Substrate Question: “Magic Dirt”?

[erimoon]

So I’ve read that organic, nothing added potting soil is okay. I found this stuff called Magic Dirt at Walmart that claims to be a peat moss substitute. Nothing really seems wrong about it but I still want to make sure it will be okay for my Ts.

 

[Aleetist]

I'm reading a lot of reviews that complain about mold in this stuff (and even bugs and growing other things), just even opening the bag. Given that fact alone I wouldn't use it.

Also, it's made from cow waste, while I knows that's fine for the garden, even being cleaned I wouldn't want my Ts on repurposed refuse.

Coco-fiber is your safest bet, get the bricks that need re-hydrating as they are cheap and make a lot of substrate.

EDIT: Also seeing a lot of reviews that talk about bugs living in this stuff. Gonna say no way at all after seeing that. This seems like a bad choice for Ts, return it and go with something else.

 

[erimoon]

I'm reading a lot of reviews that complain about mold in this stuff (and even bugs and growing other things), just even opening the bag. Given that fact alone I wouldn't use it.

Also, it's made from cow waste, while I knows that's fine for the garden, even being cleaned I wouldn't want my Ts on repurposed refuse.

Coco-fiber is your safest bet, get the bricks that need re-hydrating as they are cheap and make a lot of substrate.

EDIT: Also seeing a lot of reviews that talk about bugs living in this stuff. Gonna say no way at all after seeing that. This seems like a bad choice for Ts, return it and go with something else.

Thank you so much for all the helpful info! Do you have any recommendations for good organic potting soil? I picked up some vermiculite but I would like to grow live plants in their enclosures, which is why I tried to get a plant friendly substrate.

I’ve also heard that manure is bad for Ts and I definitely wouldn’t put my spider in just manure, but what’s the reasoning behind not wanting it mixed in with the soil at all?

 

[Krystal Anne]

Thank you so much for all the helpful info! Do you have any recommendations for good organic potting soil? I picked up some vermiculite but I would like to grow live plants in their enclosures, which is why I tried to get a plant friendly substrate.

Organic doesn't always mean it doesn't have additives or ingredients like compost, waste, manure, etc. I personally wouldn't use "organic potting soil." You want plain topsoil, plain peat moss, plain coco fiber - and always check the ingredients.

And I don't want to sound so negative, but what species are you planning to keep on this substrate? Some live plants require a lot of things that may be harmful to some tarantulas, so the two don't always go together.

I’ve also heard that manure is bad for Ts and I definitely wouldn’t put my spider in just manure, but what’s the reasoning behind not wanting it mixed in with the soil at all?

I always go back to what @boina told me a long time ago when I was new and accidentally got substrate with manure and compost:

"Manure and compost, however, contain a lot of biological substances that are not completely decomposed yet. For that reason they do provide an excellent breeding ground for bacteria when kept moist. In most cases that will not be a problem since most of those detritus bacteria are harmless for spiders. In rare cases they may pose a problem for a weak or sick spider and in even rarer cases a more agressive bacterium may get in that could possibly even harm a healthy spider. The last point is pure conjecture, though, but I think this could be an explanation for at least some of the otherwise unexplained tarantula deaths. Note the conjunctive."

They can attract nasty flies too, so that's a no from me.

 

[The Grym Reaper]

Thank you so much for all the helpful info! Do you have any recommendations for good organic potting soil?

Firstly, forget the word "organic", that only refers to the additives used (usually manure and veg scraps and you want to avoid these), you literally want the cheapest plain old topsoil you can find (for filling holes or lawn renewal, this has nothing added at all, it is just screened for weeds etc.).

I’ve also heard that manure is bad for Ts and I definitely wouldn’t put my spider in just manure, but what’s the reasoning behind not wanting it mixed in with the soil at all?

Because it turns the substrate into a mould factory and attracts pests.

 

[Aleetist]

Thank you so much for all the helpful info! Do you have any recommendations for good organic potting soil? I picked up some vermiculite but I would like to grow live plants in their enclosures, which is why I tried to get a plant friendly substrate.

I’ve also heard that manure is bad for Ts and I definitely wouldn’t put my spider in just manure, but what’s the reasoning behind not wanting it mixed in with the soil at all?

Manure can contain all kinds of pests and other contaminants that you can't get out of it, it is also a bioactive substance constantly breaking down and releasing gases. You wouldn't use manure on your own personal indoor plants (and if you do lord I am sorry for your house guests) so don't use it as the floor of your Ts. home. A lot of commercial fertilizers will also include pesticides in them, organic or not, so I would not risk it with those either. Worm casting tea is the safest thing to use from what I can find.

You seem like you may be a bit newer to the hobby? May I suggest holding off on plants for now? It's a lot to manage all at once for just the tarantulas, adding live plants on top of that just makes things more complicated. I'm not against a well set up vivarium, but I am still trying to make sure I have all my basics down before adding plants.

 

[Theneil]

Look for CHEAP top soil like the earthgrow at home depot. Probably not actually going to say organic on it because they don't add any "organic" fertilizers. The stuff you want will be like 3 bucks for a big bag and if it gives any explanation of uses, it will probably just say filling holes