Tarantula Enclosure Decorating

[bolbiejeebs]

Hi! I'm looking for some tips and recommendations on materials for creating a tarantula enclosure. As of now, I have the basics, but I am looking to include some natural plants (perhaps some hanging vines), and a climbing piece, and perhaps some glow in the dark lighting elements. Admittedly I would love to incorporate some glow in the dark elements like rocks or stars - however - with many products, I'm worried about the toxicity of it. Would star stickers be fine, or would the adhesive pose a threat? As for pebbles, I've seen a few brands that claim they are non-toxic to pets, but I wanted to see if anyone had any particular brands they prefer.

And of course, I really think I need a climbing element for my tarantula, or at least something to keep it engaged. They were on the walls of the enclosure the other day after I introduced them to the habitat and I'm worried this could prove dangerous if I don't implement some other interactive element. Maybe I am other thinking this, as I am new to spider keeping, but I understand that even short falls could seriously harm tarantulas.

Update: Attached is my current setup for reference

 

[QuinnStarr]

Your tarantula does not need to be "engaged". Climbing the walls of the enclosure is fine, provided that there are less than 2 times their legspan from the top of the enclosure to the substrate so they don't rupture their abdomen if they were to fall.

Someone more experienced than I will have to chime in on this bit but I don't know of a single tarantula that wants to live on pebbles. Top soil, the BioDude Arachnea substrate, or some other form of pet-safe dirt will do just fine. Some leaf litter, maybe a bit of sphagnum moss if they're moisture dependent, a water dish, and a hide.

Knowing what species you have and pictures of the full enclosure would be immensely helpful for giving advice and recommendations that are safe for your T.

 

[Jonathan6303]

Hi! I'm looking for some tips and recommendations on materials for creating a tarantula enclosure. As of now, I have the basics, but I am looking to include some natural plants (perhaps some hanging vines), and a climbing piece, and perhaps some glow in the dark lighting elements. Admittedly I would love to incorporate some glow in the dark elements like rocks or stars - however - with many products, I'm worried about the toxicity of it. Would star stickers be fine, or would the adhesive pose a threat? As for pebbles, I've seen a few brands that claim they are non-toxic to pets, but I wanted to see if anyone had any particular brands they prefer.

And of course, I really think I need a climbing element for my tarantula, or at least something to keep it engaged. They were on the walls of the enclosure the other day after I introduced them to the habitat and I'm worried this could prove dangerous if I don't implement some other interactive element. Maybe I am other thinking this, as I am new to spider keeping, but I understand that even short falls could seriously harm tarantulas.

Tarantulas are one of the least active animal I have ever owned. All they need is substrate a hide and a water dish. You can add fake or real plants(the famous pothos). Moss should be fine. It is really dependent on the species.

 

[DomGom TheFather]

You can decorate however you like.
It just has to be safe. Nothing toxic, sharp or "catchy".
Keep in mind that spiders are simple creatures. Clutter only fills their environment, makes maintenance a chore and provides feeders with hiding places.
I'm not sure on glow in the dark items.
As far as climbing goes, it depends on the spider but if it's a terrestrial T, there shouldn't be enough headspace for a serious fall.

 

[viper69]

Hi! I'm looking for some tips and recommendations on materials for creating a tarantula enclosure. As of now, I have the basics, but I am looking to include some natural plants (perhaps some hanging vines), and a climbing piece, and perhaps some glow in the dark lighting elements. Admittedly I would love to incorporate some glow in the dark elements like rocks or stars - however - with many products, I'm worried about the toxicity of it. Would star stickers be fine, or would the adhesive pose a threat? As for pebbles, I've seen a few brands that claim they are non-toxic to pets, but I wanted to see if anyone had any particular brands they prefer.

And of course, I really think I need a climbing element for my tarantula, or at least something to keep it engaged. They were on the walls of the enclosure the other day after I introduced them to the habitat and I'm worried this could prove dangerous if I don't implement some other interactive element. Maybe I am other thinking this, as I am new to spider keeping, but I understand that even short falls could seriously harm tarantulas.

set up should keep them engaged inside their hide/burrow

they do no require any engagement like primates, such as humans

you are overthinking this.

 

[kingshockey]

Hi! I'm looking for some tips and recommendations on materials for creating a tarantula enclosure. As of now, I have the basics, but I am looking to include some natural plants (perhaps some hanging vines), and a climbing piece, and perhaps some glow in the dark lighting elements. Admittedly I would love to incorporate some glow in the dark elements like rocks or stars - however - with many products, I'm worried about the toxicity of it. Would star stickers be fine, or would the adhesive pose a threat? As for pebbles, I've seen a few brands that claim they are non-toxic to pets, but I wanted to see if anyone had any particular brands they prefer.

