tarantula safe lids for aquarium?

[handfulofspiders]

i’m gonna be picking up a juvenile brachypelma smithi this sunday, but the only enclosure i have for it would be a 5 gallon aquarium (likely overkill for a 2 inch spider but again, it’s all i've got lol) i know mesh lids are terrible, but what are some other options?
edit : i’ve ordered an appropriately sized critter keeper instead

 

[viper69]

It’s all you have— sooo buy a KK

Damn, even WalMart or similar stores has SOMETHING for terrestrials

If you cannot afford a proper setup, then you shouldn’t be getting a T

 

[cold blood]

A KK is a simple solution, or you can use any small sterilite or RUB (really useful box) enclosures...the options are just about endless.

 

[viper69]

A KK is a simple solution, or you can use any small sterilite or RUB (really useful box) enclosures...the options are just about endless.

I was going to say endless in my post!

 

[handfulofspiders]

It’s all you have— sooo buy a KK

Damn, even WalMart or similar stores has SOMETHING for terrestrials

If you cannot afford a proper setup, then you shouldn’t be getting a T

i’ll look into that! i’m a beginner, so just curious what’s wrong with using an aquarium? i just thought it would be a little large, but i didn’t think it would be an issue for the tarantula?

 

[viper69]

i’ll look into that! i’m a beginner, so just curious what’s wrong with using an aquarium? i just thought it would be a little large, but i didn’t think it would be an issue for the tarantula?

you already know it’s overkill. aquariums non issue, it’s the size of the box

new owners, and also more experienced owners end up with dead exotic animals when they use large setups that are too large.

search the forum

 

[The Grym Reaper]

i’ll look into that! i’m a beginner, so just curious what’s wrong with using an aquarium? i just thought it would be a little large, but i didn’t think it would be an issue for the tarantula?

Nothing... If you were getting an adult specimen, but it's massively oversized for a juvenile that would be more than fine in something less than one fifth the size. Oversized enclosures are detrimental for a bunch of reasons that have been covered countless times on this forum (fall hazard, having a negative impact on behaviour and growth rates, reduced chance of pred/prey interaction, etc.).

 

[LucN]

A. B. smithi/hamorii will do perfectly in a medium-size Kritter Keeper all its life. Just remember to load up with at least half (more preferable) of the enclosure with sub to prevent fall accidents if it climbs around and loses its grip.

I used to have a cover that was perfect for a 5 gal aquarium. It was made of very thick metal wire, spaced enough that no tarantulas could ever entangle itself and still not large enough for a juvenile to slip through. It clamped tightly onto the edges of the aquarium. It also had a middle latch that you could lock and unlock to drop in prey items and still not allow the tarantula or an other escape artist an escape route. Unfortunately, I can't seem to find pictures of it now. Maybe it's no longer being produced.

 

[Matt Man]

people make mesh lid replacements from acrylic. For the cost of the acrylic, time cutting, drilling etc.... you could just get an appropriate size Kritter Keeper.

 

[USNGunner]

people make mesh lid replacements from acrylic. For the cost of the acrylic, time cutting, drilling etc.... you could just get an appropriate size Kritter Keeper.

Given the cost of that stuff now, you can probably buy several KK's for the price.

 

[JPG]

If you don't enjoy diy and only in need of few enclosures and don't care about the aesthetic, I would just get any proper sized plastic container and put holes in them. (Will cost like 2-5 bucks) I personally keep all my species up to small juvies in 6 quart storage container or smaller and build full size enclosure when they reach 5"+. I only noticed significant savings in money after building 15 enclosures or so and I'm planning to build 40+ soon.

In bottom line, aquarium is fine when it matures. Until then I would stick to something cheaper like KK like others suggests.

 

[handfulofspiders]

i appreciate the feedback, but i edited the original post and said i bought a kritter keeper instead lmao..
was only leaving the thread up to help other people that might not know!

 

[Matt Man]

Given the cost of that stuff now, you can probably buy several KK's for the price.

all the more so in the ones I build. I use extruded, art grade 6mm

 

[Dorifto]

And then there is me...