Question about sand

[Lynn57]

I'm wondering why no one use's any sand ever in their enclosure's? I have a dark brown curly with dark brown substrate with a dark brown hide. It would be nice to sprinkle a bit of light sand on top of the substrate so that I could see the T a little easier. Would this be bad to do? And I mean sprinkle not a 1' deep or anything. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ratmosphere]

Sand is discouraged because it doesn't hold it's shape for digging, is hard for a falling spider to land on, doesn't hold moisture well (not organic, can't absorb water), and dry dusty sand may be able to enter a tarantula's lungs (as the slits are next to the ground). It's not a good medium for captivity. You can add a small amount to a substrate, but what for reason? Sand is pulverized rock, where's the benefit? There is no downside to completely omitting sand.

I keep my chalcodes on dry, bagged top soil. There's no reason you can't do the same.

 

[viper69]

I'm wondering why no one use's any sand ever in their enclosure's? I have a dark brown curly with dark brown substrate with a dark brown hide. It would be nice to sprinkle a bit of light sand on top of the substrate so that I could see the T a little easier. Would this be bad to do? And I mean sprinkle not a 1' deep or anything. Thanks in advance!

That’s fine


The OP was mentioned a light dusting, not what Poec is talking about As long as the end user rinses the sand a few times it will be fine.

 

[Ratmosphere]

OP first asked "I'm wondering why no one use's any sand ever in their enclosure's?"

Thought Poec's post was helpful in answering that question.

 

[viper69]

OP first asked "I'm wondering why no one use's any sand ever in their enclosure's?"

Thought Poec's post was helpful in answering that question.

You mean this below wasn’t there when you replied?


It would be nice to sprinkle a bit of light sand on top of the substrate so that I could see the T a little easier. Would this be bad to do? And I mean sprinkle not a 1' deep or anything. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ratmosphere]

It was, but I didn't answer that because I didn't have one at the time.

I'd add something like dry sphagnum moss or leaf litter instead, might make the color pop more than sand.

 

[Smotzer]

I think it is absolutely fine to add some, I have some soil mixes I used that have a bit of sand in them and its fine.

 

[viper69]

that because I didn't have one at the time

?? You didn’t have what???

 

[Ratmosphere]

?? You didn’t have what???

Figure it out bro, not hard to understand. Include the whole quote and you'll clearly get it. I don't have time to keep going back and forth with you.

 

[Scoot]

For my brachypelma, I use a mixture of (predominantly) soil and some 'Beardie Life' - itself a mixture of soil and sand. I find it gives a nice contrast.

For example:

1000027178.jpg

• Scoot
• Nov 30, 2024
• 3

SAF B emilia looking lovely as always.

Emilia after moult March 25.jpg

• Scoot
• Mar 30, 2025
• 2
• brachypelma brachypelma emilia emilia female subadult female

Recently moulted and looking sharp, Brachypelma emilia subadult female showing off her sharp...

IMG_20240512_114043~2.jpg

• Scoot
• May 12, 2024
• 2
• albiceps brachypelma brachypelma albiceps

Lunchtime! B albiceps munching on a large locust

 

[IntermittentSygnal]

I have sand mixed into my H pulchripes substrate and I think most of the popular brands, like Reptisoil, have it in their mix.

 

[TheraMygale]

If one could use just sand, keeping tarantulas would be next level.

i know that wasnt the question, but the idea of just sand is nice: its inorganic.

as far as sand included in mixes, there is no issue.

its mostly where you get the sand from that can be problematic.

there are delux tarantula substrates that include a bit of sand. It helps create air in the substrate, so it doesnt overload with water.