Hi Everyone,
I just recently purchased a Pandinus imperator and upon searching the net came across this forum which has become very helpful. I have a couple of questions but let me first say that I've only owned my Imp for 3 days but I already love him to death. So I find myself being quite concerned that he maintains happiness in his enclosure. I've named my little buddy Baxter because I love the movie Anchorman. Anyways his enclosure is a 10 gal aquarium. I used Jungle Mix with Vermiculate for the substrate. I have 3 things on top of the substrate; a rounded off peice of wood, a molded 2 story rock, and a shallow water dish. Underneath the tank I have a heat pad that covers about a 3rd of the bottom of the tank. The tank is in my bedroom which has a average temp of 68-70.
Now with my questions. I've read a lot of contradicting things about taking care of Imps. One is some say put the heat pad on the back side of the tank and some say the bottom. I'd rather take your opinion so if you have one please let me know. My Baxter seems to like sitting over the padded area for extended periods of time.
I also can't figure out if I should buy a heat lamp. The pet store owner said I do not need it with the pad but I'm not looking for need. If it will make Baxter happier and live longer than I will do it. So do you think a lamp would be good or too much with the pad?
Lastly the guy in the store told me I could put 6 crickets in the tank for a weeks worth of food. I've also read that you should feed him 1 at a time. Also I've read that you shouldn't feed him but let the crickets roam around and let him capture it. I'll take your opinions over anyone else's so please let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance and I look forward to posting some picture of my buddy here shortly.
I just recently purchased a Pandinus imperator and upon searching the net came across this forum which has become very helpful. I have a couple of questions but let me first say that I've only owned my Imp for 3 days but I already love him to death. So I find myself being quite concerned that he maintains happiness in his enclosure. I've named my little buddy Baxter because I love the movie Anchorman. Anyways his enclosure is a 10 gal aquarium. I used Jungle Mix with Vermiculate for the substrate. I have 3 things on top of the substrate; a rounded off peice of wood, a molded 2 story rock, and a shallow water dish. Underneath the tank I have a heat pad that covers about a 3rd of the bottom of the tank. The tank is in my bedroom which has a average temp of 68-70.
Now with my questions. I've read a lot of contradicting things about taking care of Imps. One is some say put the heat pad on the back side of the tank and some say the bottom. I'd rather take your opinion so if you have one please let me know. My Baxter seems to like sitting over the padded area for extended periods of time.
I also can't figure out if I should buy a heat lamp. The pet store owner said I do not need it with the pad but I'm not looking for need. If it will make Baxter happier and live longer than I will do it. So do you think a lamp would be good or too much with the pad?
Lastly the guy in the store told me I could put 6 crickets in the tank for a weeks worth of food. I've also read that you should feed him 1 at a time. Also I've read that you shouldn't feed him but let the crickets roam around and let him capture it. I'll take your opinions over anyone else's so please let me know what you think.
Thanks in advance and I look forward to posting some picture of my buddy here shortly.