12 replies to this topic

[SoloThisPlayer]

Are there any alternatives that i can do to have my tubes heated because my Invicta queen has brood but it seems like they are not developing at all. The queen had Pupae but i believe she ate them due to stress, I only check on her like twice a week now. If you guys have any alternatives, please post them down below!

[Kevin]

heating vents, water cooler, computers, lamps, anything that radiates heat.

[sgheaton]

I know you're looking for alternatives, but why not spend the $15 for the heating cable that's sold on Amazon and be worry free?

Edited by sgheaton, October 20 2016 - 6:31 AM.

[drtrmiller]

Heating cable on Amazon:

 

http://amzn.to/2e4D9Rf

[sgheaton]

I'm currently plugging/unplugging the cable myself on a "When I'm home/when I'm not home" basis. Not ideal as that is providing zero control on the situation. 

Would you recommend adding the thermostat controller option? I'd use an automatic timer like for lamps, but I'm cautious for that as there isn't a high temp shut off control feature.

[Antsinmycloset]

I really doubt you'd get a good setup using a thermostat and heating cables. If you wanted to heat a side of your formicariums with a heat mat, and use a thermostat there, that might be better. Just make sure you're getting an actual thermostat (I used an earlier model of this when culturing feeder insects) and not a glorified dimmer switch.

That said, I think the whole point of using a low wattage cable/mat is that it shouldn't be able to get dangerously hot under normal circumstances. Coupled with the fact it's only touching one side of the formicarium/test tubes, I would think you could leave it on all the time unless the room gets excessively hot.

[drtrmiller]

The benefit of using a heating cable is that the heat can be applied to a highly localized area.  As long as it's not snaking along the entire formicarium or doubling over on itself, the ants will have a range of temperatures, even in a small area, from which to choose.

 

When you consider a small formicarium or a test tube, a heating pad is far more difficult to position—it's usually either on top or bottom, and partial positioning is a flimsy proposition.  Even a low wattage one will heat to dangerously high levels for ants (+90F) if the ambient room temperature gets too warm.

[Crystals]

I use a 15 watt heat cable and leave it on all day with no issues. As Terry mentioned, if you heat just one small section, a heat gradient will form and they will put the brood at the optimal location.

Just watch it for a while at first to ensure that it doesn't get too warm. 

 

You can see my cable snaking its way along under formicariums and test tubes here:

http://s445.photobuc...8b8ab3.jpg.html

[CallMeCraven]

I use my heating cable, same as dr linked above, and just drape it over one end of the test tube inside a shoe box and she seems to select what side she prefers. I haven't noticed any signs of overheating. Crystals' pic also seems to be a good set up. 

[sgheaton]

I think I'm just assuming, "If I plug in this cable, its going to become a soldering iron and burn my desk!" Not saying that..that..ever happened or anything but it sounds like all ya'll have yours plugged in all the time with no problems. 

[drtrmiller]

Zoo Med heating cables are insulated in silicone rubber and designed for direct contact with animals such as reptiles. They don't get hot, just warm.

[sgheaton]

Good deal. Think I'm being over per-cautious then. The heating cable is truly a "no brainer" tool in the highly recommended anters toolbox. 

[Shareallicu]

I'm using a sunbeam heating pad and keep it on low.  It was designed to be used by humans, so I figured it had to be safe