Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello all, I was wondering if someone could answer a question I have? I'm trying to find a way to provide supplimental heating for my Chinese, African, and Carolina Mantises. The people I live with keep the house in the 60's & 70's farenheight and will darn near kill anyone who tampers with the thermostat. These cool temperatures are stunting my Mantis's growth rates (I have a male Chinese Mantis who hatched back in May that's still L6), so I figured that to stop the fighting over the thermostat, I could use some supplimental heating. I can't use an under-cage heating pad because the cages are plastic Kritter Keepers which could melt if they got too hot, and they're on top of a wooden dresser which could catch fire. Therefore I was planning on using a heat lamp like those used for keeping Reptiles, mounted at an appropriate distance so the Mantises could get the optimal heating, but not roast to death. Would this be a good setup, or should I try something else? Also, how far from the cages should the light be? I look forward to everyone's responses, and wish you all well.
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Give me Mantises, or give me death!

A small clamp light should work. Get a low wattage heat/UV light for reptiles. But you will have to find a way to clamp it to something. Or maybe get a space heater for the entire room. My room also houses a few computers so it stays warmer.