Thoughts on enclosure?

zoejo

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 12, 2024
Messages
0
I'm going to be a new tarantula owner, and I've gotten my 10-gallon tank (20"L x 10"W x 12"H) (Thrive) ready. I'm interested in buying a Tliltocatl Kahlenbergi (Veracruz Red-Rump) from my local pet store. Does it seem like I have the appropriate set up for one?
The current items in the tank:
Coconut Fiber Substrate (Zoo Med), Creature Soil (top layer) (Zoo Med), Corner Log Hide (Fluker's), Thermometer / Hygrometer (Jedew), Small Ceramic Water Dish (Imagitarium), Natural cork (Zoo Med)-
A couple live plants I forgot the name of but they're intended for terrariums and need to be misted often so I figured they'd be set in a more humid environment.
Java Wood Perch (A&E) - I was going to put a stick from my backyard in the tank, but after researching about sterilizing, I bought this instead since it was the only option at my nearest Walmart. The driftwood at nearby pet stores is insanely pricey but if you recommend that I can replace it.
On top I have a Zoo Med Creatures Dome Lamp Fixture, 40 Watt, with a LED Light 5 Watt.
I have a clay mushroom in the back corner and a glass turtle under the stick that are all round edges that I thought would be cute decor, but if you see a problem with them being in there, I can take them out.

The supplies I have for active care include:
Long tweezers/tongs for handling live food (crickets, mealworms, etc.), 2 syringes for replacing water (will likely use one for only taking dirty water out, and the other for only putting clean water in), a gallon of distilled water for drinking / misting, and a plastic spray bottle for misting.

Since my bedroom is in the basement, I bought this heat mat incase the enclosure gets too cold in the winter, but I wanted input before I actually attached it to the tank. The tank has feet so there's a space between it and my shelf, giving the heat mat enough room that it can be on the bottom. There's also enough room between the tank and the window behind it that I could put the mat on the back, if that would work better. Yes, the tank is in my window sill, but since I'm in the basement, it's not direct sunlight into the window, and I've got a couple paper folders behind the tank in case that is a problem (that I'd have to remove if I put the heat mat on the backside).

I also have fake spiders along the window as decoration and a large one on the side. If you think that may stress the spider out, I can take them down and move them elsewhere.
The substrate builds higher the farther back it is in the tank. Because of the front opening, I put as much substrate as I could without it falling out.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated.

1726174807010.png 1726174822896.png
 

viper69

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
18,567
How big is T?
Heat mats mounted under tanks KILL TS😡

This needs a lot of work, don’t get a T yet

I strongly suggest you read some of the sticky’s here on the forum.

In addition to learning more about tarantulas themselves. You’ve made some comments for good reasons on your part BUT clearly show you don’t know enough yet.
 

Mustafa67

Arachnoknight
Active Member
Joined
Jun 29, 2021
Messages
235
I'm going to be a new tarantula owner, and I've gotten my 10-gallon tank (20"L x 10"W x 12"H) (Thrive) ready. I'm interested in buying a Tliltocatl Kahlenbergi (Veracruz Red-Rump) from my local pet store. Does it seem like I have the appropriate set up for one?
The current items in the tank:
Coconut Fiber Substrate (Zoo Med), Creature Soil (top layer) (Zoo Med), Corner Log Hide (Fluker's), Thermometer / Hygrometer (Jedew), Small Ceramic Water Dish (Imagitarium), Natural cork (Zoo Med)-
A couple live plants I forgot the name of but they're intended for terrariums and need to be misted often so I figured they'd be set in a more humid environment.
Java Wood Perch (A&E) - I was going to put a stick from my backyard in the tank, but after researching about sterilizing, I bought this instead since it was the only option at my nearest Walmart. The driftwood at nearby pet stores is insanely pricey but if you recommend that I can replace it.
On top I have a Zoo Med Creatures Dome Lamp Fixture, 40 Watt, with a LED Light 5 Watt.
I have a clay mushroom in the back corner and a glass turtle under the stick that are all round edges that I thought would be cute decor, but if you see a problem with them being in there, I can take them out.

The supplies I have for active care include:
Long tweezers/tongs for handling live food (crickets, mealworms, etc.), 2 syringes for replacing water (will likely use one for only taking dirty water out, and the other for only putting clean water in), a gallon of distilled water for drinking / misting, and a plastic spray bottle for misting.

