Heating a terrarium (millipedes)

[rookiesanewb]

Hey folks! I live in the UK, not well known for its heat. I currently have a a. gigas and an o. guineenis in a plastic komodo terrarium, and I keep running into a ton of different opinions on how to heat the thing. At the moment I have a heat pad that takes up half of the terrariums size duck taped against its side; is this ok, or will it harm the pedes? Is this a fire hazard? This is my first time keeping insects and everyone I ask tells me something different! Thanks for any opinions!!

 

[Poonjab]

Im not a millipede expert, but if you choose to use a heat pad, I’d at least use a thermostat to regulate the heat.

 

[Albireo Wulfbooper]

My first concern would be heat damaging the plastic if the pad is directly attached to the enclosure. Better/safer to have it attached to a wall or other structure slightly spaced back from the enclosure.

 

[rookiesanewb]

Currently got a thermostat and humidity meter, currently holding at about 23c with 60-70% humidity! @Albireo Wulfbooper its currently taped at two ends to the terrarium, would they still benefit from its heat if I attached it to the wall? How far back should it be?

Thanks!

 

[Albireo Wulfbooper]

Currently got a thermostat and humidity meter, currently holding at about 23c with 60-70% humidity! @Albireo Wulfbooper its currently taped at two ends to the terrarium, would they still benefit from its heat if I attached it to the wall? How far back should it be?

Thanks!

If it's within a couple of cm it'll give give plenty of heat without risking damage.

 

[mickiem]

There are different qualities of heating pads, In the US we look for UL Listed products. Even within that, some are better quality. That's why a thermostat is important. I tape my heat pad on the side of the enclosure a few inches above the soil line where the pede can't lay against it. I only do this in rooms that are less than 20˚ (68˚). I try to keep it under 25˚ (78˚). I suppose plastics vary enough in composition you might want to look into that. I have used plastic totes with no problem. It would be good to find another Brit that can confirm a brand readily available to you. Best of luck!

 

[rookiesanewb]

There are different qualities of heating pads, In the US we look for UL Listed products. Even within that, some are better quality. That's why a thermostat is important. I tape my heat pad on the side of the enclosure a few inches above the soil line where the pede can't lay against it. I only do this in rooms that are less than 20˚ (68˚). I try to keep it under 25˚ (78˚). I suppose plastics vary enough in composition you might want to look into that. I have used plastic totes with no problem. It would be good to find another Brit that can confirm a brand readily available to you. Best of luck!

Mind if I ask what tape you use? My heat matt is 12 watts, I am not sure if thats powerful or not!