How to stop terrestrial T from climbing glass?

[TB3Redneck]

I just got another T(G. Pulchripes) and it doesnt really like the substrate right now because its damp. I know they dont like that, I just wanted to see what he'd do with it. As I assumed, he didnt like it, and climbed all the 20" to the top of the tank. Im keeping him in a large deli cup till the substrate dries, but I was wondering, can you stop them from climbing by using packing tape like for roaches? Im not too optimistic about it, but im just wondering if someone out there has an idea how. And Im using such a large tank because its the only one I had, and its an Exo-Terra(18"/18"/20"). I dont have the money to buy him a smaller tank right now soooo... any ideas

 

[Formerphobe]

Rule of thumb for terrestrials is to not allow their 'ceiling' to be higher than their legspan.

 

[TalonAWD]

Go to the 99 cents store and get a tupperware container that will be a decent size for the tarantula. That tank is much too large in height to EVER be safe for that specimen. Regardless of its size. If you wanted to insist on using it than I suggest you make that enclosure much more custom having multiple levels. I have made 15 Enclosure Creations that will help you on designing one that will not only make it unique but also make it much more safer for the specimen. Theres nothing you can do to the tank to prevent the tarantula from climbing. the only way is to make multiple floors like I have done to many of my Exoterra in my series of enclosure creations.

 

[satch]

I just got another T(G. Pulchripes) and it doesnt really like the substrate right now because its damp. I know they dont like that, I just wanted to see what he'd do with it. As I assumed, he didnt like it, and climbed all the 20" to the top of the tank. Im keeping him in a large deli cup till the substrate dries, but I was wondering, can you stop them from climbing by using packing tape like for roaches? Im not too optimistic about it, but im just wondering if someone out there has an idea how. And Im using such a large tank because its the only one I had, and its an Exo-Terra(18"/18"/20"). I dont have the money to buy him a smaller tank right now soooo... any ideas

i agree with Formerphobe also they will climb from time to time let them explore there set up!! But make sure they cant fall far!!

 

[Nanchantress]

can you stop them from climbing by using packing tape like for roaches

I'm not sure exactly what you mean by using packing tape, but I saw a post about someone's OBT getting stuck on a little piece of duct tape that was around the lid and I don't think the spider lived. Tape and hairy spider legs are not a good combination ::

 

[Formerphobe]

There's nothing you can do to the tank to prevent the tarantula from climbing. The only way is to make multiple floors...

+1
Or, put enough substrate in to make the floor to ceiling distance no more than the Ts legspan. Deep substrate allows them to burrow if they so choose.

 

[synyster]

1: Get a smaller tank
2: Add more sub

 

[webbedone]

Rule of thumb for terrestrials is to not allow their 'ceiling' to be higher than their legspan.

Its legspan + half of legspan actually

 

[TalonAWD]

1: Get a smaller tank
2: Add more sub

The OP states its an Exo-Terra enclosure. Cannot be done because of the opening doors.

I cannot beleive that packing tape was ever an option.

Your options are only the following...Do not use that enclosure or make the enclosure sutable via modification. And Option 2, Buy another enclosure that is sutable. Why take on the responsibility of having a tarantula and not having a "Proper" enclosure for it.

 

[Robin Da Hood]

Just build him a three level exo-terra with Plenty of levels to climb through and he will be fine. Look at the enclosure sub forum here you will see. Think Talon is the member that builds multi level terrestrial enclosure. Will be trying that soon. Good luck!

