Need help setting up closet for Ts

[Johjie]

View media item 60729Hello everyone I need your expertise on setting up a closet for tarantulas. I recently had to move out of my home and move in with a roommate. Problem is my roommate likes it cold, like 65 degrees or so. At this time I haven't been able to close the vent in my room. I am currently considering turning my closet into my "T room". I have not yet moved any of my Ts.

I have some shelves in my closet that can hold the heavier terrarium enclosures. My plan is to keep one side of the closet shut and one side open with a space heater pointed into the closet. Any thoughts, comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Teal]

Before adding your spiders, try out the space heater and see what temps you get. I would not have it pointing inwards at the enclosures, personally. I would get something like a table or bookshelf to put the Ts on, then place the space heater on the bottom shelf or under the table so the ambient temperature where the Ts are (higher up from the heater) is warmer.

 

[EulersK]

Problem is my roommate likes it cold, like 65 degrees or so.

Before anything, that roommate better be paying your electric bill!

But seriously, if you've only got a couple tanks, then you may want to consider using a heat mat coupled with a thermostat. Make sure that you put it on the side of the enclosure, not the bottom!

The closet is not too hard to set up. You certainly do not want a heater blowing directly onto the enclosures. As I'm sure you know, heat rises, so the most logical thing would be to put the heater down towards the ground and let the heat naturally rise up. Another option is to set it up on the very top shelf and just let the closet naturally rise in temperature. I'm not sure how you'd keep one side shut - it looks like you have a hinged set of doors? Aren't those either both open, or both closed? Regardless, you'll want to avoid keeping the door open unless you want that heat to quickly dissipate into the room. Don't worry, there is enough airflow even with the door closed. It's not like you have a rubber seal around the door. If you're that worried about airflow, also set up a fan near the heater.

Here is a similar setup I have with my dubia colonies in a larger closet, but your idea would work the same. Just stick a thermostat in there as to avoid any overheating, and you're golden. Protip: Do not cheap out on the heater. Get one with the typical safety features: tip over protection, overheating shutoff, and a cool-touch surface. Note that I have the heater far away from anything that could catch fire, and even have a floor tile as it's base for stability.

 

[mack1855]

And here is my walk in spooder closet....ya I know,i still got clothes in it.STOP LAUGHING!!!!

 

[MurrayTheMailman]

I like this idea but I have to say a space heater in a closet definitely sounds like a BAD IDEA. I must say Mack’s oil heater is probably a much safer option.

 

[viper69]

I really don't understand. You know how to use shelves based on your post. I THINK you probably know how to use a stand, or any other item you can put a T container on.... What are you asking?

Oil based heaters that are sealed are used by people here with great success.

 

[Johjie]

I really don't understand. You know how to use shelves based on your post. I THINK you probably know how to use a stand, or any other item you can put a T container on.... What are you asking?

Oil based heaters that are sealed are used by people here with great success.

I like this idea but I have to say a space heater in a closet definitely sounds like a BAD IDEA. I must say Mack’s oil heater is probably a much safer option.

Sorry for some reason I didn't get notification on anyone else's replies to this post.

I guess my question was if it would be safe to put the space heater inside /near the closet if it has a Thermostat where it will automatically shut off. But you answered my question anyway, I need an oil heater! Any particular brand anyone recommends? I really can't fit a very big one in here.

 

[Ungoliant]

I need an oil heater! Any particular brand anyone recommends? I really can't fit a very big one in here.

Mine is an older (discontinued?) De'Longhi model that measures about 24" x 12" x 6".