Terrarium
Choosing and setting up the terrarium is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being of your tarantulas. Many factors play a role here, such as the size, shape, ventilation, and lighting of their habitat.
Ground dwellers
Tree dwellers
The format of the terrarium should be adapted to the habits of your tarantulas:
Horizontal terrarium
Ideal for terrestrial species that spend most of their time on the ground.
The size of the terrarium is crucial. It must be large enough for your tarantula to move around freely and spin its web without feeling cramped.
For ground dwellers, the length and width of the terrarium should be at least three times the span of the tarantulas (with legs extended).
It is possible that your tarantulas will continue to live in the enclosure in which you purchased them until their next molt. If in doubt, contact your breeder!
Good ventilation of the terrarium—through openings—is essential to maintain optimal air quality in the terrarium and prevent mold growth.
The openings should be large enough to ensure air exchange, but small enough to prevent the animal from escaping.
Avoid wire mesh: Wire mesh, especially on the ceiling of the terrarium, poses a danger to tarantulas as they can get their legs or chelicerae stuck in it.
For terrestrial species, choose top openings to facilitate feeding and prevent substrate leakage.
Ensure that the terrarium closure is airtight to prevent escape. Use cardboard or window seals to fill any gaps.
Generally, tarantulas thrive at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F - 86°F). A common rule of thumb is: "If you are comfortable in a T-shirt, your tarantula probably is too." However, this rule has its limits, especially in European climates or older homes where temperatures can drop significantly at night or during winter.
Remember, husbandry is variable. Always adjust your setup based on your specific home environment and the needs of your spider. To help you with this, you can visit [this website] to find the natural habitat temperatures for your specific species.
Important Safety Guidelines:
The "Cold & Wet" Danger:
Avoid combining low temperatures with high humidity. Tropical (moisture-dependent) species are extremely sensitive to cold, damp substrates, which can lead to rapid decline. Arid species are generally more resilient to temperature drops if their environment stays dry.
Heating Safely:
If your room temperature consistently drops below 18-19°C, external heating is necessary. Space Heating: It is often safer to heat the entire room or the area around the enclosure rather than applying heat directly to the tank.
No Under-Tank Heat:
Never place heating mats under the enclosure. Tarantulas burrow to escape heat; if the heat comes from below, they will dig deeper and may suffer fatal burns or dehydration.
Thermostats are Mandatory:
If you use any heating device (heat tape, mats, or space heaters), you must use a high-quality thermostat and a reliable thermometer to prevent overheating.
If you want to illuminate your terrarium, you should use LEDs, as these do not generate heat. Never place an LED strip or light bulb directly in front of the terrarium.
Hiding places are essential for the well-being of your tarantulas. They give them a sense of security and provide them with a quiet place where they can molt.
Cork tubes are particularly suitable as they offer several cavities and can be adapted to the size of your arachnid. Upside-down flower pots, coconuts, or other natural elements are also suitable, as long as you take care to ensure that they do not have any sharp edges that could injure the animal.
If mold forms on the hiding places, it will usually disappear on its own when the humidity drops (often due to overly moist substrate).
The choice of substrate is crucial for the well-being of your tarantulas. It should replicate the species' natural environment as closely as possible and allow them to burrow, hide, and regulate humidity. Some species require a more humid substrate than others. Find out about the specific needs of your tarantula. Many special substrates for reptiles are available in stores. They offer good moisture retention and are suitable for digging, and are generally suitable for tarantulas.
The amount of substrate depends on the species of tarantula. For ground-dwelling species, fill the terrarium so that there is a height of about 1.5 times the wingspan of the tarantulas between the floor and the ceiling. This prevents injuries in the event of a fall and provides sufficient space for digging.
The water dish is an essential element when setting up a tarantula terrarium. It serves as both a water dish and helps to maintain sufficient humidity in the environment. It is extremely important to change the water regularly—to prevent bacterial growth—and to check that the water dish is always full.
The size of the container is crucial: it should be wide enough for the arachnid to easily dip its chelicerae into it, but not too deep to prevent drowning.
In terms of material, you should choose smooth, non-porous but easy-to-clean materials such as glass or ceramic. Well-cleaned plastic bottle caps can also serve this purpose.