And of course, I really think I need a climbing element for my tarantula, or at least something to keep it engaged. They were on the walls of the enclosure the other day after I introduced them to the habitat and I'm worried this could prove dangerous if I don't implement some other interactive element. Maybe I am other thinking this, as I am new to spider keeping, but I understand that even short falls could seriously harm tarantulas.

keep it simple with what it needss to thrive with out all the extra stuff you want to add to leep it "engaged" would help also knowing the type of t you currently have or plan to have. best thing to do is research the t along with its natural normal enviroment then before all this planning how you want to decorate a tank for your benifit not the ts

 

[bolbiejeebs]

Your tarantula does not need to be "engaged". Climbing the walls of the enclosure is fine, provided that there are less than 2 times their legspan from the top of the enclosure to the substrate so they don't rupture their abdomen if they were to fall.

Someone more experienced than I will have to chime in on this bit but I don't know of a single tarantula that wants to live on pebbles. Top soil, the BioDude Arachnea substrate, or some other form of pet-safe dirt will do just fine. Some leaf litter, maybe a bit of sphagnum moss if they're moisture dependent, a water dish, and a hide.

Knowing what species you have and pictures of the full enclosure would be immensely helpful for giving advice and recommendations that are safe for your T.

Thanks, I was overly worried about my T climbing the enclosure - but based on your feedback - that should not necessarily be a concern provided it is the appropriate height. As for the pebbles, I would not implement them as the entire bedding, but rather a few placed here and there.

I will try to post an image in the species identification forum to get a definitive answer, however, I believe it is known locally as a Texas Brown Tarantula.

 

[bolbiejeebs]

keep it simple with what it needss to thrive with out all the extra stuff you want to add to leep it "engaged" would help also knowing the type of t you currently have or plan to have. best thing to do is research the t along with its natural normal enviroment then before all this planning how you want to decorate a tank for your benifit not the ts

Okay, thanks for your response. I had thought perhaps my enclosure would be too barren.

 

[kingshockey]

good luck man your in the right place use the search function and you will be able to dig lots of into up along with ideas to set your t cage up

 

[Neonblizzard]

I

Thanks, I was overly worried about my T climbing the enclosure - but based on your feedback - that should not necessarily be a concern provided it is the appropriate height. As for the pebbles, I would not implement them as the entire bedding, but rather a few placed here and there.

I will try to post an image in the species identification forum to get a definitive answer, however, I believe it is known locally as a Texas Brown Tarantula.

I think a texas brown is an aphonopelma hentzi?

I also personally don't like to have too much clutter in the enclosure as its more stuff for a cricket to hide in.

Bit of leaf litter, some cork bark for a hide, maybe a fake plant but overall i like to keep the floorspace clear.

I would avoid anything hard like rocks, pebbles, ceramic water dishes, plant pots... It's hard stuff the T can fall on if it climbs. Same goes for pointy sticks, decorations that usually go in fish tanks like castles or other silly stuff a T can impale on.

Right now i think your enclosure is perfect with a little less dry moss. Make sure you have a decent amount of substrate in there so they can burrow if they wish

 

[QuinnStarr]

Your enclosure looks good! I would use a little less dry moss, like Neon said, but otherwise it’s superb.
Tarantulas aren’t like dogs or cats or people, they really don’t have the need for enrichment. All they need is a safe place to hide, a water source, and the occasional feeder. They’re lovely, simple critters.

 

[bolbiejeebs]

Right now i think your enclosure is perfect with a little less dry moss. Make sure you have a decent amount of substrate in there so they can burrow if they wish

Would twice the height of the T be a sufficient amount of substrate or too much/ too little. The enclosure is a five gallon tank so there is actually still a bit of room in terms of height to add some additional material.

I've found that my T is particularly interested in the area under the bark where the dry moss isn't as dense, so when I clean the enclosure I'll try to keep your suggestion in mind.

Actually, on that note, how often should the enclosures be cleaned? A source I was reading said once every week, however, would this not disturb the T too frequently? And I suppose this would largely depend on to what degree the enclosure is being cleaned? For example, do you switch out your substrates and moss, and if so- how often?

 

[QuinnStarr]

Would twice the height of the T be a sufficient amount of substrate or too much/ too little. The enclosure is a five gallon tank so there is actually still a bit of room in terms of height to add some additional material.

I've found that my T is particularly interested in the area under the bark where the dry moss isn't as dense, so when I clean the enclosure I'll try to keep your suggestion in mind.

Actually, on that note, how often should the enclosures be cleaned? A source I was reading said once every week, however, would this not disturb the T too frequently? And I suppose this would largely depend on to what degree the enclosure is being cleaned? For example, do you switch out your substrates and moss, and if so- how often?

