Suck it up into their lungs? It's not possible. Tarantula book-lungs work in a similar manner to gills, it's passive, the spider does not inhale or exhale, it's diffusion. Sand cannot enter book lungs.then if it is dry it could be possible the t would suck it up into there lungs and choke. also even if it was wet as soon as its dry the burrow falls and keeping sand wet could be a problem as it doesnt hold mostiure well. i use coco fiber bricks all i do put it in hot water wait for about 10 minutes and let it dry a little for mabey 2 days
On this topic I'd go even farther: T's won't encounter an environment where the substrate consists of fabricated coco fiber. Therefore I refuse to use that too.The debate over vermiculite is different as Ts are unlikely to encounter vermiculite in the wild.
Yay! Someone who sees the benefit or going with nature!I agree 100% with what ph0bia said.
On this topic I'd go even farther: T's won't encounter an environment where the substrate consists of fabricated coco fiber. Therefore I refuse to use that too.
I only have soil or a mixture of soil and sand in my T cages.
Yes, when damp. As I stated in my post however, most Ts people would want to use sand for are dry-loving species. Thus, moist sand holds shape, correct, but the dry lovers will hate it. They live near deserts, not oceans.Interesting discussion. I've been given a lot of flak for using damp sand as a tarantula substrate - and for those who haven't been to the beach, sand holds burrows excellently when damp.
What about tropical burrowing species? Is (damp) sand suitable?Yes, when damp. As I stated in my post however, most Ts people would want to use sand for are dry-loving species. Thus, moist sand holds shape, correct, but the dry lovers will hate it. They live near deserts, not oceans.
I agree 100% with what ph0bia said.
On this topic I'd go even farther: T's won't encounter an environment where the substrate consists of fabricated coco fiber. Therefore I refuse to use that too.
I only have soil or a mixture of soil and sand in my T cages.
When in doubt, check out their natural environment.What about tropical burrowing species? Is (damp) sand suitable?
xD That's a very good argument, but humans as a species are specialists in adapting to our surroundings, and if that fails, adapting our surroundings to us.I have heard that Ts are flexible in their living arrangements.
And as far as substrates not found in nature- I have carpet and vinyl tile in my home. Natural substrate is dirt. While the kids were still living here, it did in fact seem natural some days, but that was not my preference.
I am not in any way arguing with what people are saying, merely curious. Do 'dry loving; Ts stay up on the sides of the terrarium when there is damp sand, is that how you tell their preference for substrate?
As long as they're not an obligate burrower, yes =)Any species that likes it dry kept in dry sand with a water dish and a good hide will be perfectly happy IMO. For other kinds of species its just not convenient.
As I said, it's a stupid fear that people have and I've seen it written in Tarantula keeping guides. The same goes for the argument against vermiculite that "If a tarantula swallowed it, it would compact in their stomach, likely killing them."I seriosly doubt a tarantula could ingest even the smallest particle of sand, a tarantulas' "mouth" is a very extensive filter, and only miniscule particles can get through. I can't remeber exactly how small, but it is very, very small.
Firstly, I envy that you get to see these wonderful creatures in their natural environment! I may have to move. As far as we know, none do live in sand-dunes. This is my argument against using 100% sand, it's just not natural. The tarantula will live on it, but won't be able to modify burrows easily, and, as you suggest, I'd recommend a 60/40 mix of soil/sand, if not more soil. A G.rosea which lives on the edge of a desert (but still in rocky scrublandesque areas) might be pushed to a 50/50, but I still think 60/40 is most appropriate, but then we're garbling over semantics!I think the issue with sand has more to do with how they live than with some of the other arguements. I live in Arizona, and have had the opprotunity to see tarantulas in the wild. I have yet to see any that live in sand dunes. I have encountered many that live in rockey, sandy soil. Were they live does make a difference in what kind of home they make. When given soil they tend to dig deep holes. When given a more sandy soil they make scrapes under rocks. Now when I'm talking about sandy soil I would say it's and 60/40 mix with mostly soil. All I've been able to see in the wild are native aphonopelmas, so it may be different with other tarantulas.
John
I don't think that this is a valid comparison.I have heard that Ts are flexible in their living arrangements.
I was born in Texas. Due to a job my father accepted, my family moved north to snowland. I do have to say that my preference is no snow, and I've been back in Texas for over 30 years. But if my Dad needed me I'd move up in a heartbeat and I'd be just as happy.
And as far as substrates not found in nature- I have carpet and vinyl tile in my home. Natural substrate is dirt. While the kids were still living here, it did in fact seem natural some days, but that was not my preference.
I am not in any way arguing with what people are saying, merely curious. Do 'dry loving; Ts stay up on the sides of the terrarium when there is damp sand, is that how you tell their preference for substrate?
I agree completely with what you said until this point.Further, sand is not as soft as soil or coco fiber, so it would provide less cushion from a fall.