Dubia Roaches

[Mikvit]

Hey everyone I just received my batch of Dubia roaches a couple days ago I just want to ask a couple questions about setting up the enclosure. So I have my roaches in a 20 gallon glass terranium. I was wondering if it was ok to use a standard house light for a heat source? I looked on a website and they said the roaches hate light... I just want to verify this source. Also I'm using a reptile heating pad underneath the tank and that should be ok as well correct? Any additional advice you guys have is also helpful... Thanks!

[ladyknite]

roaches prefer the dark.
My suggestion is to use the heating pad or UTH of small calliber for heating.  Depending on the ambient there, you might even get away with sitting it on top of an enclosure that stays warm on top.  No lighting needed.

[Mikvit]

The average temp in my room is about 74 degrees, so I placed a UTH under the terranium. It sits at about 85 degrees average inside the terranium. Thanks for the help

[Mach10X]

I've been keeping dubia roaches for 4 years.  After my colony is well established I prefer to keep them a bit cooler to slow down breeding.  My roaches seems to do just fine at normal room temperature (about 73ºF) with a small under tank heater on the bottom. 
I do not recommend using a glass tank due to light concerns, not to mention that people visiting your house will be able to see them (most people get freaked out by roaches).

See the thread for some useful info on keeping these creatures:
http://bearded-dragons.com/boards/index.php/topic,6678.0.html

[Veggieburger]

This brings me to my next question, can i use an uth on a ebbed aid bin safely? If so where's the best place to put it?

[Mach10X]

I've had no issues with an undertank heater right under the bin.  In a heated / air conditioned house, I find that the smaller UTH works just fine, there's also virtually no risk of melting or a fire (unless you short it out of course).  If you put the tank outside in, say, a garage then you're going to need something better during the cold months.

This images courtesy of loogielv of www.geckosunlimited.com



Basically you wrap the roach bin in a comforter or blanket to insulate and place an electric blanket and dial in the temperature with the slider or heat settings.  Make sure it doesn't have an auto shut off (such as the walgreens brand one).
It's also a good idea to insulate the bottom of the bin from the concrete as that will suck the heat out.

[greathousel]

I wouldn't use a light. In the winter I keep a heat pad on mine. In the summer I keep them in the garage so they get plenty of heat. I would be careful about the 10 gallon tank, they can climb up the silicone corners. I have mine in a 50 gallon storage tub with locking lid. I cut a hole out of the lid and covered it with mesh screening. Inside I have a bunch of egg cartons I get free from Huddle House or any breakfast place. I keep a big dish of water crystals in the center and a dish of the ground dog food and fish food in the center too. I throw in veggies any time I have them. If you need to buy more, let me know. I have so many! Good luck!

[herpgirl2510]

I keep mine in a 29 gallon sterilite tub with a small uth on the bottom.