How do I modify the Zilla Critter Cage?

[ASIS2019]

I am new to Ts and I just got an Aphonopelma seemanni yesterday. When I was reading through past forums I saw how I should modify my Zilla critter cage with acrylic. My question is how do I secure the acrylic in the top and what thickness of acrylic should I get. Also, how much ventilation should I place in the lid? Just want the best home for my furry friend! Thanks!

 

[ASIS2019]

Also, any other reccomendations?

 

[Colorado Ts]

A. seemanni are a personal favorite of mine.

This species likes to burrow, so you need a substrate that will support burrowing. Your current substrate looks to be very loose packed. I don't know if will allow for burrowing. You also have a lot of available glass between substrate and lid. When your spider climbs the sides of the enclosure, a fall could prove fatal. Consider adding more substrate so that there is less real estate between substrate and lid, no more than 2 times the leg span of the spider.

Is the substrate moist in areas, this will help with moulting when that time comes...

 

[ASIS2019]

A. seemanni are a personal favorite of mine.

This species likes to burrow, so you need a substrate that will support burrowing. Your current substrate looks to be very loose packed. I don't know if will allow for burrowing. You also have a lot of available glass between substrate and lid. When your spider climbs the sides of the enclosure, a fall could prove fatal. Consider adding more substrate so that there is less real estate between substrate and lid, no more than 2 times the leg span of the spider.

Is the substrate moist in areas, this will help with moulting when that time comes...

Thank you so much! Ok, I will get more substrate and pack it down. And the substrate is moist, but I was wondering how to tell if it's adequate moisture (not too wet, not too dry)

 

[Colorado Ts]

Periodically overflow the water dish when you fill it. Then let it dry out, and then move the water dish and overflow it again.

 

[Asgiliath]

What kind of substrate is that, OP?

You might need to get an entirely different kind. I’m not sure you’ll be able to pack it down properly.

Coco fiber or topsoil are the most highly recommended.

 

[ASIS2019]

What kind of substrate is that, OP?

You might need to get an entirely different kind. I’m not sure you’ll be able to pack it down properly.

Coco fiber or topsoil are the most highly recommended.

It is Coco fiber. They reccomended that I get the block that you rehydrate. I rehydrated it about 2 weeks ago bc I didn't want it to be too damp. Should I get a different type? I am very open to suggestions!

 

[ASIS2019]

Periodically overflow the water dish when you fill it. Then let it dry out, and then move the water dish and overflow it again.

Great! Thank you

 

[Vanisher]

Yes coco fibre seems to be a common substrate in the USA. In Sweden it is very few that use it, if any. I havnt heard of anybody that is using it

 

[newscorpionowner]

It is Coco fiber. They reccomended that I get the block that you rehydrate. I rehydrated it about 2 weeks ago bc I didn't want it to be too damp. Should I get a different type? I am very open to suggestions!

I've used the brick before and the bag, I prefer the bag over the brick, you still add water just the same, I've just liked or had better luck with the bag. Imo

 

[ASIS2019]

I've used the brick before and the bag, I prefer the bag over the brick, you still add water just the same, I've just liked or had better luck with the bag. Imo

Since I need to get more anyway, maybe I'll get the bag and mix it together?

 

[newscorpionowner]

Since I need to get more anyway, maybe I'll get the bag and mix it together?

Yeah, also if you plan on getting more critters having some to spare is good, in my area they offer two sizes in the bag, I'd go for the larger bag and enjoy the leftover substrate

 

[Asgiliath]

It is Coco fiber. They reccomended that I get the block that you rehydrate. I rehydrated it about 2 weeks ago bc I didn't want it to be too damp. Should I get a different type? I am very open to suggestions!

It probably looked odd because it was the bricked kind. I’ve never used that. I like coco fiber but if you want a much cheaper option, just go for topsoil.

Only reason I don’t use topsoil is because coco fiber is so much lighter. (I have a physical disability so it’s much easier to get the enclosures down and carry them with it.)

 

[ASIS2019]

It probably looked odd because it was the bricked kind. I’ve never used that. I like coco fiber but if you want a much cheaper option, just go for topsoil.
Yeah, the brick kind seems chunkier than than bag kind. I was worried that he wouldn't like it as much. I'll get the bagged from now on.
Only reason I don’t use topsoil is because coco fiber is so much lighter. (I have a physical disability so it’s much easier to get the enclosures down and carry them with it.)