Since my bedroom is in the basement, I bought this heat mat incase the enclosure gets too cold in the winter, but I wanted input before I actually attached it to the tank. The tank has feet so there's a space between it and my shelf, giving the heat mat enough room that it can be on the bottom. There's also enough room between the tank and the window behind it that I could put the mat on the back, if that would work better. Yes, the tank is in my window sill, but since I'm in the basement, it's not direct sunlight into the window, and I've got a couple paper folders behind the tank in case that is a problem (that I'd have to remove if I put the heat mat on the backside).

I also have fake spiders along the window as decoration and a large one on the side. If you think that may stress the spider out, I can take them down and move them elsewhere.
The substrate builds higher the farther back it is in the tank. Because of the front opening, I put as much substrate as I could without it falling out.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated.

View attachment 482614 View attachment 482615
You are overthinking this all you need is a tub, sub (coco fibre), water dish (I use milk tops) and lid. Nothing else.

T Kahlenbergi like dry sub.

Get rid of the lights and the heat mat they’ll kill your T.

The enclosure looks big, what’s the T’s size? It also looks to be filled with stuff you don’t need.

Read this its a good beginners guide:
 

Ultum4Spiderz

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 13, 2011
Messages
6,028
I'm going to be a new tarantula owner, and I've gotten my 10-gallon tank (20"L x 10"W x 12"H) (Thrive) ready. I'm interested in buying a Tliltocatl Kahlenbergi (Veracruz Red-Rump) from my local pet store. Does it seem like I have the appropriate set up for one?
The current items in the tank:
Coconut Fiber Substrate (Zoo Med), Creature Soil (top layer) (Zoo Med), Corner Log Hide (Fluker's), Thermometer / Hygrometer (Jedew), Small Ceramic Water Dish (Imagitarium), Natural cork (Zoo Med)-
A couple live plants I forgot the name of but they're intended for terrariums and need to be misted often so I figured they'd be set in a more humid environment.
Java Wood Perch (A&E) - I was going to put a stick from my backyard in the tank, but after researching about sterilizing, I bought this instead since it was the only option at my nearest Walmart. The driftwood at nearby pet stores is insanely pricey but if you recommend that I can replace it.
On top I have a Zoo Med Creatures Dome Lamp Fixture, 40 Watt, with a LED Light 5 Watt.
I have a clay mushroom in the back corner and a glass turtle under the stick that are all round edges that I thought would be cute decor, but if you see a problem with them being in there, I can take them out.

The supplies I have for active care include:
Long tweezers/tongs for handling live food (crickets, mealworms, etc.), 2 syringes for replacing water (will likely use one for only taking dirty water out, and the other for only putting clean water in), a gallon of distilled water for drinking / misting, and a plastic spray bottle for misting.

Since my bedroom is in the basement, I bought this heat mat incase the enclosure gets too cold in the winter, but I wanted input before I actually attached it to the tank. The tank has feet so there's a space between it and my shelf, giving the heat mat enough room that it can be on the bottom. There's also enough room between the tank and the window behind it that I could put the mat on the back, if that would work better. Yes, the tank is in my window sill, but since I'm in the basement, it's not direct sunlight into the window, and I've got a couple paper folders behind the tank in case that is a problem (that I'd have to remove if I put the heat mat on the backside).

I also have fake spiders along the window as decoration and a large one on the side. If you think that may stress the spider out, I can take them down and move them elsewhere.
The substrate builds higher the farther back it is in the tank. Because of the front opening, I put as much substrate as I could without it falling out.

Any thoughts, suggestions, or comments would be greatly appreciated.

View attachment 482614 View attachment 482615
Do some more research they are not lizards . 🦎 These are nocturnal creatures .
 

TheraMygale

Accipitridae
Arachnosupporter +
Joined
Mar 20, 2024
Messages
839
Any heating material should not be placed on bottom of enclosure. It should be placed on outside wall in a seperate area from hide so tarantula can choose to go there if it wants. Also, if you buy a heatmat, you will need those controleable thermostats to make sure you have control on the heat setting.

susbtrate is often kept dry with these. It might prove to be difficult with live plants.
 
Last edited:

zoejo

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 12, 2024
Messages
0
How big is T?
Heat mats mounted under tanks KILL TS😡

This needs a lot of work, don’t get a T yet

I strongly suggest you read some of the sticky’s here on the forum.

