You said..."As far as gutloading goes I’m still using the pet store stuff just to keep the crickets alive for a few days at a time. I have’t found an easy beginner gutload formula yet. I’ve never gutloaded before and grocery shopping for me is one of the worst things in life! I’m the guy walking up and down all the isles searching for what I’m looking for!"...I don't know what your pet store is using but most pet stores don't use good quality ones because they aren't cheap. I have always used dandelion greens, kale, endive, escarole, squash, zucchini, carrots, sweet potato, and a bit of fruit such as berries, melon, apples, pears....but if you don't want to do that I would try ones other people on here have recommended like Bug Burger, etc. You need to make sure you look after the insects well too.
You said..."Ill recheck the basking temps once I get home to let you know accurately, but I’ve been trying a few bulbs to get the temps between 80-84 no more then 86 before misters come on. I’m still experimenting. I had a 40watt blue bulb at first, but I changed it once I read on the forums that they were no good. I then changed to a 40watt incandescent replacement bulb which I feel is not giving enough heat low 80s before misters, but Smurfs behavior is normal as usual. I was gone try a 60watt incandescent replacement bulb, but quick question, are incandescent replacement bulbs ok or should I find an actual incandescent bulb?...mid 80's would be good for a basking temperature. The old incandescent lights with a filament produce heat but I don't think the ones you're referring to produce enough heat to work.
