Thoughts about Habistat glass enclosures

[Garrod]

Hey! I'm curious if anyone has experience with the Habistat glass terrarium. I'm thinking of getting one for my first tarantula, but I'm having trouble deciding between Grammostola pulchripes, Tliltocatl vagans, Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens, or Tliltocatl albopilosus. It would be really cool to have matching enclosures for my terrestrial/fossorial buddies. I also want to move my AFS into a new terrarium because his current one is too big and starting to show its age. He's been buried for months, I caught a quick glimpse of him about a month and a half ago, and he appeared larger. I also found his shed, so I know he molted. But now, he is back in his permanent burrow... Tracking his eating habits has been a challenge, so I introduced a small colony of porcellio pruinosus into his enclosure, hoping he'll hunt them down. A smaller enclosure may be a better fit for him. I haven't found many reviews for the Habistat terrarium, though. I'm a bit concerned about the mesh lid because I've heard that tarantulas can get stuck in it. On the other hand, I've seen videos of keepers like Dave's Little Beasties using Exo Terra enclosures with mesh lids and not encountering any issues. I'd love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences with both the Habistat and Exo Terra enclosures. Thanks a bunch!

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Hey! I'm curious if anyone has experience with the Habistat glass terrarium. I'm thinking of getting one for my first tarantula, but I'm having trouble deciding between Grammostola pulchripes, Tliltocatl vagans, , or Tliltocatl albopilosus. It would be really cool to have matching enclosures for my terrestrial/fossorial buddies. I also want to move my AFS into a new terrarium because his current one is too big and starting to show its age. He's been buried for months, I caught a quick glimpse of him about a month and a half ago, and he appeared larger. I also found his shed, so I know he molted. But now, he is back in his permanent burrow... Tracking his eating habits has been a challenge, so I introduced a small colony of porcellio pruinosus into his enclosure, hoping he'll hunt them down. A smaller enclosure may be a better fit for him. I haven't found many reviews for the Habistat terrarium, though. I'm a bit concerned about the mesh lid because I've heard that tarantulas can get stuck in it. On the other hand, I've seen videos of keepers like Dave's Little Beasties using Exo Terra enclosures with mesh lids and not encountering any issues. I'd love to hear your thoughts and personal experiences with both the Habistat and Exo Terra enclosures. Thanks a bunch!

For aboreals go for it , Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is only one I’d put in those tanks and not the tallest one. I don’t know if those lids stick to Ts feet or not . And when I had a gbb it hurt itself in a tank with less fall space than that. so be sure nothing sharp is there or find some cage you can atleast fill half with dirt .

Some people like me won’t give any terrestrials more then 1.5-2x dls climbing space . And for a few it’s 1.2x they still have loads of space .
Good brand I think but made for tree spiders and aboreal reptiles, Scorpions probably like it too.

Reptile Starter Kits ��� Complete Kits for Beginners | Ha

Discover complete reptile starter kits from Habistat, including all essentials for creating a safe and comfortable habitat for your reptile.

habistat.com

 

[viper69]

using Exo Terra enclosures with mesh lids and not encountering any issues.

That you know of- meaning if you search the forum you’ll find examples of screen mesh is not good at all.

Unless you don’t care and play Russian roulette with your pets

 

[Garrod]

For aboreals go for it , Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens is only one I’d put in those tanks and not the tallest one. I don’t know if those lids stick to Ts feet or not . And when I had a gbb it hurt itself in a tank with less fall space than that. so be sure nothing sharp is there or find some cage you can atleast fill half with dirt .

Some people like me won’t give any terrestrials more then 1.5-2x dls climbing space . And for a few it’s 1.2x they still have loads of space .
Good brand I think but made for tree spiders and aboreal reptiles, Scorpions probably like it too.

Reptile Starter Kits ��� Complete Kits for Beginners | Ha

Discover complete reptile starter kits from Habistat, including all essentials for creating a safe and comfortable habitat for your reptile.

habistat.com

Yeah, height is also a concern if they fall. I have considered that aspect as well. I've noticed many keepers housing their tarantulas in 30x30x30 enclosures, but I understand that just because others are doing it doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option. As a newcomer to the hobby, I appreciate gathering as much input as possible to make an informed decision. Thank you for your insights.

That you know of- meaning if you search the forum you’ll find examples of screen mesh is not good at all.

