So for like 30-50+ colonies, what do you guys find to be the best way to heat? I've been using a space heater on low setting, but even that is more expensive than I'd like. Safety is also a major concern. I think I may have even asked this before, but can't seem to find the thread.
How do you all heat your large collections?
- Thread starter Jimbobtom
- Start date
scottbot84
Third Instar
I'm only using this method for a dozen colonies, but I use small heat mats used for starting seeds with a thermostat (probe goes in the substrate of one of the bins).
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0829G6VGY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E9IO6N0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
More expensive up front than a space heater but loads cheaper in the long run and much easier to control temps.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0829G6VGY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E9IO6N0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
More expensive up front than a space heater but loads cheaper in the long run and much easier to control temps.
All About Arthropods
Elliptorhina
Thank you, I'll have to look into that. Wondering if there are large ones that could connect to multiple bins. Other wise it might be an overlord of electrical cords everywhere.
Do you have lis on your bins? How do you keep it from melting the plastic?
scottbot84
Third Instar
One mat heats 3 small bins (long 6qt) for me, I only heat one end to provide a gradient. So for my 12 bins I only use 4 mats.
All About Arthropods
Elliptorhina
Oh, I keep it on a stand about 4 feet away from the shelves, so things only ever reach the mid to high 80s in the center of the beam. Of the 3 racks on the shelf, it heats the center one thoroughly and then about 1/3 of the others. I usually keep my stuff that only requires room temps for breeding on the top and bottom shelves because of this.