Complete beginner. Basic setup questions.

[Fearlessdawg]

Hi,

I am looking at getting either a Giant Asian or Ghost Mantis and am a little unsure of best solution for heating as from UK and in winter months house can get down to 60f if heating not always on (which it isn’t if sleeping or out).

Wanting it to be a bit a feature (and also tank possible having other uses later down line) so looking at the exo terra nano tall (8x8x12”).

I have read metal mesh lid not ideal and should be replaced for mantises. So was going to hot glue some fiber glass mesh over it, as don’t want to completely rip it out.

My main issue is really the heating side of it.

Thinking mat easiest and seems more universal for other inverts in future if choose to. Unsure what size best though. 6w, 6x11”?

However, for mantises it seems lamps would be best as they spend all time at top.

If lamp is way to go, what one? And what power?

There is two options. Either the nano canopy for that tank with the heat lamp bulb or the nano heat lamp.

Canopy
Canopy bulb

Nano dome

I would be getting a thermostat with any of these options.

Also would these lamps cause any issues with the hot melt and fiberglass lid fix?

Is the heating even necessary?

I’ve read so much conflicting info I really just don’t know what’s best solution for heating.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

[agent A]

Hi,

I am looking at getting either a Giant Asian or Ghost Mantis and am a little unsure of best solution for heating as from UK and in winter months house can get down to 60f if heating not always on (which it isn’t if sleeping or out).

60F is a LITTLE cool for most species. I'd say if you can shoot for 68 or higher, you're golden.

Wanting it to be a bit a feature (and also tank possible having other uses later down line) so looking at the exo terra nano tall (8x8x12”).

I'd be cautious about that size for a single mantis, especially if you get it at a young age. For an i4 and up Hierodula, you're probably fine. However, tiny nymphs shouldn't be overhoused

I have read metal mesh lid not ideal and should be replaced for mantises. So was going to hot glue some fiber glass mesh over it, as don’t want to completely rip it out.

I'd recommend cheesecloth or window mesh/screening

My main issue is really the heating side of it.

Thinking mat easiest and seems more universal for other inverts in future if choose to. Unsure what size best though. 6w, 6x11”?

However, for mantises it seems lamps would be best as they spend all time at top.

If lamp is way to go, what one? And what power?

There is two options. Either the nano canopy for that tank with the heat lamp bulb or the nano heat lamp.

Canopy
Canopy bulb

Nano dome

so here are my thoughts. Heat mats are bad. They don't last very long and can be hazardous, even if used with a thermostat. i use heat tape. the disadvantage to this is you have to manually hook it up to a wire/plug yourself, but it's pretty easy
For the heat tape, I generally aim for a temp and set the tape to 10 degrees higher, so the top of the cage is actually the temp I want it. Heat lamps can be problematic because they really dry up the air and can burn the feet of something. Also, air space between the bulb and the air within the cage really dissipates extra heat away, so you'd need a pretty strong bulb. I switched to heat tape and I'm glad I did!

I would be getting a thermostat with any of these options.

Also would these lamps cause any issues with the hot melt and fiberglass lid fix?

Idk what hot melt is, but heat lamps can melt hot glue

Is the heating even necessary?

yes. 60F is a bit too cold for those 2 species. only temperate or high-altitude species should be kept at temps this low. otherwise, you risk the animal being unable to properly feed itself

I’ve read so much conflicting info I really just don’t know what’s best solution for heating.

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

 

[hibiscusmile]

All good advice. I dont know what kind of refridgerator you have or tv or radio, but the older ones, put off a lot of heat, that would be a good place for it. Feel around and see what you come up with.