Unless you don’t care and play Russian roulette with your pets

I am aware and have searched for information about it, which is why I am making this post to express my concerns. I have also read that Exo Terra mesh lids are made of woven mesh, unlike Reptizoo ones, so initially it wouldn't be a problem regarding the issue of the legs getting caught. Habistat seems to sell the same models as Reptizoo, the only difference I see is that it has a front door with ventilation.

 

[viper69]

Yeah, height is also a concern if they fall. I have considered that aspect as well. I've noticed many keepers housing their tarantulas in 30x30x30 enclosures, but I understand that just because others are doing it doesn't necessarily mean it's the best option. As a newcomer to the hobby, I appreciate gathering as much input as possible to make an informed decision. Thank you for your insights.



I am aware and have searched for information about it, which is why I am making this post to express my concerns. I have also read that Exo Terra mesh lids are made of woven mesh, unlike Reptizoo ones, so initially it wouldn't be a problem regarding the issue of the legs getting caught. Habistat seems to sell the same models as Reptizoo, the only difference I see is that it has a front door with ventilation.

I can’t speak to 2nd brand. If I recall a user here has extruded metal screens and those work fine.

For Exo’s there cheap $ inserts that drop in perfectly if you aren’t a DIY

 

[Garrod]

I can’t speak to 2nd brand. If I recall a user here has extruded metal screens and those work fine.

For Exo’s there cheap $ inserts that drop in perfectly if you aren’t a DIY

Do you mind spilling the deets on those inserts? I'm feeling a bit lost when it comes to choosing the right enclosure. I know it varies depending on the tarantula, but the ones I mentioned are all terrestrials (I've heard T. vagans is a burrower opportunistic, but correct me if I'm mistaken). It's just a bummer to buy a new brand enclosure and then have to mess around with modifications, I'm hoping to find a hassle-free solution if possible. Breeding boxes might do the trick, but I really want to have a clear view of my setups. By the way, what kind of setups do you use for your tarantulas? Share the scoop, thanks!

 

[viper69]

Do you mind spilling the deets on those inserts? I'm feeling a bit lost when it comes to choosing the right enclosure. I know it varies depending on the tarantula, but the ones I mentioned are all terrestrials (I've heard T. vagans is a burrower opportunistic, but correct me if I'm mistaken). It's just a bummer to buy a new brand enclosure and then have to mess around with modifications, I'm hoping to find a hassle-free solution if possible. Breeding boxes might do the trick, but I really want to have a clear view of my setups. By the way, what kind of setups do you use for your tarantulas? Share the scoop, thanks!

It was found on Etsy but don’t recall the vendor.

I use Breeder boxes from Exo- they stack and lock, no fall injury

 

[Garrod]

It was found on Etsy but don’t recall the vendor.

I use Breeder boxes from Exo- they stack and lock, no fall injury

Thanks! I may have found a solution to my enclosure concerns, but I would appreciate your input to clarify things. I stumbled upon some nano habitats from the Komodo brand that piqued my interest. I've heard from fellow forum members that their mesh lids are more secure compared to the ones from Exo Terra because they are made of expanded metal screen (same model as Reptizoo). These units lack a frontal door/ventilation, allowing me to add substrate and create a safe height for my tarantulas. The only worry I have is the lack of cross ventilation, but I've seen keepers like Dave's Little Beasties using them without any issues. In fact, I watched him rehouse his GBB into one of these today, and they look pretty cool. What are your thoughts on this?

 

[viper69]

Thanks! I may have found a solution to my enclosure concerns, but I would appreciate your input to clarify things. I stumbled upon some nano habitats from the Komodo brand that piqued my interest. I've heard from fellow forum members that their mesh lids are more secure compared to the ones from Exo Terra because they are made of expanded metal screen (same model as Reptizoo). These units lack a frontal door/ventilation, allowing me to add substrate and create a safe height for my tarantulas. The only worry I have is the lack of cross ventilation, but I've seen keepers like Dave's Little Beasties using them without any issues. In fact, I watched him rehouse his GBB into one of these today, and they look pretty cool. What are your thoughts on this?

