New Starter 101 questions

[Taz Devil]

I am fairly new to this (I owned a few Indian stick insects some 30+ years ago) and would appreciate some input as to the best (but cheap) setup for someone starting out in the world of stick insects.

At the moment my shopping list currently contains:-

Medium Sized Aquarium (but I have been told to go for a specially designed stick cage with netting)

Heat Pad (I'd prefer the pad as to the bulb option)

Thermometer

Fine Mist Spray Bottle

Oasis sponge

Peat (I've been told that this should be used over compost because of the possible insecticides used in compost)

I have Private, Ivy and Holly leaves on my doorstep (well the holly tree is in the garden, the ivy is all over next doors garden wall and the private is in the back garden)

The Aquarium (bug house) will be kept on a low table in the living room, it will by near the window for daylight but no direct sunlight will be able to reach it.

Any advice on the type of housing, best place to buy and any other help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Ian]

I find the best housing for starters are the plastic fish tanks from Wilkinson's. They are about £5, and will be find to house them in for the life span of the stick.

A fine layer of peat at the bottom should be fine, although I always found it easier not to use substrate, as it made collecting eggs much easier (and droppings didn't tend to mould over).

As for the oasis, just always make sure it's wet to get the best life span out of your food types.