Tips for a new tarantula owner (GBB)

[Fixler]

Hello everyone I finally made an account here but I have definitely read this forum to help me research.

I have wanted a tarantula for years but my roommates were never ok with it so I have just had the opportunity to have reptiles. I am finally in a living space where my roommates are fine with me owning a tarantula and I am so excited.

I have been doing a lot of research on different species and I have my heart set on a Green Bottle Blue due to their hardy nature and beautiful color and webs. I am going to a reptile show in my home state on the 15th of september to find a western hognose snake and plan on also picking up a tarantula or two while I am at it.

I plan on getting a juvenile so I have the best chance at getting a female and was looking for some care advice from people who currently care for them rather than relying on care sheets. I was wondering what size kritter keeper a juvenile needs to start and what kind of moisture/ heat you would recommend for them as jeuviniles. Also what size exo terra enclosure would you recommend once she is at full size (assuming I get lucky with a female).

I really love this board and I am happy to be apart of it. I have always loved tarantulas and want the best start to this hobby. I might also pick up a Pink Zebra Beauty as well depending on the selection.
Thank you all for the help.

 

[PanzoN88]

Small-medium kritter keeper or a deli cup would work depending on size.

Deep, dry substrate, anchor points, and a hide are all you need. Room temperature is perfectly fine.

 

[Darkmatter57]

"I was wondering what size kritter keeper a juvenile needs to start and what kind of moisture/ heat you would recommend for them as jeuviniles."

A medium to large is generally okay, obviously choose at your own discretion based on the size of the T you decide on. Room temperature of 70's-80's is generally good and you won't really require any heating equipment unless it dips below that point. Stay away from heat pads and heat lights and just plug in a small space heater to bring the Temps up. GBB's also like it very dry so just keep the water bowl filled and you'll be alright.

"Also what size exo terra enclosure would you recommend once she is at full size (assuming I get lucky with a female)."

I would be a hypocrite if I told you not to get an exoterra because I have one for my B.Albo(12x12x12), just know that you are taking a risk with hight when using any exoterra because they are generally built for arboreal animals. And to boot my B.Albo actually destroyed the background that comes with the exoterra so that's always something to consider also.

 

[Fixler]

I would be a hypocrite if I told you not to get an exoterra because I have one for my B.Albo(12x12x12), just know that you are taking a risk with hight when using any exoterra because they are generally built for arboreal animals. And to boot my B.Albo actually destroyed the background that comes with the exoterra so that's always something to consider also.

Oh I had no idea. I am not completely set on an exo terra. I am more concerned with having a pretty display for my tarantula when it's an adult. I don't really like the look of a kritter keeper and I like the way exo terras look. Do you have a recommendation for a different glass enclosure that will look pretty but not pose this risk? Thank you so much for the response.

@PanzoN88 thank you for the response I will keep that in mind

 

[Krystal Anne]

Oh I had no idea. I am not completely set on an exo terra. I am more concerned with having a pretty display for my tarantula when it's an adult. I don't really like the look of a kritter keeper and I like the way exo terras look. Do you have a recommendation for a different glass enclosure that will look pretty but not pose this risk? Thank you so much for the response.

@PanzoN88 thank you for the response I will keep that in mind

Do NOT use an Exo Terra for this species... or any terrestrial tarantulas imo. They don't offer enough space to add a safe amount of substrate due to the front-opening doors, which makes them usually way too tall. Plus, what doubles the danger of height is the mesh screen top. I suppose that part can be modified, but the height is still there. Just too many risks.

@Darkmatter57 If you're aware of the risks, why not change the enclosure

 

[Fixler]

Do NOT use an Exo Terra for this species... or any terrestrial tarantulas imo. They don't offer enough space to add a safe amount of substrate due to the front-opening doors, which makes them usually way too tall. Plus, what doubles the danger of height is the mesh screen top. I suppose that part can be modified, but the height is still there. Just too many risks.

@Darkmatter57 If you're aware of the risks, why not change the enclosure

So what would you recommend for an aesthetically pleasing terrarium for an adult GBB? I appreciate the warning this is why I ask these questions before even getting my tarantula. I always strive to do the best for my animals.

Exo terra is just my go to for reptile keeping which is why they were my first thought. I am new to invertebrates and I definitely want to enter this hobby with as much knowledge as possible.