In addition to learning more about tarantulas themselves. You’ve made some comments for good reasons on your part BUT clearly show you don’t know enough yet.
Good to know about the heat mats, I'm glad I asked before I attached it. Which forums should I read on? A link would be great.
 

zoejo

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 12, 2024
Messages
0
You are overthinking this all you need is a tub, sub (coco fibre), water dish (I use milk tops) and lid. Nothing else.

T Kahlenbergi like dry sub.

Get rid of the lights and the heat mat they’ll kill your T.

The enclosure looks big, what’s the T’s size? It also looks to be filled with stuff you don’t need.

Read this its a good beginners guide:
I already bought the tank and materials and have no other use for them. I'll be sure to dry the sub out. The T's at the store seem small, slings I believe. I listed everything in the tank in the post so I'm not sure what stuff I don't need, other than decor. I've read multiple beginners guides and have the general idea from them, it seems that info varies on spider, which is why I'm asking here. Thanks for your feedback.

Edit: I'll make sure not to use the light, but it specifically had a tarantula on the box of the bulb so I'm not sure if that is just false advertisement or what.
 

zoejo

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 12, 2024
Messages
0
Do some more research they are not lizards . 🦎 These are nocturnal creatures .
The box (of the heat mat) said that it is ideal for a variety of animals, including arachnids, so I figured it may be helpful for T's, seems like I was wrong. I've done a lot of research and every website has varying answers, especially how everyone on here has varying answers, which makes it confusing. At Petco and Petsmart they are treated similar to lizards, of course I know they're not the same, but some clarification on the main aspects of difference in care would be great. I'm not sure what to do with the nocturnal information other than treat them like nocturnal animals. Thanks.
 

Ultum4Spiderz

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 13, 2011
Messages
6,028
The box (of the said that it is ideal for a variety of animals, including arachnids, so I figured it may be helpful for T's, seems like I was wrong. I've done a lot of research and every website has varying answers, especially how everyone on here has varying answers, which makes it confusing. At Petco and Petsmart they are treated similar to lizards, of course I know they're not the same, but some clarification on the main aspects of difference in care would be great. I'm not sure what to do with the nocturnal information other than treat them like nocturnal animals. Thanks.
What’s your room temperature? You’d want it with plexi or a tank inside a tank with a heat mat. You cant have direct contact a spider will cook itself . Space heaters are the best .
 

viper69

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
18,567
Short FACTUAL answers.

Good to know about the heat mats, I'm glad I asked before I attached it. Which forums should I read on? A link would be great.
All of them

it specifically had a tarantula on the box of the bulb so I'm not sure if that is just false advertisement or what.
false advertisement unless you live at the South Pole generally speaking

The box (of the heat mat) said that it is ideal for a variety of animals, including arachnids, so I figured it may be helpful for T's, seems like I was wrong. I've done a lot of research and every website has varying answers, especially how everyone on here has varying answers, which makes it confusing. At Petco and Petsmart they are treated similar to lizards, of course I know they're not the same, but some clarification on the main aspects of difference in care would be great. I'm not sure what to do with the nocturnal information other than treat them like nocturnal animals. Thanks.
DO NOT FALL FOR MARKETING

Get your information from AB only. AB is the WORLD's LARGEST repository of arachnid information online geared towards hobbyists. The board owners, and mods are all seasoned T owners, and breeders in some cases. There are many members here with a lot of info, and there's decades of accurate info here as well. Keeping Ts hasn't changed much in many decades at all.

Don't use tiktok, don't use StupidTube either. Absolutely DO NOT read random caresheets.

If you get a terrestrial make sure the distance from substrate to lid is NO MORE THAN 1.5 THE TS DIAGONAL LEG SPAN. This is critical for heavy bodied Ts, esp yours, and other NW terrestrials.

All of the info you need is HERE, just read it. Then come back with specific questions. Do not ask for "any info, or tips', that is a waste of time for YOU, and the people here who DONATE their time FREELY, including moderators.

And get a water dish. You have a lot to learn before you get the T.

If it's only 1 inch long, ie a sling, put it in a condiment cup, or a 16 oz deli cup. What you bought is only useful when it's an adult. YEARS from now.

Container
Sub
Hide
water dish

KISS is the method I recommend for most people, esp new ones.

