New substrate and enclosure

Tarantula B

Arachnosquire
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
78
I finally rehoused and set up my enclosure for my 1rst ever tarantula that started the hobby. She is my Arizona Blonde and she is in premolt now. I used the new stone desert mix. 20200416_180529.jpg 20200416_180459.jpg
 

ArachnidSentinl

Arachnoknight
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
299
I really dig the grey color of that substrate. Is that stone desert mix able to hold its shape like excavator sand, or is it more like rocky/sandy dirt? Either way, I'm sure she's going to make it her own.
 

Tarantula B

Arachnosquire
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
78
Yes it's the new substrate that you can mold into a den and shape it to your liking. Just started buying it for my desert dwellers. It holds together and you dont have to worry about mold. The humidity is better when I started using it and plus it looks more natural.
 

clive 82

Arachnoknight
Joined
Sep 11, 2016
Messages
204
I noticed the wires on the side of the enclosure. Please tell me you're not using a heat mat?
 

Tarantula B

Arachnosquire
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
78
Absolutely NOT! Lol I use a portable heater in my room and its across the room away from the Ts. The wire you see is the super good thermometer and humidity gauge I stick in the dirt and inside the hide
 

Vanisher

Arachnoking
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 2, 2004
Messages
2,529
I finally rehoused and set up my enclosure for my 1rst ever tarantula that started the hobby. She is my Arizona Blonde and she is in premolt now. I used the new stone desert mix. View attachment 340562 View attachment 340563
I would not keep a platic cactus with spines (unless the spines are very soft and benable?) Near the side of the enclosure. Not good if the tarantula climbs and fall on it. I can see you have good ammount of substrate but anyways.
 

Tarantula B

Arachnosquire
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
78
The spines are bendable and soft, I could break it off without effort if I tried.
 

viper69

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
19,102
I like to monitor the temp and humidity especially during premolt and molting
Do what you want. I've never measuresd temps or humidity for Ts. It's a waste of time.

Also, humidity doesn't affect their ability to molt, they aren't like reptiles.

The setup looks nice!

Does the sub harden like excavator clay, or are you able to reshape all the time? Also when excavator clay gets wet again after "curing" I heard it becomes a pain to work with again. True for this?
 

Tarantula B

Arachnosquire
Joined
Mar 10, 2020
Messages
78
Oh I didnt know that, for months I've driven myself crazy then. Lol thanks for the tip there. It can be shaped again once it dries out. I've sprayed it once and I shape it , but after a while it crumbles and the T just takes over like a dump truck lol. It's very good substrate but I recommend it for desert Dwelling tarantulas or reptiles.
 
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