Heat source for dubias?

[SaintJimmy]

I have never had to use a heat source for bugs because I do not ever really attempt to breed (I attempted isopods and supers but gave up because my temps were not good enough).

I am going to order the pack of chow, 8 flats, water cubes, 5 & 5 adult males and females, and like 200 assorted roaches all from small to large. It's a 50$ starting kit from the deli of dubis... lol

But anyway I have the enclosure set up and everything (I do not need more egg flats but needless to say they come with the order... more the merrier) EXCEPT heat sources.

What kind of heat strips/pads/lights/anything do you use in a dubia enclosure to help promote breeding? We will save 40 dollars a week by starting a colony so I want to know.

 

[Saldarya]

I use Flexwatt heating tape to line the shelving unit that I place the tubs on. The Tubs then set on the tape. It is cheap and easy to use.

Here is an example of what I am talking about.

http://www.bigappleherp.com/Flex-Watt-Heat-Tape

 

[ridgebax1]

I have two ceramic heat emitters over both my dubias and turkistans. I know the dubias are breeding as there are a ton of babies but have not seen any babies in the Turks bin. I only started with 50 of the turks not that long ago and was actually going to delve into the bin in a couple weeks to see what is going on. I also have them partially sitting over a heat vent so we shall see. I was thinking I should get some type of thermometer that I could leave in the bin to monitor temps but it is not high on my purchase list right now.

 

[SaintJimmy]

I will look into flexwatts.

Will it melt the plastic tub?

 

[Tay And A]

I just keep my Cham room warm. The whole house is set at 70 degrees and the Chams room can get up to 80+ of course there's a window and I can always turn off the Chams light bulbs. I've had a breeding colony for almost a year lol

 

[ridgebax1]

I imagine if it got too close it could melt the tub but I have it about 8 inches above the tubs and so far no problem.

 

[SaintJimmy]

I just keep my Cham room warm. The whole house is set at 70 degrees and the Chams room can get up to 80+ of course there's a window and I can always turn off the Chams light bulbs. I've had a breeding colony for almost a year lol

My room's the warmest in the house but still never really gets above 80 on hot days with no air conditioning. Plus I wouldn't want to do that since my chameleons wouldn't be able to thermoregulate.

I'll see about heat strips

 

[pigglett79]

The flex watt heat tape is awesome. I hooked mine up to a dimmer switch so I can control the temperature as well.

 

[SaintJimmy]

The flex watt heat tape is awesome. I hooked mine up to a dimmer switch so I can control the temperature as well.

I guess I'm going with flexwatt lol

I'll have to get a timer for my baby cham and a tree for monty to free range some more, and I'll check out what other doo dads I can get before the flex's get here with the dubias.

 

[Saldarya]

Flex wont melt the plastic. I have my flexwatt set at 100+, so through the plastic and into the tub is 90+.

 

[Seiryu]

Flex wont melt the plastic. I have my flexwatt set at 100+, so through the plastic and into the tub is 90+.

Have any pics of the setup? Which width do you use?

I stick with the heat pads myself. Running on Low during the warmer months, or Medium/High during winter.

Non auto shut off ones from Amazon. Keeps my tubs right around 88-93 F. And they are only around $13 for 1, or there is one large enough for 2 tubs for like $18.

I've been running a few of these for over 3 years.

 

[Branman]

i use a heat mat. It keeps my tub at 90 degrees. If you buy a Rubbermaid brand tub it will not melt. They are built alot better than the cheaper ones.

 

[Lpsouth1978]

I also use the flexwatt. I got the 11" one and hooked it up to a cord with a dimmer. It works great! The bin is always between 90-95.