Some questions about Exo Terra terrariums (scorpions)

[SwedishArachnophobe84]

Hey!

A while ago I bought my first ever scorpion, a little scorpling (H.petersii). I was super excited to watch my little one grow up…but my little darling (called Happy) sadly passed away, shortly after I got it.

I am planning on getting another one (same species) but I have decided to go for a larger specimen this time. I feel way too nervous about getting another baby right now…I know not all babies makes it too adulthood, but my heart broke when I found my little cutie dead.

I might be getting one quite soon (approximately 10-12 cm/4-5 inches, including the tail). I am under the impression that my currently empty Exo Terra 30x30x30 cm/12x12x12 inches should work (at least temporarily) for this size scorpion.

So, I was just about to put substrate, decorations etc. in it, when I started thinking…can a scorpion get stuck in the mesh lid just as a tarantula could? Should I replace the mesh before using it for a scorpion? Can a scorpion “chew/pull” the mesh off and get out like some tarantulas have been known to do (my guess is no, but feel it is better to ask than to be sorry later, when I have to go searching for an escapee)?

The specific scorpion that I might be getting is (according to the current owner/seller) a female and she might possibly give me a surprise at some point…could the scorplings get out of an Exo Terra? Trying to be prepared here just in case she turns out to be gravid. Would it be better to use (or move her into) a different enclosure if she turns out to be gravid?

/SwedishArachnophobe_84

 

[Joey Spijkers]

I don’t know if they could get stuck in the mesh, I don’t think so.
Scorpions can chew trough fiberglass mesh, but I wouldn’t be worried about that for the metal mesh of an exo terra.

The biggest problem with an exo terra for Heterometrus, is the ventilation. The mesh top will cause the substrate to dry out pretty quickly, so you should cover most of the top mesh.

I don’t think Heterometrus scorplings would be able to escape an exo terra, but I’m not sure.

Anyway, an exo terra wouldn’t be my choice.

 

[Dry Desert]

Hey!

A while ago I bought my first ever scorpion, a little scorpling (H.petersii). I was super excited to watch my little one grow up…but my little darling (called Happy) sadly passed away, shortly after I got it. View attachment 410998

I am planning on getting another one (same species) but I have decided to go for a larger specimen this time. I feel way too nervous about getting another baby right now…I know not all babies makes it too adulthood, but my heart broke when I found my little cutie dead.

I might be getting one quite soon (approximately 10-12 cm/4-5 inches, including the tail). I am under the impression that my currently empty Exo Terra 30x30x30 cm/12x12x12 inches should work (at least temporarily) for this size scorpion.

So, I was just about to put substrate, decorations etc. in it, when I started thinking…can a scorpion get stuck in the mesh lid just as a tarantula could? Should I replace the mesh before using it for a scorpion? Can a scorpion “chew/pull” the mesh off and get out like some tarantulas have been known to do (my guess is no, but feel it is better to ask than to be sorry later, when I have to go searching for an escapee)?

The specific scorpion that I might be getting is (according to the current owner/seller) a female and she might possibly give me a surprise at some point…could the scorplings get out of an Exo Terra? Trying to be prepared here just in case she turns out to be gravid. Would it be better to use (or move her into) a different enclosure if she turns out to be gravid?

/SwedishArachnophobe_84

As you already have the exo terra, which will be fine for your new scorpion, general rule is minimum length of enclosure is 2x the scorpions length.
To adapt the exo terra get two pieces of perspex, one as long as the front internal measurement and about 3 or 4 inches taller than the door opening lip. That will give you extra depth for deeper substrate without interfering with the door opening.
The second piece of perspex needs to be fixed to the underside of the mesh top, leaving a gap if you are mounting a heat lamp ontop.
Drill holes in the perspex for ventilation, not to many, enough for good airflow, but not too many or you will loose the humidity benefit.
Then add a couple of small holes either end and use these holes to fix the perspex to the mesh top with cable ties, or wire it in place with the twisted wire outside of the enclosure.
A little work, with the only expense being the perspex, far easier and cheaper than new Viv or trying to convert a fish tank or similar.
Another tip, when all is complete pass the thermostat sensor down the cutout in the corner of the lid and fasten a cable tie either side of the lid around the sensor.
This will prevent the sensor moving or if the Scorpion uses it to climb on it won't go anywhere.
They love climbing up sensor cables , but the two cable ties stops any movement of the sensor.

 

[SwedishArachnophobe84]

I don’t know if they could get stuck in the mesh, I don’t think so.
Scorpions can chew trough fiberglass mesh, but I wouldn’t be worried about that for the metal mesh of an exo terra.

The biggest problem with an exo terra for Heterometrus, is the ventilation. The mesh top will cause the substrate to dry out pretty quickly, so you should cover most of the top mesh.

I don’t think Heterometrus scorplings would be able to escape an exo terra, but I’m not sure.

Anyway, an exo terra wouldn’t be my choice.

