Poec54
Arachnoemperor
- Joined
- Mar 26, 2013
- Messages
- 4,745
Sand used to be the substrate of choice in the hobby in the 1960's & 70's, when B smith was the dominant species and Aphonopelma were more commonly kept. Sand was used because no one knew better. Soils allow for the digging of retreats/tunnels, hold moisture better, are easier for spiders to walk on, and give a softer cushion when they fall from the sides of the cage. Species from dry or seasonally climates are better served by a more organic substrate. When dry, they also weigh less than sand, which is basically pulverized rock. When you use pure sand, you're saying to the spider: 'I've technically given you a substrate, but it's nothing you can work with like you do in the wild.'