Hissing Cockroach questions

[lizardminion]

Okay, so I have a few questions in regards to my new hissing roach colony.
First of all, I am wondering if it is possible if I can use tap water if I let it sit out for a while and settle. I recently discarded the gel I was using due to the death of a nymph. (who didn't move since sitting on the gel. Except for nerve movements)
Second of all, I was wondering if the roaches devour their molts after molting, and if it was okay if I helped my roach molt. One of my nymphs molted(for the last time, I think, since 'he' now has more defined male characetristics) and when it was pretty much just on one half of his abdomen, I gently slid it off, and he seems to appear fine. Was it okay if I did that? Can I throw away the molt or can it be a used as a nutritious supplement for them?

Also, what can I use to replace water? We're completely broke, and can't afford any romane lettuce or spring water. I do, however, have natural juice and was wondering if that's a possible replacement.

 

[spydrhunter1]

Tap water is fine, been using it on my colony for decades. I leave cast skins in the tank, they eventually disappear.

 

[lizardminion]

Okay, so I added tap water.
I can confirm that the new molt is an adult male and he can hiss.
Is there is any other species in the genus Gromphadorhina that I can hybridize with the madagascan hissing roach?
And how much do (madagascan)hissers cost at petco? Being a small colony of now 7, I may go out and buy more.

 

[spydrhunter1]

G. potentosa can hybridize with any other species of Gromphadorhina.

 

[Perocore]

I, truthfully, wouldn't get any from petco. Not sure about the one in your area, but almost every animal I've gotten from Petco has been infested with parasites and had to be thrown out, a lot of wasted money. I use tap water in a dish with rocks to keep any nymphs from drowning, and they drink from it when they need to, and it also helps keep humidity up. The gel killed one of my nymphs as well, quite depressing.

All hissers can hiss, nymphs and females included. And I believe they can cross breed with others of the Gromphadorhina genus, as Spydrhunter1 said.

As for getting more roaches, I suggest buying from a trustworthy online breeder. I got a large sum for very little from billopelma, so I'm sure you can find someone reliable.

Also, my roaches eat their discarded shells. I figure it provides some extra protein, so why not?

Good luck with your colony! In the right conditions, that 7 will turn to quite a bit more in no time, though I'd be sure to introduce new members, to make sure inbreeding doesn't happen.