Temp's too extreme?

[TheJuicyFruit]

Hello!

If you've seen my intro thread, I'm in the pre-steps of getting my first T, and I'm worried that my house will be too cold in the winter, and too hot in the summer. Winter night temps get to be 52-58, depending on the month, and the time, while summer day temps can be 92-102 (All inside my house). For the winter, a space heater is not really an option, because even on low, they seem to blow a fuse (Not to mention the electricity bill).

For the cold temps, I've done some looking into insulation, and have found that some people for aquariums use Styrofoam on the sides to insulate it, has anyone tried this with t's?

As for summer, I'm able to use fans, and air circulation to get a few degrees cooler, but I think I'll need something a bit more substantial for the heat waves. I'd like to get a year-round plan set up before I start bringin' them in.

Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks for your time.

 

[Denny Dee]

How many T's do you own? What type (i.e. desert, tropical, etc.)?

 

[TheJuicyFruit]

Currently none. I want to get a G rosea first, however I want to make sure that I can hold safe temps for it first.

 

[Tomoran]

I would say that both the low and high temps are too extreme, even for a hearty species like a G. rosea. You would definitely want to bring down those temps in the summer to mid-80s, and for the winter months, I wouldn't let it dip past the mid-to-high 60s (mine gets down to 68).

Is there a particular room in the house that is easier to temperature control? Space heaters are obviously ideal, but you can't go popping fuses. I've used a ceramic heating bulb in a smaller room to raise the temps a bit. When I did this, I hung the lamp in the middle of the room and NOT over the cage. It's not perfect, but it's a thought. I, personally, don't like to use heat mats of any kind, but others might have a different experiences. An air conditioner might be necessary in the summer, but you don't want it to be too cool during the normally hot months.

You might want to do some experimenting to see which room would be best, then work from there.

 

[TheJuicyFruit]

There is a room that's a tiny bit easier to cool down, but harder to keep warm, however it's currently occupied by a very arachnophobic person.

An AC is something I've looked into in the past, and I'm not ready to spend that kind of dough, assuming I could get it to work in this apartment.

The situation seems to be getting increasingly bleak. :[

 

[Denny Dee]

This is a perfect situation for heat mats or pads. I use a layer of clay balls separated with a fine mesh so the T's never "overheat". Not very expensive. As long as you can solve the heat problem in the summer, you should be able to house and raise any T species.

 

[TheJuicyFruit]

I will certainly look into that, thank you, Denny!

I've got 4 fans (Two cheapies, two pretty nice ones), and my window is on the shaded side of my complex. Do you think I could get decent temperatures using some - all of these with my room door closed, during the hotter days of summer? Still looking for more methods, but I'm exploring all options.

 

[TheJuicyFruit]

Alright, I'm able to keep the room 80-82, with fans, while my house is 85-88. Summer days are usually above 90, with heat waves touching triple digits. A shame there are not cooling lamps, or cooling pads/mats. Still looking for a solution

 

[Denny Dee]

Can't help you there. I am spoiled with central air conditioning. Sounds brutal!

 

[TheJuicyFruit]

Well im going to be moving soon, a month or so, and with any luck my new place will be safer for t's Thought i might as well post some pictures of the enlosure, for your consideration.

Soon...

...soon.

 

[Denny Dee]

Well, I did find some room coolers but they are pricey. Moving may be cheaper!

 

[hellknite]

Anyone familiar with enclosed chambers which can simulate summer, winter, and any temperature and humidity??

 

[Denny Dee]

No. But I LIKE it . I would need to see the actual enclosure though. May not be compatible with inverts from an escape perspective.