A bowl of water is not always necessary for young tarantulas. A damp piece of sphagnum moss, sprayed once or twice a week, is sufficient to maintain the correct humidity and provide the arachnid with an accessible source of water.
The spray can be used to fill the bowl with water or to moisten the substrate. It is important to maintain adequate humidity (some species require high humidity, others low). Be careful not to spray the spider directly.
In any case, make sure that the water bowl is always full.
The tweezers are suitable for moving and removing molts and bolus (prey remains) as well as for placing live prey in the terrarium.
The brush is suitable for contact with the spider (always use the soft side).
For your first tarantula, you should choose non-toxic artificial plants. These are easy to care for and do not require any special conditions, which makes keeping the terrarium much easier. If you still want to use real plants, you should make sure that they come from organic producers and do not contain any pesticides or chemicals. Specialist shops for aquatic plants or exchanges can be good sources.
When it comes to decoration, you can let your creativity run wild! However, choose elements with rounded shapes and no sharp edges so that your arachnid cannot injure itself.
Caution
Be sure to avoid collecting natural elements (wood, stones) from the outdoors, as these may be contaminated with pesticides or parasites (unless they have been properly treated beforehand).
To keep the environment clean, you can introduce “cleaners” such as Dwarf white isopods or springtails into the terrarium. These small arthropods feed on organic material and help to break down feces and food residues.
Tarantulas are very clean animals that take care of their own environment. Cleaning the terrarium is often limited to removing food residues and any mold with tweezers. It is important not to disturb the animal unnecessarily and to avoid cleaning too often, as this could stress the animal.
The environment surrounding the terrarium plays a crucial role in the well-being of your tarantulas.
Stable temperature & ventilation
Maintain a constant temperature that suits the needs of your species. Ensure that the terrarium is well ventilated to prevent mold growth. (Briefly ventilate the room where the terrarium is located every day).
Lighting
Never expose the terrarium to direct sunlight and avoid overly intense artificial light sources.
Chemicals
It is important to keep household products, perfumes, candles, and cigarettes away from the terrarium. The fumes from these products can be toxic to your tarantulas.
To sum up, the setup of the terrarium needs to be tailored to the specific needs of each species of tarantula. By following the advice above, you can provide your eight-legged friend with a healthy and comfortable environment.
The size of the terrarium should be adapted to the habits of your tarantulas:
Vertical terrarium:
More suitable for tree-dwelling species that need vertical space to move around and spin their webs.
The size of the terrarium is crucial. It must be large enough for your tarantula to move around freely and spin its web without feeling cramped.
For tree dwellers, the height of the terrarium should be at least three times the span of the tarantulas (with legs extended).
It is possible that your tarantulas will continue to live in the enclosure in which you purchased them until their next molt. If in doubt, contact your breeder!
Good ventilation of the terrarium—through openings—is essential to maintain optimal air quality in the terrarium and prevent mold growth.
The openings should be large enough to ensure air exchange, but small enough to prevent the animal from escaping.
Avoid wire mesh: Wire mesh, especially on the ceiling of the terrarium, poses a danger to tarantulas as they can get their legs or chelicerae stuck in it.
For tree-dwelling species, avoid upper openings to protect their webs.
Ensure that the terrarium closure is tight to prevent escape. Use cardboard or window seals to fill any gaps.
Generally, tarantulas thrive at temperatures between 20°C and 30°C (68°F - 86°F). A common rule of thumb is: "If you are comfortable in a T-shirt, your tarantula probably is too." However, this rule has its limits, especially in European climates or older homes where temperatures can drop significantly at night or during winter.
Remember, husbandry is variable. Always adjust your setup based on your specific home environment and the needs of your spider. To help you with this, you can visit [this website] to find the natural habitat temperatures for your specific species.
Important Safety Guidelines:
The "Cold & Wet" Danger:
Avoid combining low temperatures with high humidity. Tropical (moisture-dependent) species are extremely sensitive to cold, damp substrates, which can lead to rapid decline. Arid species are generally more resilient to temperature drops if their environment stays dry.
Heating Safely:
If your room temperature consistently drops below 18-19°C, external heating is necessary. Space Heating: It is often safer to heat the entire room or the area around the enclosure rather than applying heat directly to the tank.
No Under-Tank Heat:
Never place heating mats under the enclosure. Tarantulas burrow to escape heat; if the heat comes from below, they will dig deeper and may suffer fatal burns or dehydration.
