Geoff Armentrout
Arachnopeon
- Joined
- Jul 13, 2016
- Messages
- 29
Was reading a sad post today http://arachnoboards.com/threads/t-stirmi-died.286423/ and saw some informative replies which made me ask myself a few questions as I recently (20 days ago) acquired 2 T. blondi slings one of which molted into 2.5"+ dls. I did not want to hijack the post so I thought I would start a new one and get peoples opinions/preferences/experiences.
I gave my T. blondi slings a terrarium setup minus live plants. 1" drainage layer and 2" of peat/coco mix sub (it's a bit less then I wanted I intend to change this very soon they haven't done much excavating and do good pet rock impersonations.) I have each with their own exo terra hygrometers which generally read between 87%-90% humidity. I do not mist (it tends to agitate T's in my experience plus evaporates quickly) instead I over flow their bowls so the only damp sub is 1/3rd to 1/2 of the enclosure. I have cross ventilation I even built a DIY air pump humidifier I haven't used yet (have a utrasonic room one I have run at 50% without the humidity in the room is a measly 30%.) Now for the topic at hand.
Dry substrate versus Damp substrate - I have noticed my T. blondi's seem to prefer damp substrate over dry. Which is not easy to maintain without flooding the sub and having a drainage layer with an overflow check to let out excessive water before coming in contact with the substrate. Also the smaller blondi really has a distaste for the intrusion of water hitting the substrate it strikes at it XD.
So what are your opinions/experiences/preferences with keeping Theraphosa species, damp or dry sub?
Thanks,
Geoff
I gave my T. blondi slings a terrarium setup minus live plants. 1" drainage layer and 2" of peat/coco mix sub (it's a bit less then I wanted I intend to change this very soon they haven't done much excavating and do good pet rock impersonations.) I have each with their own exo terra hygrometers which generally read between 87%-90% humidity. I do not mist (it tends to agitate T's in my experience plus evaporates quickly) instead I over flow their bowls so the only damp sub is 1/3rd to 1/2 of the enclosure. I have cross ventilation I even built a DIY air pump humidifier I haven't used yet (have a utrasonic room one I have run at 50% without the humidity in the room is a measly 30%.) Now for the topic at hand.
Dry substrate versus Damp substrate - I have noticed my T. blondi's seem to prefer damp substrate over dry. Which is not easy to maintain without flooding the sub and having a drainage layer with an overflow check to let out excessive water before coming in contact with the substrate. Also the smaller blondi really has a distaste for the intrusion of water hitting the substrate it strikes at it XD.
So what are your opinions/experiences/preferences with keeping Theraphosa species, damp or dry sub?
Thanks,
Geoff
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