drotski
Well-known member
I just wanted to share how I control the environment that I keep my mantids in. I built this one today, so now I have two so I can keep one cooler/warmer than the other.
Enclosure: 27"x19"x62" greenhouse kit from Home Depot (about $30).
Heating: Exo-terra 50w night heat bulb, controlled with a Zilla temperature controller.
Lighting 2x 4-watt dimmable LED strip lights, on a standard lamp timer.
Air circulation: cheap usb-powered "laptop cooling fan"
My bug room is in the basement, and I am able to maintain around 85 degrees in one, and about 70 in the other with this setup. I put a piece of glass on the wire shelves when I use smaller nymph cups.
If needed, I could easily put a small humidifier w/ humidistat in the bottom.
Enclosure: 27"x19"x62" greenhouse kit from Home Depot (about $30).
Heating: Exo-terra 50w night heat bulb, controlled with a Zilla temperature controller.
Lighting 2x 4-watt dimmable LED strip lights, on a standard lamp timer.
Air circulation: cheap usb-powered "laptop cooling fan"
My bug room is in the basement, and I am able to maintain around 85 degrees in one, and about 70 in the other with this setup. I put a piece of glass on the wire shelves when I use smaller nymph cups.
If needed, I could easily put a small humidifier w/ humidistat in the bottom.