That's all they need, anything not on the list above is for YOUR benefit not theirs.

None of this is rocket science either. It's merely a matter of doing research here at AB.
 
Last edited:

Ultum4Spiderz

ArachnoGod
Old Timer
Joined
Oct 13, 2011
Messages
6,028
^ He's blunt but he knows his stuff and cares about Ts. Follow and read the stuff there.
Yeah he’s correct ✅ misinformation is crushing so many new hobbyists who do not know which sites are legit or not .
Short FACTUAL answers.



All of them



false advertisement unless you live at the South Pole generally speaking



DO NOT FALL FOR MARKETING

Get your information from AB only. AB is the WORLD's LARGEST repository of arachnid information online geared towards hobbyists. The board owners, and mods are all seasoned T owners, and breeders in some cases. There are many members here with a lot of info, and there's decades of accurate info here as well. Keeping Ts hasn't changed much in many decades at all.

Don't use tiktok, don't use StupidTube either. Absolutely DO NOT read random caresheets.

If you get a terrestrial make sure the distance from substrate to lid is NO MORE THAN 1.5 THE TS DIAGONAL LEG SPAN. This is critical for heavy bodied Ts, esp yours, and other NW terrestrials.

All of the info you need is HERE, just read it. Then come back with specific questions. Do not ask for "any info, or tips', that is a waste of time for YOU, and the people here who DONATE their time FREELY, including moderators.

And get a water dish. You have a lot to learn before you get the T.

If it's only 1 inch long, ie a sling, put it in a condiment cup, or a 16 oz deli cup. What you bought is only useful when it's an adult. YEARS from now.

Container
Sub
Hide
water dish

KISS is the method I recommend for most people, esp new ones.

That's all they need, anything not on the list above is for YOUR benefit not theirs.

None of this is rocket science either. It's merely a matter of doing research here at AB.
Common sense is hard to find in the age of ignorance.
For op to read.
 

Gevo

Arachnosquire
Active Member
Joined
Oct 25, 2023
Messages
66
Welcome! I can see that you are wanting to do everything possible to care for your future tarantula and will spare no effort or expense to give them the deluxe treatment!

The trouble with researching tarantula care is that, as you’ve said, there is conflicting information out there. Most of what we know comes from hobbyists, so information is often changing as people learn new things, and a lot of published care guides and such can be out of date. Things like lamps and heat mats come from the reptile hobby, which is what a lot of people used to assume is the closest thing to tarantula care, but tarantula care is actually very different and much simpler. Heat mats in particular can be a problem because tarantulas burrow to get away from heat, and because they’re just going on instinct, they will continue to burrow to get away from the heat even if it’s actually putting them closer to it. That’s why they can be dangerous for tarantulas. It’s better to ensure that the room they’re kept in is a normal room temperature. Anywhere from the high 60s-high 70s (F) or low- to mid-20s (C) should be fine for them.

As for the size of your tank, this is a large enclosure for a fully grown adult. If the ones at your pet store are still small, you’ll want to start with a smaller enclosure. The good news is that you can do this very cheaply and save the large tank for when it grows up. The danger with putting too small a tarantula in a large tank like this is that they will have trouble finding and hunting their food, you will have trouble keeping track of them to see if they’re healthy, and there is lots of risk of them falling and becoming fatally injured. In general, terrestrial tarantulas should have substrate levels high enough that there’s only 1-1.5 times their leg span between the substrate and the lid. And on the topic of lids, you want to consider the type of lid you have because mesh lids pose additional risks, and people usually need to do a DIY modification if their tank came with one.

I am relatively new to the hobby, and when I started, I found the threads linked to above helpful, and I also found Tom’s Big Spiders helpful. I’d suggest starting with the blog because he has lots of useful information there on enclosures and feeding. Then, check out his YouTube channel as well for more content. He also has a podcast if you’re into those.
 
Last edited:

zoejo

Arachnopeon
Joined
Sep 12, 2024
Messages
0
Welcome! I can see that you are wanting to do everything possible to care for your future tarantula and will spare no effort or expense to give them the deluxe treatment!..
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the comment in a calm and collective manner, it encourages me to do the research you suggest. Thank you for clearing up the information about the heat mats, now that you explain it, it makes sense! I will make sure to follow your instructions for the full safety and comfort of my spider. I hope you have a great day :)
 
Top