Not overly worried about cross vent. The Europeans don’t have cross vent in their glass cubes and they are often, but not always, more advanced than us when it comes designing setups

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

Thanks! I may have found a solution to my enclosure concerns, but I would appreciate your input to clarify things. I stumbled upon some nano habitats from the Komodo brand that piqued my interest. I've heard from fellow forum members that their mesh lids are more secure compared to the ones from Exo Terra because they are made of expanded metal screen (same model as Reptizoo). These units lack a frontal door/ventilation, allowing me to add substrate and create a safe height for my tarantulas. The only worry I have is the lack of cross ventilation, but I've seen keepers like Dave's Little Beasties using them without any issues. In fact, I watched him rehouse his GBB into one of these today, and they look pretty cool. What are your thoughts on this?

Neat are they expensive?

It was found on Etsy but don’t recall the vendor.

I use Breeder boxes from Exo- they stack and lock, no fall injury

They seem big enough for just about any t even shows a python in the one pic . Just not sure we’re to find them online they cost more then a same tier kritter keeper but money easily saved by using less substrate. Wish I had knew about them sooner , guess I don’t keep reptiles so I overloaded the isle in stores they are in . Pet supplies may have them ?

 

[viper69]

Neat are they expensive?

They seem big enough for just about any t even shows a python in the one pic . Just not sure we’re to find them online they cost more then a same tier kritter keeper but money easily saved by using less substrate. Wish I had knew about them sooner , guess I don’t keep reptiles so I overloaded the isle in stores they are in . Pet supplies may have them ?

I bought them locally and from the net

 

[Garrod]

Neat are they expensive?

I'm really struggling to find these things in Spain. I contacted a specialized shop, but now I have to wait for about 20 days until they finally arrive at the store. Right now, they cost 54.10€, but with all this inflation going on, the price will likely go up by around 10-15%. Anyway, I don't mind waiting because I want to make sure I get secure and nice enclosures.

 

[Garrod]

Quick update: I finally bought two Komodo enclosures, each measuring 21x21x20, and one larger enclosure with dimensions 31x31x30. I got a Tliltocatl albopilosus "Nicaragua" and a Chromatopelma cyaneopubescens. I'm delighted with the products! For now, I've set up the Tliltocatl albopilosus in the 21x21x20 enclosure, as I believe it's good for his size, I measured him more or less and I think is around 4.5-5.5 cm dls. On the other hand, the Chromatopelma is too small, so I prepared an 8 cm diagonal enclosure for him. I'd love to hear your opinion on the height and overall setup, as I'm a beginner and would feel more relaxed with approval from experienced keepers. The substrate is a mixture of peat moss, coco fiber, vermiculite, and spider bedding from Habistat, with some left over. Thanks!

 

[Matt Man]

they look good. I love glass, if those lids are mesh you may want to swap them out. Arboreal Ts rarely get hung in them but terrestrials typically do

 

[DaveOB]

they look good. I love glass, if those lids are mesh you may want to swap them out. Arboreal Ts rarely get hung in them but terrestrials typically do

I've just bought two of those Komodo enclosures (31x31x20cm) which arrived today. The mesh is perforated steel (plastic (?) coated) rather than a woven mesh, so I'm hoping the likelihood of a T getting a claw caught is greatly reduced

 

[Garrod]

Here's a closer look at the lid. It's made from a single piece of metal. As far as I've gathered, Exo Terra enclosures have a potential problem because they're constructed with tightly woven wire that could trap a tarsal claw. Given that, I reckon this one-piece metal lid should be a much safer option.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

I've just bought two of those Komodo enclosures (31x31x20cm) which arrived today. The mesh is perforated steel (plastic (?) coated) rather than a woven mesh, so I'm hoping the likelihood of a T getting a claw caught is greatly reduced

Neat I’ll have to look into them when I get arboreals again.

 

[Nastynickynack89]

If your honestly looking for just one enclosure. Go with tarantula cribs. Its not practical for a huge collection but one or two the price won't be as much of an issue.

 

[Ultum4Spiderz]

If your honestly looking for just one enclosure. Go with tarantula cribs. Its not practical for a huge collection but one or two the price won't be as much of an issue.

Are you referring to me ? I have 5-8 Empty glass and plastic tanks but I’ll definitely buy some acrylic when I get more money. Kritter keepers are really what I can’t seem to find pet stores don’t carry them anymore . I want those kk.

 

[Nastynickynack89]

Yeah the fist enclosure isn't bad but I prefer acrylic. I paid alot of money for these ladies I wanna show them off lol