What is a safe and cost effective way to keep a tarantula warm?

[cosmosis]

Hello, recently I bought my first tarantula (a Hapalopus formosus) and she will be arriving in November. I live in the UK and it gets fairly cold, and my house is old and doesn’t retain heat well. I didn’t realise just how cold it got until I already had ordered the spider…since it hadn’t been bothering me I assumed it would be ok, but I got a thermometer to check the other day - it already gets to 16c (60f?) at night now, and I can’t afford to have the heating on all the time.

I know the recommended way to go is with a space heater but I’m paranoid about leaving it on and causing a fire. I was planning to get one of the oil filled radiator ones because I read they were the safest, but I’m still concerned since it would have to be on for a very long time in winter. Primarily about safety, but also the cost. Does anyone have experience with leaving them on all night? Are there alternative options? I did read a thread on here about using heat mats safely but with my complete beginner’s lack of knowledge I wouldn’t really want to risk harming her.

 

[Mustafa67]

Hello, recently I bought my first tarantula (a Hapalopus formosus) and she will be arriving in November. I live in the UK and it gets fairly cold, and my house is old and doesn’t retain heat well. I didn’t realise just how cold it got until I already had ordered the spider…since it hadn’t been bothering me I assumed it would be ok, but I got a thermometer to check the other day - it already gets to 16c (60f?) at night now, and I can’t afford to have the heating on all the time.

I know the recommended way to go is with a space heater but I’m paranoid about leaving it on and causing a fire. I was planning to get one of the oil filled radiator ones because I read they were the safest, but I’m still concerned since it would have to be on for a very long time in winter. Primarily about safety, but also the cost. Does anyone have experience with leaving them on all night? Are there alternative options? I did read a thread on here about using heat mats safely but with my complete beginner’s lack of knowledge I wouldn’t really want to risk harming her.

Space heater

 

[l4nsky]

https://arachnoboards.com/threads/tips-on-keeping-slings-warm.370481/post-3425892

 

[viper69]

space heater

 

[cosmosis]

Space heater

I’m concerned about the safety and cost of running one overnight so I’m wondering if people have other ideas, or have experience using the heaters for a long time and can reassure/advise me on that

 

[Mustafa67]

I’m concerned about the safety and cost of running one overnight so I’m wondering if people have other ideas, or have experience using the heaters for a long time and can reassure/advise me on that

Mine is on for a LONG time and I haven’t had any problems

 

[Liquifin]

Space heaters are usually fine as they can turn themselves down or off when a set temperature is reached within a room. Most space heaters should offer some sort of temperature control and usually work fine for rooms.

I’m concerned about the safety and cost of running one overnight so I’m wondering if people have other ideas, or have experience using the heaters for a long time and can reassure/advise me on that

A lot of the modern space heaters will have a something to monitor how hot it gets and will usually turn off when it does reach a certain temperature that it is set too. So it really isn't a problem if it's set overnight for most space heaters.

 

[l4nsky]

Space heaters are usually fine as they can turn themselves down or off when a set temperature is reached within a room. Most space heaters should offer some sort of temperature control and usually work fine for rooms.

A lot of the modern space heaters will have a something to monitor how hot it gets and will usually turn off when it does reach a certain temperature that it is set too. So it really isn't a problem if it's set overnight for most space heaters.

Seconded. I have a wall mounted space heater that stays cool to the touch and keeps a constant temperature in my facility. The technology has come leaps and bounds in so far as safety and reliability.

 

[Brewser]

Solar space heater

 

[Sterls]

I’m concerned about the safety and cost of running one overnight so I’m wondering if people have other ideas, or have experience using the heaters for a long time and can reassure/advise me on that

Get an oil filled space heater, not an electric one. More energy efficient and safer. I recommend spending a little more on a mid range one that has a built in thermostat. I think mine was like $75 USD.

 

[Spifdar]

To add to 'space heater' I've seen people say to put the enclosure into a second, larger enclosure--even just a big plastic tub--with a heating pad inside (not touching the spider's enclosure), so the air around it is warmer. I personally don't find a heating pad much -safer- but it may cost you less in the long run. But I'd set that up and monitor temps for a few days in advance to make sure you aren't gonna bake your T.

 

[Glorfindel]

Easier just to have a designated area that can be closed off to allow for the higher temps.

 

[goofyGoober99]

Keeping doors closed and sealing up any cracks are important. No point having a space heater if you're losing all the heat. Things like thick foam tape around windows and door frames (especially the bottom) helps a lot. Another good one is to tape plastic sheets (preferably clear and on the thicker side) over windows. If they're sealed well they add a bit of extra insulation. A carpet helps too.
If the room is more insulated you won't need to expend as much energy (or money) trying to keep it warm.

Did all this when when I lived in a basically disintegrating 100 year old house a while back. It was still a bit cold (the heating was busted ) but it definitely helped.

Good luck!

 

[TheraMygale]

Seconded. I have a wall mounted space heater that stays cool to the touch and keeps a constant temperature in my facility. The technology has come leaps and bounds in so far as safety and reliability.

i need to second this. Market has upgraded because of safety issues.

so many infrared heaters avalaible now. You need to go to your local hardware store and see what they have. Test it. Canadian tire usualy takes all returns if you dont like it.

I would be more afraid of this that use oil. But thats just me.

when i buy my space heater, i am getting one of those new fancy infrared heaters.

i also use this outside at the moment. Its pretty sweet.

 

[Matt Man]

If none of the above works, if you have a decent sized cage you can put a mat on the END of the cage OR THE SIDE near the end of the cage opposite their hide/burrow. You can run them on thermostats or timers.
Do NOT place them on the bottom, they will kill your T. Place them just below the lid, and again to one side. That way of the T gets warm, they can retreat to the opposite side of the enclosure, and /or their burrow.
I have seen people also add a lamp (red) either in replacement or as a supplement and again running them on thermostats or timers. The main key is a cage big enough that the T can escape the heat.

 

[Brewser]

Maybe A Franklin Stove wood suffice.

 

[Arachnopotamus Rex]

The easiest solution I found was to keep the room itself at the middle of the appropriate temp range by turning the house's heat to that. Its not cheap, and if you can't counter it in the rest of the house with ac units and magnetic vent covers in other rooms, its not very practical (unless you like it hot - I don't), but it does work.

A space heater might be cheaper, but I too worry about it being a fire hazard,
Plants also help keep the humidity up for species that need it.