Theraphosa Apophysis care compared to…

[Katie88]

Hello everyone, this is my first time on here and I’m relatively new to keeping tarantulas as well. I am interested in adding a Theraphosa Apophysis to my little family. I wanted to know what/if anything I would need to do differently from the 3 other Ts I already have. I have a LP sling that I was given when she (obviously I do not know if it’s a male or female, but I say she anyways) was less than a quarter inch. That was in December and she has molted 4 times and is about an inch now. I also have a Brachypelma Emilia who is about 2 1/2 inches and a Grammostola Quirogai who is about the same size. All of them are doing very well in my care. I have read about the humidity level and was wondering if someone knew if it is about the same as an LP or if I more is required. If more is required, does this entail simply misting the enclosure more frequently or what? I do not want to go into this unprepared and will not if I do not feel I’m capable of meeting it’s needs properly. I have been very successful with the 3 I have. Anyone have any opinions or advice?

 

[Tarantuland]

Don't worry about the humidity for any of them, but the apophysis will need more moisture in the substrate than the LP. They are faster moving than anything else you have too, and I find they only prefer to take down smaller prey as spiderlings compared to the LP. Don't worry about misting, this can cause spider to kick hairs and feel threatened because the setae detects the pressure. Just overflow the water dish and pour some water around the enclosure anytime it starts to look to dry.

Good on you for researching before buying it, and if you search the species you will find threads about this care. If you find more about stirmi or blondi- care is the same for all 3 Theraphosa.

Welcome to the boards

 

[Katie88]

Thank you so much!! I am so grateful for any advice from people more experienced than myself. I have been wanting to get one for awhile now, but was slightly intimidated by what I read about the humidity requirements. Thank you again.

 

[viper69]

Hello everyone, this is my first time on here and I’m relatively new to keeping tarantulas as well. I am interested in adding a Theraphosa Apophysis to my little family. I wanted to know what/if anything I would need to do differently from the 3 other Ts I already have. I have a LP sling that I was given when she (obviously I do not know if it’s a male or female, but I say she anyways) was less than a quarter inch. That was in December and she has molted 4 times and is about an inch now. I also have a Brachypelma Emilia who is about 2 1/2 inches and a Grammostola Quirogai who is about the same size. All of them are doing very well in my care. I have read about the humidity level and was wondering if someone knew if it is about the same as an LP or if I more is required. If more is required, does this entail simply misting the enclosure more frequently or what? I do not want to go into this unprepared and will not if I do not feel I’m capable of meeting it’s needs properly. I have been very successful with the 3 I have. Anyone have any opinions or advice?

chasing humidity values is generally useless. I havent checked humidity since owning a T.

Regarding Latin names > Species names are never capitalized, genus is.

 

[Katie88]

Good to know. Thank you

 

[cold blood]

tarantulas dont need humidity, they require damp substrate...dampen by pouring water onto the sub...dont do it on a schedule, rather on an as needed basis.

 

[Katie88]

tarantulas dont need humidity, they require damp substrate...dampen by pouring water onto the sub...dont do it on a schedule, rather on an as needed basis.

So just as I notice the substrate lightening in color from drying? Just pour water in the corners or kind of sprinkle all around?

 

[cold blood]

So just as I notice the substrate lightening in color from drying? Just pour water in the corners or kind of sprinkle all around?

either...generally its good to pour it in one area so it sinks down and dampens the deepest parts of the sub.....the deeper sub will hold the moisture longer. I like to pour right on the edges so I can see the water as it reaches the bottom.

 

[Katie88]

either...generally its good to pour it in one area so it sinks down and dampens the deepest parts of the sub.....the deeper sub will hold the moisture longer. I like to pour right on the edges so I can see the water as it reaches the bottom.

Thank you. I really appreciate your advice.

 

[spideyspinneret78]

Moist substrate and good ventilation are key. They're gorgeous spiders, grow quickly, and have a ravenous appetite!

 

[Katie88]

Moist substrate and good ventilation are key. They're gorgeous spiders, grow quickly, and have a ravenous appetite!

Not related to this thread, but I was wondering how often you feed you juvenile emilia? I’ve been giving mine 2 adult crickets once a week. She seems satisfied, but her abdomen doesn’t look super round. I’m new to this so I’m always looking for advice and opinions.

 

[Tarantuland]

Not related to this thread, but I was wondering how often you feed you juvenile emilia? I’ve been giving mine 2 adult crickets once a week. She seems satisfied, but her abdomen doesn’t look super round. I’m new to this so I’m always looking for advice and opinions.

That's fine if it's eating them both. It'll get fat eventually and then go months and months without eating

 

[arthurliuyz]

Hello everyone, this is my first time on here and I’m relatively new to keeping tarantulas as well.

Welcome!

So just as I notice the substrate lightening in color from drying? Just pour water in the corners or kind of sprinkle all around?

This link brings you to an article by Tom Moran that helped me a lot along the way about keeping moisture dependent species. But then again, this article is just a reference - do a lot more research than this before getting one.

 

[Katie88]

That's fine if it's eating them both. It'll get fat eventually and then go months and months without eating

Ok cool. Just wanted to make sure that was right. Thanks

Welcome!

This link brings you to an article by Tom Moran that helped me a lot along the way about keeping moisture dependent species. But then again, this article is just a reference - do a lot more research than this before getting one.

Thank you that is super helpful! I absolutely will. At the end of the day I want to make sure anything in my care is healthy and content so I never jump into anything when it comes to a living creature.

 

[viper69]

Not related to this thread, but I was wondering how often you feed you juvenile emilia? I’ve been giving mine 2 adult crickets once a week. She seems satisfied, but her abdomen doesn’t look super round. I’m new to this so I’m always looking for advice and opinions.

there’s no rule on this. I feed more frequently than most here because I travel a lot.

2 is fine- so is more, some do less

depends on the T, temps etc

 

[Katie88]

Don't worry about the humidity for any of them, but the apophysis will need more moisture in the substrate than the LP. They are faster moving than anything else you have too, and I find they only prefer to take down smaller prey as spiderlings compared to the LP. Don't worry about misting, this can cause spider to kick hairs and feel threatened because the setae detects the pressure. Just overflow the water dish and pour some water around the enclosure anytime it starts to look to dry.

Good on you for researching before buying it, and if you search the species you will find threads about this care. If you find more about stirmi or blondi- care is the same for all 3 Theraphosa.

Welcome to the boards

 

[Katie88]

I did it! Super excited about this little one. Thank you for the advice