10 replies to this topic

[Jadeninja9]

I want to speed up the development of my Lasius alienus colonies' brood with a 15w heat cable because they take forever. But, I saw that for Lasius neoniger, whose care is the same as alienus, the recommended temperature is 65-75F. Would this be a bad idea since a 15w heat cable would definitely be over 65-75F? Thanks. 

[drtrmiller]

Lasius alienus, L. neoniger, and similar species are considered mesothermophiles, meaning they prefer moderate temperatures of temperate zones.  While 65-75 F would be okay for this species, you may find that the ants will prefer to keep their pupae in warmer parts of the nest to speed development, particularly as the colony grows.

 

A heating cable will provide local areas of increased temperature, allowing the ants to choose which temperature zone they prefer.  Take care not to wrap the cable around or use too much in one spot, but simply place it on certain small areas of the nest, to heat up a small portion.

 

Those wishing to purchase a heating cable may do so here:

Heating Cables on Amazon

Edited by drtrmiller, June 9 2018 - 8:58 PM.

[Jadeninja9]

Lasius alienus, L. neoniger, and similar species are considered mesothermophiles, meaning they prefer moderate temperatures of temperate zones. While 65-75 F would be okay for this species, you may find that the ants will prefer to keep their pupae in warmer parts of the nest to speed development, particularly as the colony grows.

A heating cable will provide local areas of increased temperature, allowing the ants to choose which temperature zone they prefer. Take care not to wrap the cable around or use too much in one spot, but simply place it on certain small areas of the nest, to heat up a small portion.

Those wishing to purchase a heating cable may do so here:
Heating Cables on Amazon

Thanks. Will placing the heat cable at the tip of the test tube be alright?

[drtrmiller]

Yes, the open end of the test tube.  You do not want to heat up the water side, which may cause the water and gas to expand and leak out.  Use tape to secure the cable.

[T.C.]

Speaking of heating cables, does anyone know how hot they get? I know heating Matts can get quite warm.

[Jadeninja9]

Yes, the open end of the test tube. You do not want to heat up the water side, which may cause the water and gas to expand and leak out. Use tape to secure the cable.

Thanks for the help, man.

[drtrmiller]

Speaking of heating cables, does anyone know how hot they get? I know heating Matts can get quite warm.

 

About 10 F above ambient.  So if the room is 70 F, then the part where the cable touches will be about 80 F.

[Barristan]

 

Speaking of heating cables, does anyone know how hot they get? I know heating Matts can get quite warm.

 

About 10 F above ambient.  So if the room is 70 F, then the part where the cable touches will be about 80 F.

 

 

But this also depends on how much ventilation there is around the cable + how long and thick the wire is and how much watts the cable has. A 10 meter heating cable with 15 W power will become not as hot as a 2 meter heating cable with 15 W too.

I've seen people melting their nests with both heating cables and heating mats. So in general you should be quite careful especially if you cover the cable/mat from all sides.

Edited by Barristan, June 10 2018 - 12:45 AM.

[drtrmiller]

 

 

Speaking of heating cables, does anyone know how hot they get? I know heating Matts can get quite warm.

 

About 10 F above ambient.  So if the room is 70 F, then the part where the cable touches will be about 80 F.

 

 

But this also depends on how much ventilation there is around the cable + how long and thick the wire is and how much watts the cable has. A 10 meter heating cable with 15 W power will become not as hot as a 2 meter heating cable with 15 W too.

I've seen people melting their nests with both heating cables and heating mats. So in general you should be quite careful especially if you cover the cable/mat from all sides.

 

 

While I can't speak for any products sold in Europe, the Zoo Med heating cables sold in the US are available in various lengths and wattages.  But it's important to note that they all emit roughly the same wattage per length.  Naturally, a longer cable of silicone-insulated nichrome wire will draw more power to achieve the same effect as a shorter cable.  Consequently, people in the US should buy a cable that meets their length requirements, because the displayed wattage doesn't really have anything to do with heat.

[CoolColJ]

Speaking of heating cables, does anyone know how hot they get? I know heating Matts can get quite warm.

 

My 15w one does not get all that warm, but the ants notice.

It is just warm to the touch, like something was left in the sun for a few mins

Edited by CoolColJ, June 10 2018 - 3:46 PM.

[PaxxMantid]

Has anyone heated a mini-hearth with a heating cable? The one where the foraging area is mounted on top of the nest section. I'm trying to figure out the best way to offer some warmth without heating the whole thing.