Good set up for Paraphrynus mexicanus/carolynae?

[LailaQ]

Hi! I’m getting two young Paraphrynus mexicanus/carolynae, and have zero experience. Been reading here and on the web on sites specific to Sonoran tailless whips. I’ve outfitted a 2.5gal glass tank with almost 2” of cocofiber/sand substrate—should be enough if they want to burrow (do they even do that?), two pieces of bark to hide under, and a large piece of vertical wood hot-glued to the back wall, for them to molt on. I have a water dish, and plan on spraying 1/4 of the enclosure for humidity. Does this setup look good?

Also, it has a screen lid—is this okay for them, or should I change it out for plexiglas like I have for the tarantulas I have in glass tanks? I know some whips like higher humidity, but I’m going off of the Sonoran area being pretty arid most of the time.
Lastly, if I want to put in some cleanup crew, would common pillbugs work? Or do I need a
specific species of isopod in this tank/with tailless whip spiders?

I want to make sure this enclosure is set up properly before they arrive tomorrow.
Thank you in advance!
Laila

 

[aphono]

Nice set up!

Haven't had this species for long(less than a year) so I am not confident on all of their care particulars.

What I am confident of: reduce substrate to give more vertical space. They don't need much substrate. More or less than about an inch is fine. They're not active diggers but would not be surprised if they do occasionally scrape a little bit to get under a solid surface if they feel insecure or if humidity gets too low. I would provide distinctly leaning spaces. Example- something like the cork piece on right propped up onto either the glass or onto the long piece in the back in left corner. They will molt just fine from an angle but if an option, they will show a strong preference for underside of a horizontal or a strongly leaning surface. They won't have issues dealing with wire screens. Having a water dish would be great.

Not confident of: The only concern I might have is high evaporation rates with the broad screen top on a shallow enclosure. As you said they come from dry areas, so... I keep mine far drier than most of the other amblypygi species however my carolynae are in food storage containers not in nice big beautiful set ups. Watch their behavior- if they are pressing down on the substrate or hanging out in the misted corner constantly, could be humidity issue. Either mist the wet area more often, enlarge the moist area and/or partially cover the screen top to hold in the humidity better. I would keep a dry side for them- mine seem to hate it whenever their enclosures were misted heavily or they stay on the 'dry' side if I only mist one side.

Personally I would not put common pillbugs or sowbugs- especially P. scaber with them as they can be a bit carnivorous and possibly pose a risk during molts. They're vulnerable during molts, possible the isos might nibble on or disturb them to the point they fall. An amblypygi that falls during a molt is simply done for. Dwarf white isopods(T. tomentosa) are supposed to be harmless and I do have them in many of the amblypygi enclosures. Not really necessary with this species though- spot cleaning should do the job nicely.

IME they are a very easy(many other amblypygi species are very fussy about humidity! Not carolynae.) and a great species. Rather active and seems almost curious. Don't worry if they might seem skittish and shy at first, they should settle in and allow you to see them more often.

Have fun and try not to get addicted!

@chanda

 

[Arthroverts]

@aphono, sshhh! We need more people addicted! What are you trying to do, wreck our whole plan to dominate the pet hobby and eventually the world through addiction to invertebrates?!? C'mon man!


Just kidding. I agree with all said above. Amblys will also molt from the screen at times, so having that available is good. The humidity advice is also sound, and is pretty much true from all amblys except when you know exactly what they need. I have kept Trichorhina tomentosa (Dwarf White's) in with whips before and they have done fine, but like stated above you want to avoid larger species, especially from the genus Porcellio for their protein-hungry habits.

Thanks,

Arthroverts

 

[LailaQ]

Thank you, everyone!
So, just to make sure I understand, these critters (attached random internet pic, listed as Armadillium vulgare) are NOT good in the tank? If not, I will have to find the three that are currently in there...

Are the Dwarf White isopods the best for this setup? If not the DWI, what specifically (specific species) would be good? And how many for a 2.5 gallon tank?
Thank you in advance!
Laila