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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Whitelightning777" data-source="post: 133512" data-attributes="member: 26980">Just make sure the heat source is to the side or above the T, never below it. Monitor the temperature closely to avoid any hotspots.Set up an empty enclosure identical to the occupied ones in order to measure and be safe. Do use a thermometer, digital or the kind that tapes directly to the acrylic or glass and watch them carefully.If you screw up, the results can be fatal!!Less is more and a spread out gentle heat gradient is what you want. I can send more detailed instructions.The benefits are faster growth, less inclination to climb the walls and hang upside down upon the roof and less of a chance of feeders overpowering the T. Many feeders are more cold tolerant then tarantulas.Disadvantages are increased food requirements, increased defensiveness/aggression (which with a highly venomous species is nothing to joke about) & perhaps a shorter life for males.I strongly suspect that more frequent molts and increased effectiveness of venom also occur but there isn't enough research out there to prove it.To pacify my Ts prior to maintenance, I simply turn off the heaters for an hour, really really slows them down, but they are still plenty fast.Overall, it's probably best to move the cages into a warmer area of the home, especially if it's 75 degrees Fahrenheit or even slightly above first.Sadly enough, in my home the roommate requires unusually cool temps that make it impossible to lounge around with a T-shirt and shorts. I need a bathrobe and sweat pants just to sleep.  Usually if you're A-ok lounging around wearing very light or even no clothing, the Ts are fine as well.</blockquote>

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