 

[Krystal Anne]

So what would you recommend for an aesthetically pleasing terrarium for an adult GBB? I appreciate the warning this is why I ask these questions before even getting my tarantula. I always strive to do the best for my animals.

Exo terra is just my go to for reptile keeping which is why they were my first thought. I am new to invertebrates and I definitely want to enter this hobby with as much knowledge as possible.

No worries! It's awesome that you're doing research beforehand by the way, you're doing great

Unfortunately, I don't know of any super aesthetically pleasing enclosures. There are some fully acrylic ones, but I heard they go bad over time. Most people I see use plastic tubs with holes drilled in, which work perfectly and last forever, but don't have that "look" that I know you're talking about.

Critter-keeper type enclosures may be your best bet. I don't like how they look too much either, especially with colorful tops (I like clear or black colors lol), but I did find these decent ones from PetSmart that are super clear (not tinted like many others) and have black tops:


You can probably find several threads on here that I'm sure show better enclosure ideas

 

[FrDoc]

@Fixler First, welcome to the hobby and AB! Second, kudos on forgoing caresheets, they are generally questionable at best regarding information, but they are just one person’s opinion. AB is a dynamic caresheet. Day to day practical information, provided by some top-notch folks who are here not because it’s their job, although some it is, but because of their love of the hobby. Be attentive, use the search function, and learn from others’ experiences, both positive and negative. Third, and finally, I commend your choice of the GBB! They are an absolutely fantabulous species, beautiful (even as slings and juvies), fast growers, and maniacal eaters. Beware though, they are quite fast, and will not necessarily run away from a disturbance. Mine, more often than not, runs at the opening of the enclosure. You don’t want to chase after your first tarantula. So, I would suggest that whatever enclosure you get, choose one with a limited access point. Some KK’s have a feeder door in the top. You might want to consider that option to prevent the chasing I mentioned above, use the search functions for some interesting chase stories.

 

[Krystal Anne]

@Fixler Some KK’s have a feeder door in the top. You might want to consider that option to prevent the chasing I mentioned above, use the search functions for some interesting chase stories.

Yes, great point! OP, the enclosure I posted does have that door on the top also

 

[Darkmatter57]

So what would you recommend for an aesthetically pleasing terrarium for an adult GBB? I appreciate the warning this is why I ask these questions before even getting my tarantula. I always strive to do the best for my animals.

Exo terra is just my go to for reptile keeping which is why they were my first thought. I am new to invertebrates and I definitely want to enter this hobby with as much knowledge as possible.

Jamie's tarantulas makes p good looking enclosures

Do NOT use an Exo Terra for this species... or any terrestrial tarantulas imo. They don't offer enough space to add a safe amount of substrate due to the front-opening doors, which makes them usually way too tall. Plus, what doubles the danger of height is the mesh screen top. I suppose that part can be modified, but the height is still there. Just too many risks.

@Darkmatter57 If you're aware of the risks, why not change the enclosure

Well for starters i spent alot of money on the enclosure and converted the top and everything (I was very new to the hobby when I did this) but I think it looks nice for display and the tarantula I keep in it has a good legspan and is a very hardy species, I also slope up the substrate to make any potential falls alot shorter (which never happen, I've had this tarantula in its current setup for almost a year with very few issues) since owning two more tarantulas since my Albo and keeping them in proper kritterkeepers I realize it's a more ideal setup, but more or less my exoterra setup has worked quite well

 

[Theneil]

As for care.

Completely dry substrate with a water dish and lots of clutter for it to use as anchor points for that beautiful webbing.

As for terrarium size. A TYPICAL terrestrial enclosure is reccomended to be about 2-4 times the legspan of the inhabitant in each directionfor the foor. a GBB (green bottle blue) will likely appreciate a fair bit more than that (maybe up to 8 times legspan)

For height, it is usually recomended that no more than 1.5-2 times the legspan should be between the highest point and the top of the substrate. However, some people keep GBBs SEMI-arboreal, offering it much more vertical room. If you opt for this route, i strongly recommend that there be fake foilage or some other soft items kind of layered so that the maximum possible fall without cushion is no more than 1.5 times the leg span.

Side note on decorations. They will be webbed up pretty quick so i wouldn't spent a ton of money on something cool looking because soon you won't even be able to tell what it is.