I’m not Neon but I can chime in a bit here too, I’d you don’t mind.
Unless your T is fossorial or arboreal, you just want them to have enough substrate to dig a burrow - which will depend on the size of your T. I’m guessing, based on your setup, that you have a terrestrial species, so I’m not sure that “too much” substrate is really a big thing with them. You’ll want probably 2x the spider at least with a terrestrial species because a lot of them do enjoy burrowing and making themselves a safe little hiding spot where they feel comfortable.

If your tarantula has a 2 inch diagonal legspan, you’ll want no more than 4 inches between the top of the enclosure and the substrate. You can have less than 4 inches, but no more. If that means you have 7 inches of substrate, then so be it. That’s what’s safest for your spider. But I’d also make sure you’re using an appropriately sized enclosure. You don’t want a 2 inch spider in a 12x12x10 enclosure or a 4 inch spider in a 5x5x5 one, for example.

As for cleaning, just spot clean as needed. Changing substrate out isn’t really necessary if you’re keeping up with picking out boluses after meals and wiping poop up. That’s what I was told when I asked the same question - so hopefully Neon or another super experienced keeper can chime in if I’m totally wrong on that front. I just didn’t want to ignore one part of your question.

 

[bolbiejeebs]

I’m not Neon but I can chime in a bit here too, I’d you don’t mind.
Unless your T is fossorial or arboreal, you just want them to have enough substrate to dig a burrow - which will depend on the size of your T. I’m guessing, based on your setup, that you have a terrestrial species, so I’m not sure that “too much” substrate is really a big thing with them. You’ll want probably 2x the spider at least with a terrestrial species because a lot of them do enjoy burrowing and making themselves a safe little hiding spot where they feel comfortable.

If your tarantula has a 2 inch diagonal legspan, you’ll want no more than 4 inches between the top of the enclosure and the substrate. You can have less than 4 inches, but no more. If that means you have 7 inches of substrate, then so be it. That’s what’s safest for your spider. But I’d also make sure you’re using an appropriately sized enclosure. You don’t want a 2 inch spider in a 12x12x10 enclosure or a 4 inch spider in a 5x5x5 one, for example.

As for cleaning, just spot clean as needed. Changing substrate out isn’t really necessary if you’re keeping up with picking out boluses after meals and wiping poop up. That’s what I was told when I asked the same question - so hopefully Neon or another super experienced keeper can chime in if I’m totally wrong on that front. I just didn’t want to ignore one part of your question.

Chime in as much as you want! Any input is helpful. I think I will certainly add more substrate, as my T is still rather small and I think an extra layer would be beneficial considering this.

As for cleaning, that makes more sense for me, as it seems less invasive and disruptive.

 

[Neonblizzard]

Chime in as much as you want! Any input is helpful. I think I will certainly add more substrate, as my T is still rather small and I think an extra layer would be beneficial considering this.

As for cleaning, that makes more sense for me, as it seems less invasive and disruptive.

Quinn has already explained nicely

To clean simply pick out boluses, scoop out any poop with a teaspoon and wipe any off the sides of the enclosure and that's it. Just change the sub when you move them to a bigger enclosure as they grow.

If you Change the substrate completely then it's just like putting them in a brand new environment and they have to start that settling in process all over again

 

[bolbiejeebs]

If you Change the substrate completely then it's just like putting them in a brand new environment and they have to start that settling in process all over again

Do you, or anyone else in this thread, have any particular recommendation on when I might add more substrate? That is, since my T was only moved in a little less than a week ago, I am not particularly interested in disturbing the T, however, I think I could add quite a bit more substrate given the overall height of the enclosure is a bit more than twice the span of the T. And that leads me to wonder if it would be more beneficial then to add and redistribute the substrate while the T is in the enclosure, or if this would have to be a complete process of removing the T and then adding in the substrate.

 

[DomGom TheFather]

You can add it bits at a time if you like but it's kind of like a bandaid. If there is a fall risk, correct it. Your spider will get over it.

 

[DomGom TheFather]

Keep in mind that the 2x legspan thing is more for heavier bodied T's. If your spider is still on the small side, it won't be as dangerous. So if your lil dude is still growing up, don't sweat not meeting that exactly.
Just food for thought.

 

[Neonblizzard]

Do you, or anyone else in this thread, have any particular recommendation on when I might add more substrate? That is, since my T was only moved in a little less than a week ago, I am not particularly interested in disturbing the T, however, I think I could add quite a bit more substrate given the overall height of the enclosure is a bit more than twice the span of the T. And that leads me to wonder if it would be more beneficial then to add and redistribute the substrate while the T is in the enclosure, or if this would have to be a complete process of removing the T and then adding in the substrate.

Yeah it's nice to disturb your T as little as possible, but never be put off doing what you need to do for fear of upsetting them.

Life in the wild is a lot scarier for them, they won't wilt just because you had to disturb them a little bit