As you already have the exo terra, which will be fine for your new scorpion, general rule is minimum length of enclosure is 2x the scorpions length.
To adapt the exo terra get two pieces of perspex, one as long as the front internal measurement and about 3 or 4 inches taller than the door opening lip. That will give you extra depth for deeper substrate without interfering with the door opening.
The second piece of perspex needs to be fixed to the underside of the mesh top, leaving a gap if you are mounting a heat lamp ontop.
Drill holes in the perspex for ventilation, not to many, enough for good airflow, but not too many or you will loose the humidity benefit.
Then add a couple of small holes either end and use these holes to fix the perspex to the mesh top with cable ties, or wire it in place with the twisted wire outside of the enclosure.
A little work, with the only expense being the perspex, far easier and cheaper than new Viv or trying to convert a fish tank or similar.
Another tip, when all is complete pass the thermostat sensor down the cutout in the corner of the lid and fasten a cable tie either side of the lid around the sensor.
This will prevent the sensor moving or if the Scorpion uses it to climb on it won't go anywhere.
They love climbing up sensor cables , but the two cable ties stops any movement of the sensor.

Ok, would it be a better idea to use a plastic storage box with ventilation holes (obviously not as esthetically pleasing; but if it works better, I can live with it, at least temporarily…)?

I use Smartstore/Hammarplast boxes in different sizes for some of my feeder insects and they have a secure lid, are made from nice sturdy quality plastic that is ok for food storage and can withstand heat etc. These boxes work well for my feeders…would one work for a scorpion?

I feel like…if I am going to replace/cover the lid it is better to do it “the right way” (nicer looking) …but that will have to wait. This is because making those changes to the Exo Terra would be rather difficult at the moment (I cannot use silicon etc. inside because of my parrots… and I am pretty sure it would not dry in the cold weather…snow etc. here in Sweden) so I would rather not deal with that right now. And if I have to cover a lot of the doors/make the doors basically useless…then I do not really see the point in using the Exo Terra. I will try to find a better (but equally nice-looking option) that does not have the problems (for a scorpion) that you have pointed out to me regarding the Exo Terra.

This is the box I am thinking about using https://www.clasohlson.com/se/SmartStore-Home-förvaringslåda-med-lock/p/34-1552-16 as a temporary enclosure (or semi-permanent…depending on when I find a nicer enclosure that I like and that I can get a hold of). The size should be ok, it is approximately 40x30x32cm/16x12x12 inches (but there are bigger alternatives as well).

Thank you (as always) for all your help.

/SwedishArachnophobe84

 

[Joey Spijkers]

A plastic tub of that size would work perfectly fine.

 

[darkness975]

Ok, would it be a better idea to use a plastic storage box with ventilation holes (obviously not as esthetically pleasing; but if it works better, I can live with it, at least temporarily…)?

I use Smartstore/Hammarplast boxes in different sizes for some of my feeder insects and they have a secure lid, are made from nice sturdy quality plastic that is ok for food storage and can withstand heat etc. These boxes work well for my feeders…would one work for a scorpion?

I feel like…if I am going to replace/cover the lid it is better to do it “the right way” (nicer looking) …but that will have to wait. This is because making those changes to the Exo Terra would be rather difficult at the moment (I cannot use silicon etc. inside because of my parrots… and I am pretty sure it would not dry in the cold weather…snow etc. here in Sweden) so I would rather not deal with that right now. And if I have to cover a lot of the doors/make the doors basically useless…then I do not really see the point in using the Exo Terra. I will try to find a better (but equally nice-looking option) that does not have the problems (for a scorpion) that you have pointed out to me regarding the Exo Terra.

This is the box I am thinking about using https://www.clasohlson.com/se/SmartStore-Home-förvaringslåda-med-lock/p/34-1552-16 as a temporary enclosure (or semi-permanent…depending on when I find a nicer enclosure that I like and that I can get a hold of). The size should be ok, it is approximately 40x30x32cm/16x12x12 inches (but there are bigger alternatives as well).

Thank you (as always) for all your help.

/SwedishArachnophobe84

You can use plastic tubs. A lot of keepers do.

 

[Spoodfood]

Hey!

A while ago I bought my first ever scorpion, a little scorpling (H.petersii). I was super excited to watch my little one grow up…but my little darling (called Happy) sadly passed away, shortly after I got it. View attachment 410998

I am planning on getting another one (same species) but I have decided to go for a larger specimen this time. I feel way too nervous about getting another baby right now…I know not all babies makes it too adulthood, but my heart broke when I found my little cutie dead.

I might be getting one quite soon (approximately 10-12 cm/4-5 inches, including the tail). I am under the impression that my currently empty Exo Terra 30x30x30 cm/12x12x12 inches should work (at least temporarily) for this size scorpion.

So, I was just about to put substrate, decorations etc. in it, when I started thinking…can a scorpion get stuck in the mesh lid just as a tarantula could? Should I replace the mesh before using it for a scorpion? Can a scorpion “chew/pull” the mesh off and get out like some tarantulas have been known to do (my guess is no, but feel it is better to ask than to be sorry later, when I have to go searching for an escapee)?

The specific scorpion that I might be getting is (according to the current owner/seller) a female and she might possibly give me a surprise at some point…could the scorplings get out of an Exo Terra? Trying to be prepared here just in case she turns out to be gravid. Would it be better to use (or move her into) a different enclosure if she turns out to be gravid?

/SwedishArachnophobe_84

I use exo terra with arid species quite often, but keep in mind that full of substrate, the glass enclosures get very heavy. As previously stated, ventilation would be the main concern with a tropical scorpion. A tub works perfectly fine. But for future reference, scorpions can’t climb smooth surfaces like tarantulas, so as long as they can’t stretch to the top and get on the screen, they’re fine for scorpions. Also keep in mind they can prop themselves up on the side and stand on their telson.