way.
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