Thermostats are Mandatory:
If you use any heating device (heat tape, mats, or space heaters), you must use a high-quality thermostat and a reliable thermometer to prevent overheating.
If you want to illuminate your terrarium, you should use LEDs, as these do not generate heat. Never place an LED strip or light bulb directly in front of the terrarium.
Hiding places are essential for the well-being of your tarantulas. They give them a sense of security and provide them with a quiet place where they can molt.
Cork tubes are particularly suitable as they offer several cavities and can be adapted to the size of your arachnid. Upside-down flower pots, coconuts, or other natural elements are also suitable, as long as you take care to ensure that they do not have any sharp edges that could injure the animal.
For tree-dwelling species, you must always provide a piece or tube of vertical bark, placed in a corner of the terrarium if possible, so that your tarantula can build its nest.
If mold forms on the hiding places, it will usually disappear on its own when the humidity drops (often when the substrate is too moist).
The choice of substrate is crucial for the well-being of your tarantulas. It should replicate the species' natural environment as closely as possible and allow them to burrow, hide, and regulate humidity. Some species require a more humid substrate than others. Find out about the specific needs of your tarantula. Many special substrates for reptiles are available in stores. They offer good moisture retention and are suitable for digging, and are generally suitable for tarantulas.
The amount of substrate depends on the species of tarantula. For tree-dwelling species, the depth of the substrate is less important. A layer of a few centimeters is usually sufficient.
The water dish is an essential element when setting up a tarantula terrarium. It serves as both a water dish and helps to maintain sufficient humidity in the environment. It is extremely important to change the water regularly—to prevent bacterial growth—and to check that the water dish is always full.
The size of the container is crucial: it should be wide enough for the arachnid to easily dip its chelicerae into it, but not too deep to prevent drowning.
In terms of material, you should choose smooth, non-porous but easy-to-clean materials such as glass or ceramic. Well-cleaned plastic bottle caps can also serve this purpose.
A bowl of water is not always necessary for young tarantulas. A damp piece of sphagnum moss, sprayed once or twice a week, is sufficient to maintain the correct humidity and provide the arachnid with an accessible source of water.
The spray can be used to fill the bowl with water or to moisten the substrate. It is important to maintain adequate humidity (some species require high humidity, others low). Be careful not to spray the spider directly.
In any case, make sure that the water bowl is always full.
The tweezers are suitable for moving and removing molts and bolus (prey remains) as well as for placing live prey in the terrarium.
The brush is suitable for contact with the spider (always use the soft side).
For your first tarantula, you should choose non-toxic artificial plants. These are easy to care for and do not require any special conditions, which makes keeping the terrarium much easier. If you still want to use real plants, you should make sure that they come from organic producers and do not contain any pesticides or chemicals. Specialist shops for aquatic plants or exchanges can be good sources.
When it comes to decoration, you can let your creativity run wild! However, choose elements with rounded shapes and no sharp edges so that your arachnid cannot injure itself.
Caution
Be sure to avoid collecting natural elements (wood, stones) from the outdoors, as these may be contaminated with pesticides or parasites (unless they have been properly treated beforehand).
To keep the environment clean, you can introduce “cleaners” such as Dwarf white isopods or springtails into the terrarium. These small arthropods feed on organic material and help to break down feces and food residues.
Tarantulas are very clean animals that take care of their own environment. Cleaning the terrarium is often limited to removing food residues and any mold with tweezers. It is important not to disturb the animal unnecessarily and to avoid cleaning too often, as this could stress the animal.
The environment surrounding the terrarium plays a crucial role in the well-being of your tarantulas.
Stable temperature & ventilation
Maintain a constant temperature that suits the needs of your species. Ensure that the terrarium is well ventilated to prevent mold growth. (Briefly ventilate the room where the terrarium is located every day).
Lighting
Never expose the terrarium to direct sunlight and avoid overly intense artificial light sources.
Chemicals
It is important to keep household products, perfumes, candles, and cigarettes away from the terrarium. The fumes from these products can be toxic to your tarantulas.
To sum up, the setup of the terrarium needs to be tailored to the specific needs of each species of tarantula. By following the advice above, you can provide your eight-legged friend with a healthy and comfortable environment.