 

[pnshmntMMA]

Just build him a three level exo-terra with Plenty of levels to climb through and he will be fine. Look at the enclosure sub forum here you will see. Think Talon is the member that builds multi level terrestrial enclosure. Will be trying that soon. Good luck!

what he said! talonAWD has been VERY helpful to me so far, and his enclosure videos are an incredible guide, and have given me lots of ideas. cant wait to start messing around today with my LPs future home

 

[TB3Redneck]

Hey guys, Thanks for all the replies I just wanted some ideas from others. What ive done right now is take the lid from the top of the Exo-Terra and slid it down to the inside of the enclosure about 6-8 inches above the sub. It works perfectly until I get some supplies to fix it up and stuff. The T is actually cleaning itself right now lol. What I did to make him feel a little safer is I took the huge deli cup he was in, took the lid off, and set it in the cage, and he crawled right in it and is sitting in there. I was thinking about making a multiple story terrarium for him, but like I said I dont have the materials to do it right now :/ Oh well, as of right now theres no rush but I am gonna read into TalonAWD's guide Thanks

 

[synyster]

1: Get a smaller tank
2: Add more sub

The OP states its an Exo-Terra enclosure. Cannot be done because of the opening doors.

Exactly why option 1 came before option 2

 

[JayMadison]

Go to the 99 cents store and get a tupperware container that will be a decent size for the tarantula. That tank is much too large in height to EVER be safe for that specimen. Regardless of its size. If you wanted to insist on using it than I suggest you make that enclosure much more custom having multiple levels. I have made 15 Enclosure Creations that will help you on designing one that will not only make it unique but also make it much more safer for the specimen. Theres nothing you can do to the tank to prevent the tarantula from climbing. the only way is to make multiple floors like I have done to many of my Exoterra in my series of enclosure creations.

I agree, there'd be a risk of injury if he fell from that height.

 

[Wadini]

Go to the 99 cents store and get a tupperware container that will be a decent size for the tarantula. That tank is much too large in height to EVER be safe for that specimen. Regardless of its size. If you wanted to insist on using it than I suggest you make that enclosure much more custom having multiple levels. I have made 15 Enclosure Creations that will help you on designing one that will not only make it unique but also make it much more safer for the specimen. Theres nothing you can do to the tank to prevent the tarantula from climbing. the only way is to make multiple floors like I have done to many of my Exoterra in my series of enclosure creations.

Hello!!! I’m having the same issue with my brachypelma auratum female. She likes to climb all over and up the glass!!!
Could you please link the multi level Exo tank builds? I cannot find it!!

 

[LucN]

Hello!!! I’m having the same issue with my brachypelma auratum female. She likes to climb all over and up the glass!!!
Could you please link the multi level Exo tank builds? I cannot find it!!

Forget about Exo-Terra tanks with terrestrials, instead get a large Kritter Keeper or a 5 Gal glass tank, fill it up 2/3 with substrate to make falls a non-issue. Boom. Done.

 

[kingshockey]

this an old thread from 2011

 

[Wadini]

Forget about Exo-Terra tanks with terrestrials, instead get a large Kritter Keeper or a 5 Gal glass tank, fill it up 2/3 with substrate to make falls a non-issue. Boom. Done.

Yeah I hear ya. I have 3 of them and I know it can be done with some work. Just looking for that thread to help out with the multi level setup.

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

I’ve used Exo’s with terrestrials. They just need to be set up differently than arboreals. T’s will climb. There is no stopping them. Make sure your distance from substrate to lid is no more than 1.5x DLS and no mesh lids that T’s can get their tarsal claws stuck in.

 

[TheraMygale]

Hello!!! I’m having the same issue with my brachypelma auratum female. She likes to climb all over and up the glass!!!
Could you please link the multi level Exo tank builds? I cannot find it!!

I think its ok you brought up an old post. It shows you are doing research.

this question is asked many times but you did effort.

brachypelmas will climb even if set up is right. But they will climb less once they are adapted to settings and have a substrate level that reduces climbing. A well set enclosure, with top substrate dry will do good.

of course, and exoterra is built a certain way, but i think its also possible to place them horizontaly. Which would solve some issues.

if your tarantula is female, then atleast that rules out the mature male always on the move.

i have two brachypelma emilias set up in faunariums. When i got them they climbed like crazy. Theyve settled down, constructed their burrows. I have never seen them climb again. For now…

for the record, i keep a part of the bottom layer, side of my enclosure, moist (my choice). My emilias have not shunned that spot and go there quite often. Once, after i poured water down in the corner, one of them even went and sat right in it.