Pacman acting strangely lately

[Arie]

Thank you for your response. I should have mentioned that I gut load his crickets and I dust them every two feedings with Zoo Med Repti-Calcium. Should I be dusting them more/less often or with a different product? I have increased his temperature so hopefully that will help him.

[John]

The dusting sound fine. I would think his issues are probably related to the temperature being on the low side over a long period of time. Have you tried him with earthworms?

[Jcal]

Temp does make a huge difference. I raised my temps lately and noticed an instant change.

Question about worms john. You said the ones from wally world are safe?

[Arie]

What is the best source of heat to deliver a consistent temperature? Would an over-the-tank heat lamp be better/worse than a heat pad for example? I'm currently using a heat pad, but if there's something better, I can switch it up.

[John]

Question about worms john. You said the ones from wally world are safe?

I have used their Nightcrawlers for years. Purchased them in Texas, Massachusetts, Kansas, Ohio, New York, no problems. I am sure they have different sources throughout the country but the great thing about Nightcrawlers (which, despite being called "Canadian" are usually the European Earthworm, Lumbricus terrestris) is that they are relatively sensitive to pollutants, insecticides, etc, compared to other earthworms, so they're generally safe to use as food for frogs.

What is the best source of heat to deliver a consistent temperature? Would an over-the-tank heat lamp be better/worse than a heat pad for example? I'm currently using a heat pad, but if there's something better, I can switch it up.

As long as the heat source is not under the pacman then it isn't too bad. The problem with heat lamps is that they dry the substrate out very quickly. You would need to take precautions to keep humidity up if you use a heat lamp. I generally recommend a heatpad on the side of the tank instead of under it, but if you must put it under the substrate, only cover 1/3 or less of the bottom of the tank with it.

[Arie]

I got his temperature up. He is looking a bit better and did eat something. He hasn't flipped over again since so that's good news. I guess time will tell if he can pull through. I appreciate all the help and really wish I had found this forum when I first bought Eugene!

[demeteraurion]

I use a small heat mat on the side and a low wattage bulb on top, a great trick I've found is to put a plant or vine right under the light, then only bits of light hit the bottom but it still keeps the heat up. Sort of like how it would be in their natural environment.