Questions before i buy "The Big One" (sp. Theraphosa)

[jiacovazzi]

You're forgiven. No big deal. Not asking you to pick sides either. Just saying your reputation may suffer consorting with shady characters like myself. I'd hate to see you snubbed in social circles around town, and have people whisper behind your back.

Did I get to you or something? You are behaving like a jilted lover. I guess I just have less time in my day than to pontificate over the forums.

 

[SpiderDad61]

Right to the point.

I'm thinking of making that leap from my desert type "low maintenance" tarantula into a more "higher maintenance" breed of tarantula.

I have heard that T. Stirmi/blondi is for the "more advanced keeper."

I would like to know how to best prepare for this sp. of Tarantula.
Typically I keep my T's on straight coco-fiber, and use something like a cut ceramic pot for a burrow/hide.

Generally I try to follow the advice of this forum, and what I find on www.mikebasictarantula.com

I guess my question is. Where do I start? what should I know before buying my first? etc.

Thanks ladies and gents =D

I keep all my T stirmi as follows....
Mixture of substrate, vermiculite, and Eco earth, all equal parts. Add water, and mix. Squeeze it and make sure it holds firm, but ur not squeezing liquid out.
I put my stirmi in enclosures larger than the recommended, normal T sizes.
Large hide, plenty big fit it to maneuver inside. Plenty of ventilation holes around the top edge of the entire enclosure. If u need to, to keep in humidity, u can cover some with tape. Large water bowl plenty big enough for the T. It also helps keep humidity in. I also have moss around, and to add humidity, I wet the moss once a week.
I also wet the substrate mixture once a week or 2 weeks and overfill the water bowl. No need to get a humidity gauge either. Just do what I listed above and humidity will be fine. All of mine have been healthy, happy and all molted without any issues this way.
Good luck

 

[Poec54]

He doesn't consort with you. This time you summoned me.

You're hearing imaginary voices.

 

[Venom1080]

man, that guy just loves to start stuff..

 

[Toxoderidae]

the soviet union will rise again

 

[Chris LXXIX]

This time you summoned me.

I suggest you this theme for announce your arrival everytime

Old School Goblin, of our '70 here in the boot. Creepy & cool at the same time... perfect for deliver high strung "dislikes" and "disagree"

 

[jiacovazzi]

You're hearing imaginary voices.

http://arachnoboards.com/threads/new-spiders-p-tox.282792/page-4
Post #78
Your signature is copied and pasted from something I DID NOT SAY EXPLICITLY. You are mincing my words to insult me and it really shows your true character. Even more desperate and praise-seeking that I previously thought.
Now, I'm through discussing this with you and your merry band of sycophants, it's not worth my time.

 

[Venom1080]

Now, I'm through discussing this with you and your merry band of sycophants, it's not worth my time.

finally, good to hear!

 

[Chris LXXIX]

I found jiacovazzi funny, however. I can't lie. C'mon now, guys. He's one of us.

Stop those kind of useless debates, and hands in hands walk into the sunshine happy

Here's a couple of themes perfect for you suggested by old Elvis:

Last one with some weird Eastern European (Poland probably) subtitles.

 

[Poec54]

Now, I'm through discussing this with you and your merry band of sycophants, it's not worth my time.

Promises, promises.

 

[Vanessa]

Tarantula Canada has just gotten in T. blondi. They are selling 1" unsexed for $350cdn. I don't know if they ship outside of Canada or if there is a minimum requirement.
I remember meeting a full grown T. blondi, probably close to around 15 years ago now. She was pretty impressive... especially the 1" fangs.

 

[Poec54]

Tarantula Canada has just gotten in T. blondi. They are selling 1" unsexed for $350cdn. I don't know if they ship outside of Canada or if there is a minimum requirement.
I remember meeting a full grown T. blondi, probably close to around 15 years ago now. She was pretty impressive... especially the 1" fangs.

Definitely not affordable for the average person. But if you can get one just as big, and much cheaper and hardier; main difference in appearance are knees that aren't as hairy...why not get a stirmi? I can't see any appeal in blondi.

Apophysis are different, and probably belong in another genus (they have tibial spurs, he other two don't). Adult males are colorful like Pamphos and Phormics. They're much easier to justify paying a premium for.

 

[Vanessa]

Definitely not affordable for the average person. But if you can get one just as big, and much cheaper and hardier; main difference in appearance are knees that aren't as hairy...why not get a stirmi? I can't see any appeal in blondi

I don't see the appeal to them either and I would consider them an addition for a serious collector only. Their requirements are not easy, their hairs are an absolute nightmare, and they are, well.... kinda boring. The only thing that they really have going for them is their size and that is impressive when you get to see a huge, full grown, female.
They would be the last one on my list, which translates to never, but I guess that it boils down to personal preference.

 

[Poec54]

I don't see the appeal to them either and I would consider them an addition for a serious collector only. Their requirements are not easy, their hairs are an absolute nightmare... The only thing that they really have going for them is their size and that is impressive when you get to see a huge, full grown, female.

I'm a serious collector with a number of stirmi; I'd like a few apophysis, but have no interest in owning blondi. Stirmi are just as big and impressive. The only thing blondi has going for it is hairy knees; I ain't paying $350 for that. The hairs are terrible on all 3 of them, what's 'worse' may just be variations in individual reactions.

 

[cold blood]

Tarantula Canada has just gotten in T. blondi. They are selling 1" unsexed for $350cdn. I don't know if they ship outside of Canada or if there is a minimum requirement.
I remember meeting a full grown T. blondi, probably close to around 15 years ago now. She was pretty impressive... especially the 1" fangs.

I believe there is a 1K minimum for shipping internationally.

 

[BobBarley]

The only thing blondi has going for it is hairy knees; I ain't paying $350 for that.

 

[Toxoderidae]

TL : DR blondi is useless and overpriced, stirmi rules, hairs are a warcrime, and apophysis should be it's own, as it looks way different, has tibial spurs.
Other part of summary: jiacovazzi is now part of the clan of jokesters, the soviet union will rise once more with aid of T-34/85 Medium Tank and IS-3 Heavy Tank.

 

[Poec54]

overfill the water bowl.

Not the best idea: tends to keep that spot moist which can become a breeding ground for mites and mold. It's better to randomly sprinkle water across the substrate.

 

[Chris LXXIX]

Not the best idea: tends to keep that spot moist which can become a breeding ground for mites and mold. It's better to randomly sprinkle water across the substrate.

True. That's what i do as well, but if you have an excellent cross ventilation enclosure and maintenance is at the top, wouldn't harm too much in the short run.

 

[SpiderDad61]

Not the best idea: tends to keep that spot moist which can become a breeding ground for mites and mold. It's better to randomly sprinkle water across the substrate.

I get that. I have great x ventilation, and don't overfill every time. Mainly every couple weeks when I wet the substrate anyway. Haven't had mold or mites yet. I let it dry plenty before doing it, as well as the rest of the sub