A chalcodes sling enclosure

[MorbidArachnid]

So the full story is I was trying to get some CB Hadrurus arizonensis 2i from PNWarachnids as part of a larger ongoing experiment I'm doing, but he only had one left for sale so out of frustration and blind mania I finally decided to get that A chalcodes sling I've been debating for the last few months. Not sure exactly what size it is as it hasn't come in yet, seller listed it as 0.5" to 0.75". I might add more substrate assuming it's on the smaller side to reduce the height in the enclosure. Substrate is mix of peat moss and sand (like 20% sand if that...) and is packed down with two pieces of cork bark. Wondering what yall thought about ventilation for a tiny sling, I can cut a window in the top and glue mesh on if it needs more or just poke holes. Also cross ventilation? I've kept a T vagans, T albo, and a N. chromatus before, and started with them at 0.5" to 1" slings, but I haven't kept an arid species yet. Also wondering if you had any recommendations for tiny water dishes, or if those are needed for an arid tarantula at this stage or if just light misting would suffice. Thanks!

 

[Charliemum]

So the full story is I was trying to get some CB Hadrurus arizonensis 2i from PNWarachnids as part of a larger ongoing experiment I'm doing, but he only had one left for sale so out of frustration and blind mania I finally decided to get that A chalcodes sling I've been debating for the last few months. Not sure exactly what size it is as it hasn't come in yet, seller listed it as 0.5" to 0.75". I might add more substrate assuming it's on the smaller side to reduce the height in the enclosure. Substrate is mix of peat moss and sand (like 20% sand if that...) and is packed down with two pieces of cork bark. Wondering what yall thought about ventilation for a tiny sling, I can cut a window in the top and glue mesh on if it needs more or just poke holes. Also cross ventilation? I've kept a T vagans, T albo, and a N. chromatus before, and started with them at 0.5" to 1" slings, but I haven't kept an arid species yet. Also wondering if you had any recommendations for tiny water dishes, or if those are needed for an arid tarantula at this stage or if just light misting would suffice. Thanks!

I poke holes I don't trust cloth mesh with t's of any size, lots of holsys in the lid n that should be enough, you don't need it to be that damp for chalcodes either, mine have never enjoyed a damp sub even as a sling.
I would not worry too much about sub hight both my chalcodes have burrowed and all the sub they bring up needs to go somewhere, and slings seem to be good a filling those pots to the roof

 

[Brewser]

Tiny pin holes on the side starting slightly above substrate level.
More pin holes on the Lid.

 

[viper69]

Push pin for holes - KISS method esp with such a small thing.

Id keep it in a shallow condiment cup

 

[MorbidArachnid]

Push pin for holes - KISS method esp with such a small thing.

Id keep it in a shallow condiment cup

KISS method?

 

[Mike41793]

KISS method?

"Keep It Simple Stupid"

I say that to myself though and I think it's meant to remind ourselves to not overthink. So don't feel like you're being called stupid! Haha

I agree with what others said. Drier sub and more ventilation holes. They can chew through mesh as someone else said so I would avoid that.

I wouldn't give it any more substrate than that either because I don't want it burrowing so far down when it's that young. Once they're older if they burrow down to molt or hide for awhile, I don't worry about it as much. These grow slower than other species so it will probably be fine in that vial for awhile.

 

[MorbidArachnid]

"Keep It Simple Stupid"

I say that to myself though and I think it's meant to remind ourselves to not overthink. So don't feel like you're being called stupid! Haha

I agree with what others said. Drier sub and more ventilation holes. They can chew through mesh as someone else said so I would avoid that.

I wouldn't give it any more substrate than that either because I don't want it burrowing so far down when it's that young. Once they're older if they burrow down to molt or hide for awhile, I don't worry about it as much. These grow slower than other species so it will probably be fine in that vial for awhile.

NP, didn't take it that way at all! Thanks for the advice, also didn't know they could chew through mesh, wild considering their fang situation. I guess they can masticate prey tho, very interesting. And yea fully expecting this to be its home for the next few years, also I know spiders are way less hardier than scorps and have a lot more "failure to thrive"/random death cases when they're this young, so hopefully lucks on my side.

 

[viper69]

NP, didn't take it that way at all! Thanks for the advice, also didn't know they could chew through mesh, wild considering their fang situation. I guess they can masticate prey tho, very interesting. And yea fully expecting this to be its home for the next few years, also I know spiders are way less hardier than scorps and have a lot more "failure to thrive"/random death cases when they're this young, so hopefully lucks on my side.

If you search the forum you can find pics of them chewing right through it

 

[TheraMygale]

Just peat? I know its possible but peat can be very acidic. Maybe add some cocofiber in there to balance it out, and add structure.

i am speaking from my horticulturist background.

enclosure is fine but with all that substrate, you open up deep burrowing and hiding possibilites. Less control over feeding. If it really is small, you dont need more then 3x3x3 inches

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

I use top soil with coco but top and side ventilation is good. I’d mix peat with something else. Deli or condiment cup .