Question about substrate.

alf89757

Arachnopeon
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Apr 5, 2011
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I just got my first T, a G. Rosea.

I setup the enclosure for her, but she doesn't want to stay on the ground, but instead stays on the wall all the time and looks like she's trying to escape the enclosure. I was wondering if the substrate is too damp or it might just be the wrong kind of soil to use.

Please take a look? Thanks!
 

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alf89757

Arachnopeon
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Apr 5, 2011
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Thanks for the reply. :)

I think this is just a kind of potting soil but I'm not sure what the fibres are.

Would the fibres be a possible problem for when the spider molts?
 

advan

oOOo
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You need to fill that enclosure half way up with DRY substrate, supply a hide, and a bigger water bowl and your set.
Read this sticky.
 

ShadowBlade

Planeswalker
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If its just potting soil, then should be fine :). No worries on the fibers bothering the molt.

I don't see any reason to add more substrate, and water dishes are by no means 'necessary'. Let alone a bigger one.. Its up to you bro. Though I do agree a hide will help her in getting settled in.

-Sean
 

alf89757

Arachnopeon
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Apr 5, 2011
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Thank you Sean and advan.

My T already seems to be settling down a little. :D The soil might just be a little too damp, I think I will let it sit for a while and see what happens. And I'm planning to run to a pet store to get something for her to hide in.

Thank you for all the suggestions!
 

Raven9464

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Housing Ts

2 to 3 inches (before patting down) of substrate is what is recommended. No worries on the fibers. I've never seen a Rosie burrow unless it was a sling. A water dish about the size of a tuna fish can is best for an adult. Place a little rock inside that is small enough for the T to drink around and big enough for the crickets to use to climb out of the water should they fall in. Do not use a sponge as they breed bacteria, and keep the water fresh.
Enjoy your T ! And be forewarned......they are addicting! I started out with just one rosie and 3 months later had 14 Ts
 
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advan

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If its just potting soil, then should be fine :). No worries on the fibers bothering the molt.

I don't see any reason to add more substrate, and water dishes are by no means 'necessary'. Let alone a bigger one.. Its up to you bro. Though I do agree a hide will help her in getting settled in.

-Sean
You want to add more substrate to prevent an injury in case of a fall. It also gives the G. rosea a chance to burrow if they want to. Give them a hide into deep substrate chances are they will dig some out. I wouldn't want to tell someone that their substrate is fine when it is unsafe. Judging by the size of the leg I would give it a bigger waterbowl. That's just me.:rolleyes:
 

jgod790

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Mar 28, 2011
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Honestly, as long as you don't use bark or wood chips, just about any substrate will work for a G. rosea. A hide/retreat is not NECESSARY, but it is DEFIANTLY recommended. And the substrate should not be damp or wet at all. That is why the G. rosea was hanging on the wall. They despise damp substrate. And a bigger water dish cant hurt. Some people say you don't need a water dish, but it is really risky and stupid to not use one. Especially for a G. rosea, because you want the substrate to be dry, so they get all there humidity needs from the water dish.
 

alf89757

Arachnopeon
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I put in a hiding place made of a paperbox (like one of those for medicines, but with much thicker walls). But she doesn't go into the hiding place at all.
Also it turned out there is barely any space for my G. Rosea to stand on the substrate. Is the enclosure too small? It's roughly 7 " * 4 ".

The water dish in the picture might seem small, but my T had no problem drinking from it. I actually saw her sticking her front into it.
 

Tym Hollerup

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Mar 13, 2011
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The T should comfortable be able too spread out without having too touch the ends of the enclosure. So if it is only 4" wide, then yes, I believe you do need a better size enclosure. From the leg in the picture, it looks as though your T is of pretty good size. As mentioned I believe before.
 

Lor&Chris

Arachnopeon
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Mar 21, 2010
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2 to 3 inches (before patting down) of substrate is what is recommended. No worries on the fibers. I've never seen a Rosie burrow unless it was a sling. A water dish about the size of a tuna fish can is best for an adult. Place a little rock inside that is small enough for the T to drink around and big enough for the crickets to use to climb out of the water should they fall in. Do not use a sponge as they breed bacteria, and keep the water fresh.
Enjoy your T ! And be forewarned......they are addicting! I started out with just one rosie and 3 months later had 14 Ts
LOL same thing happened to us! Saw a rosie in a pet store when we were not even looking to purchase one, we bought it and shortly after ended up with 16 Ts.
 

Shrike

Arachnoprince
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Honestly, as long as you don't use bark or wood chips, just about any substrate will work for a G. rosea. A hide/retreat is not NECESSARY, but it is DEFIANTLY recommended. And the substrate should not be damp or wet at all. That is why the G. rosea was hanging on the wall. They despise damp substrate. And a bigger water dish cant hurt. Some people say you don't need a water dish, but it is really risky and stupid to not use one. Especially for a G. rosea, because you want the substrate to be dry, so they get all there humidity needs from the water dish.
Bingo. I keep my rosea bone dry. If the substrate is even the slightest bit damp, she turns into a wall climber.
 

curiousme

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