Beginner Species I Like + Questions.

Mitchel

Arachnosquire
Joined
Sep 29, 2018
Messages
123
Okay, so I've narrowed down a few beginner species from some lists that I've read on here. I just have some general questions about their care:

Eupalaestrus campestratus.
Grammostola pulchra.
Lasiodora parahybana.
Aphonopelma chalcodes.
Brachypelma auratum.

Brachypelma hamorii.
Brachypelma smithi.

It may be a lot to ask, but I want to know:

1. If they need moist substrate.
2. How big they get.
3. How long they live (mainly the females).
4. What kind of enclosure they'll need.
5. Any care specific to the species.
6. Anything else important that I need to know.

I already know the care for the B. smithi and B. hamorii, so that's why they're not bolded. If you don't want to answer for all of them, you can just pick any of the bolded ones. Just as long as I get answers for each from someone.
 

ccTroi

Arachnobaron
Joined
Mar 27, 2017
Messages
340
You can never go wrong with an LP.
1. don’t need moist substrate
2. 8.5” give or take
3. from slings, i expect 10-15yrs
4. a 5gal would be enough for an adult
5. nope. very tolerable of husbandry mistakes and a very durable species
6. grows quick, great feeding response, out in the open
 

Nightstalker47

Arachnoking
Joined
Jul 2, 2016
Messages
2,612
Top four all need somewhat moist sub as slings, the chalcodes, auratum and pulchra can be dried out more and more as they grow. The campestratus and LP will always require a little moisture throughout their lifespan, but are still quite hardy and can handle droughts fairly well.

All of those spiders are 5-6'' range on average other then the LP which usually hit 7-8''.

Enclosures should be terrestrial, good burrowing depth, hide and water dish...super simple.

Welcome to the hobby.
 

antinous

Pamphopharaoh
Old Timer
Joined
Mar 28, 2013
Messages
1,668
Everyone already hit on the care/moisture requirements, but just to let you know the entire name should be italicized eg. Brachypelma smithi

All of these questions could be looked up easily by using the search button to save you some time.

Welcome to the hobby
 

Mitchel

Arachnosquire
Joined
Sep 29, 2018
Messages
123
You can never go wrong with an LP.
1. don’t need moist substrate
2. 8.5” give or take
3. from slings, i expect 10-15yrs
4. a 5gal would be enough for an adult
5. nope. very tolerable of husbandry mistakes and a very durable species
6. grows quick, great feeding response, out in the open
Would a mesh top hurt a T's feet?
 

weibkreux

Arachnoknight
Joined
Feb 26, 2018
Messages
232
they can also 'chew' or bend the mesh with their fangs
No doubt. With the way I'm hearing my Brachypelma hamorii trying to "chew" the plastic cover of her bin, its definitely possible for them to make a hole if you use a mesh top.
Good luck to mine making a dent with the plastic cover. :rofl:
 

antinous

Pamphopharaoh
Old Timer
Joined
Mar 28, 2013
Messages
1,668
Is there anything you recommend?
What size of tarantula is it? If it’s a sling/juvie that’s 1-3” I keep them in 16 oz deli cups with ventilation holes made by a soldering iron. If it’s 3”-5” I’ll transfer them to a 6 qt. Sterilite tub with holes made the same way. Anything larger will be rehoused in an appropriately sized bin.
 
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Ultum4Spiderz

Arachnoemperor
Arachnosupporter
Joined
Oct 13, 2011
Messages
4,547
You can never go wrong with an LP.
1. don’t need moist substrate
2. 8.5” give or take
3. from slings, i expect 10-15yrs
4. a 5gal would be enough for an adult
5. nope. very tolerable of husbandry mistakes and a very durable species
6. grows quick, great feeding response, out in the open
These are the hardiest, and so is rest of there genus.
All arid desert species like g rosea :angelic:also are pretty hard tough as nails.
Lp is like a tank!!!:wacky:
I like to give slings some water in substrate until big enough for water dish.
Gbb Is a tough colorful T also.
 
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Ultum4Spiderz

Arachnoemperor
Arachnosupporter
Joined
Oct 13, 2011
Messages
4,547
3"-5" to start.
Care for a T that size is a lot easier then some slings . At 3” a midsized tank at 5” probably an adult sized tank. Now to decide which one or ones you want .:cat: to specify the care !!
Oh other people already said what to do , these all like it dry only one that will tolerate some wetness is Lp. Tho they do fine dry actually.
Some of lp in will add water and slowly Let it dry , others are always dry.
 
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