Enclosure size for large terrestrials

[TheHound]

I have an X Immanis and L parahybana, the former of which will soon need to go in his forever enclosure. I've researched recommended enclosure sizes, and am getting conflicting information as to how big an enclosure both of these really need as adults.

Can someone please advise as to mininum and ideal enclosure sizes for these two species when fully grown? I would appreciate dimensions (in CM or inches), rather than capacity (e.g. gallons).

If you are can recommend anything specific (available in the UK) that would be fantastic, also.

 

[Andrew Clayton]

I have an X Immanis and L parahybana, the former of which will soon need to go in his forever enclosure. I've researched recommended enclosure sizes, and am getting conflicting information as to how big an enclosure both of these really need as adults.

Can someone please advise as to mininum and ideal enclosure sizes for these two species when fully grown? I would appreciate dimensions (in CM or inches), rather than capacity (e.g. gallons).

If you are can recommend anything specific (available in the UK) that would be fantastic, also.

3 to 4 times there DLS for floor space. No more that 1.5x DLS from top of substrate to ceiling of enclosure. Sure you can work out sizes from that. Custom aquaria and thespidershop in the UK both sell enclosures.

 

[TheHound]

3 to 4 times there DLS for floor space.

By this do you mean length? So for these species length should be 30-40 inches? I'm aware of the rule of thumb but it seems to translate into excessive size for these species, but if that's what's truly advised I want to confirm so I can look into getting the right thing.

What about width?

 

[Andrew Clayton]

By this do you mean length? So for these species length should be 30-40 inches? I'm aware of the rule of thumb but it seems to translate into excessive size for these species, but if that's what's truly advised I want to confirm so I can look into getting the right thing.

What about width?

20x10x12 is the average 10 gal size and 24x12x12 is the average 15 gal size, the 15 gal sizes should be good for them.

 

[TheHound]

20x10x12 is the average 10 gal size and 24x12x12 is the average 15 gal size, the 15 gal sizes should be good for them.

That's helpful, thanks. So 24x12x12 is a good size. I wasn't sure, because that is only around 2.5 times the spider's likely adult DLS, and not 3-4 times. Am I missing something?

 

[Andrew Clayton]

That's helpful, thanks. So 24x12x12 is a good size. I wasn't sure, because that is only around 2.5 times the spider's likely adult DLS, and not 3-4 times. Am I missing something?

The rule of thumb is just a generalisation, giving them that space would be ideal but it's not practical for most people.

 

[viper69]

By this do you mean length?

Diagonal Leg Span

 

[TheHound]

Diagonal Leg Span

I know what DLS means - I meant does 3-4 times their DLS equate to what the length of the enclosure should be, as he wrote "3 to 4 times there DLS for floor space" and, well, that means a 30 - 40 inch length enclosure, which his huge, but what I would aim for if truly advisable. It sounds like 26 inches is not uncommon for these species, though?

 

[Wolfram1]

i'd say minimum should be 40x30x30cm or better and more than large enough 60x40x40cm (LxWxH)

if they are well designed you can make a pretty good setup with little space, but 40x30cm at the base is already a pretty tight fit for such a large spider, so i would go with something larger if you can

you can always go larger, the sky is the limit, just pick something that fits into your space well.
larger terrariums are often too tall to be safe. I personally would not go higher than 40cm max and that with about a third of it filled with dirt. For the species you mentioned you won't need more than about 10cm of substrate, so 30cm should be tall enough.

if you go for a setup with doors make sure there is enough of a step below the rails to hold in the level of dirt you need.

 

[TheHound]

i'd say minimum should be 40x30x30cm or better and more than large enough 60x40x40cm (LxWxH)

if they are well designed you can make a pretty good setup with little space, but 40x30cm at the base is already a pretty tight fit for such a large spider, so i would go with something larger if you can

you can always go larger, the sky is the limit, just pick something that fits into your space well.
larger terrariums are often too tall to be safe. I personally would not go higher than 40cm max and that with about a third of it filled with dirt. For the species you mentioned you won't need more than about 10cm of substrate, so 30cm should be tall enough.

if you go for a setup with doors make sure there is enough of a step below the rails to hold in the level of dirt you need.

Thanks - this is very helpful.

Custom aquaria and thespidershop in the UK both sell enclosures.

Just a note on this, which I missed. I appreciate the recommendations. The Spider Shop don't seem to sell anything big enough. Custom Aquaria are on my radar - I was unsure if their ventliation was good enough, but you're the second person to recommend them to me in two days, so I think I'll definitely give them a ring.

I think there may be some Exo Terras around the right dimensions from memory, so will check them out too (I know the mesh top would need addressing).

 

[Andrew Clayton]

Y

Thanks - this is very helpful.



Just a note on this, which I missed. I appreciate the recommendations. The Spider Shop don't seem to sell anything big enough. Custom Aquaria are on my radar - I was unsure if their ventliation was good enough, but you're the second person to recommend them to me in two days, so I think I'll definitely give them a ring.

I think there may be some Exo Terras around the right dimensions from memory, so will check them out too (I know the mesh top would need addressing).

Yeah best phoning custom aquaria the guy isn't to hot with technology.

 

[viper69]

I know what DLS means - I meant does 3-4 times their DLS equate to what the length of the enclosure should be, as he wrote "3 to 4 times there DLS for floor space" and, well, that means a 30 - 40 inch length enclosure, which his huge, but what I would aim for if truly advisable. It sounds like 26 inches is not uncommon for these species, though?

Funny, but true. It could mean length or width, based on how everyone writes it. You’re the first I’ve seen ask if it’s L or W, good point.

I’d say most mean length- but as you said what about width.

I’ve always given them enough space so they can walk around. I keep an AF G pulchripes in an ExoTerra XL Breeder Box. The width could be wider sure. She actively uses 75% of the length generally.

Some people take the hide and bury it a bit and cover it all up to from a second level in the tank. It’s a smart way of maximizing space and giving them another place to explore etc

I’ve used it with smaller Ts. Some use it, and some seem not to.

 

[Brewser]

Provide Plenty of Room for Stretching Out Their Legs, Running Down Prey and Hide Aways.
Enjoy
Best to All Your Critters,