need help with eco earth!

[cobaltbrew]

I did some searches but didn't come up with a definitive answer. At least not one i'd be willing to follow without asking on here.

So I posted a thread showing pics of my H. Lividum rehousing. I wrung the eco earth out but I didn't bake it or leave it on a piece of paper to dry out more. I know H. Lividum's like it humid so I have to ask... will it be okay to leave it like it is and dry out on it's own?

Once again here's a picture. You can see the moisture at the bottom:

If I should take him out and dry it out a little I want to know ASAP before he re-burrows and I have to dig him out.

Help!

 

[B8709]

Think it'll be ok.

 

[jonnyquong]

It should be fine. With the amount of ventilation the container has, the EcoEarth (and your spider) should not have an issue. I wouldn't worry.
Jon

 

[cobaltbrew]

Thanks for the quick response. Better safe than sorry right?

I love this spider I would loathe to loose it over something silly. It's too gorgeous. Gonna have to find some slings or perhaps breed it when I can confirm sex.

 

[Ether Imp]

You don't need to dry the substrate any further. The air in your home should take care of it over the next few days.

 

[brian abrams]

Eco-earth

I'll tell you right upfront that I'm by no means an experienced keeper, and dont have any cobalts (they don't interest me), but since the day I've had tarantulas, I've used eco-earth exclusively. It does take a while time to dry out, but it definately will.. gradually. since you have a spider that loves high humidity, I imagine it shouldn't be a problem. The spiders that I have that burrow usually don't like it (but my NW like it dry) until it drys out. After it drys out a bit from high 80's to 80's to 70's etc. then they start to burrow. I like using the eco-earth. Hope this helps.

 

[jebbewocky]

It'll be fine. Personally, I don't bake coir ever. I just make it in advance and let time do it's thing.

 

[xhexdx]

With that much ventilation, it's going to get too dry (in my opinion).

I keep my lividum substrate moist all the time and they do fine.

 

[Teal]

I usually put the substrate (and I always use Eco Earth) into enclosures moist.. and then it either stays moist (if the species needs it) or I let it dry out.

 

[Moltar]

I guess I'll be the voice if dissent here. Be careful with coir when you're introducing it overly wet like that. You need to watch for fungal growth in the deeper layers of the substrate. I'm not saying it will happen but it certainly can. I think it's more wise to allow the coir to dry somewhat for a day before piling it into a container. That way it's not so wet that it will trap pockets of moisture for so long that it molds. Then you add water as needed instead of waiting for a week or three for it to dry to an acceptable level.

The other thing I'll point out is that you're probably going to get mold on that wooden hide. They don't do well being buried in moist substrate. I don't think you need to redo the tank or anything, just be aware that mold can happen with wet coco coir so look out for it. If that hide starts molding though, remove it and replace with something more mold resistant. I've found PVC plumbing elbows, etc to be nice substitutes, if a little ugly.

 

[jebbewocky]

After re-reading, I change my answer to Moltar's. :worship:

Also, Moltar--I always read your posts in my head as being the Moltar from Space Ghost Coast to Coast (or maybe you know him from the original Space Ghost series). I know that's who you named your account after judging by the profile pic, but I always read it as if the cartoon character were talking.