Side note for all you exoterra haters: They do make terrestrial style enclosures. (disclaimer) i don't personally use any for T's but they do exist. Excuse the mess. This is R2D2 the ball python's enclosure.) Do be aware of the screen top being a potential issue of stuck feet though.

For an easy 'Display' enclosure, i would recomend simply using a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium/terrarium.

 

[Krystal Anne]

Side note for all you exoterra haters: They do make terrestrial style enclosures. (disclaimer) i don't personally use any for T's but they do exist. Excuse the mess. This is R2D2 the ball python's enclosure.) Do be aware of the screen top being a potential issue of stuck feet though.

For an easy 'Display' enclosure, i would recomend simply using a 10 or 20 gallon aquarium/terrarium.

Oh, if you're referring to me, I'm completely aware they make terrestrial style enclosures! I meant none that are fit for terrestrial tarantulas. They're all far too large with way too much height. Don't get me wrong, I love Exo Terra's, but I find that their terrestrial enclosures are still quite unfit for most terrestrial tarantulas

Well for starters i spent alot of money on the enclosure and converted the top and everything (I was very new to the hobby when I did this) but I think it looks nice for display and the tarantula I keep in it has a good legspan and is a very hardy species, I also slope up the substrate to make any potential falls alot shorter (which never happen, I've had this tarantula in its current setup for almost a year with very few issues) since owning two more tarantulas since my Albo and keeping them in proper kritterkeepers I realize it's a more ideal setup, but more or less my exoterra setup has worked quite well

Well, even if you have the substrate at a slope, there's still gonna be way too much height at the other end. And just because no accidents have happened in the last year, doesn't mean it won't happen now, or in a few months, or next year. I understand it may have cost a lot... so I say get an arboreal tarantula

 

[cold blood]

OP, for an adult, any 5 or 10 gallon aquarium is workable with the simple addition of a drilled plexi or acrylic top. Inexpensive and clear....it just takes the addition of a lot of sub.

 

[Theneil]

Oh, if you're referring to me, I'm completely aware they make terrestrial style enclosures! I meant none that are fit for terrestrial tarantulas. They're all far too large with way too much height. Don't get me wrong, I love Exo Terra's, but I find that their terrestrial enclosures are still quite unfit for most terrestrial tarantulas



Well, even if you have the substrate at a slope, there's still gonna be way too much height at the other end. And just because no accidents have happened in the last year, doesn't mean it won't happen now, or in a few months, or next year. I understand it may have cost a lot... so I say get an arboreal tarantula

Wasn't aimed at anyone in particular. LOL. And i'm probably too tired to portray the propper tone of sarcasm in text wheni said haters.

Personally if the weren't so darn expensive i would be comfortable height wise with the one shown in my post for an adult T. From the bottom of the door (highest point you can put sub) to the top is only 8 inches so most any adult terrestrial of average size (5-6) would be safe frome a fall IMO. (this is of course ignoring the mesh top.) To me the only real draw backs to them are:
1. Large foot print
2. I don't trust the design to hold any weight on top (like stacking) two.
3. Money don't grow on trees.

Of course these thoughs are my own and everybody is entitled to their own opinions.

 

[Krystal Anne]

Wasn't aimed at anyone in particular. LOL. And i'm probably too tired to portray the propper tone of sarcasm in text wheni said haters.

Personally if the weren't so darn expensive i would be comfortable height wise with the one shown in my post for an adult T. From the bottom of the door (highest point you can put sub) to the top is only 8 inches so most any adult terrestrial of average size (5-6) would be safe frome a fall IMO. (this is of course ignoring the mesh top.) To me the only real draw backs to them are:
1. Large foot print
2. I don't trust the design to hold any weight on top (like stacking) two.
3. Money don't grow on trees.

Of course these thoughs are my own and everybody is entitled to their own opinions.

Ahh, no, you're totally right! But aren't the 8" tall ones only available as 8x8x8, making it too small for a 5-6" tarantula in general? Unless you move up a size, therefore making it even taller, and so on... Ah, I may just not be aware of other unique sizes So true though, they're just so expensive! Unless you only want to keep one tarantula... but a tarantula keeper that only keeps one is a myth

 

[Teal]

Getting a juvie doesn't increase your chances of getting a female, just to throw that out there I personally recommend getting a sling... they are hardy, and go through some awesome colour changes!

For an adult female, I would look for a 10g SHORT tank... lots of floor space, witbout the height. They are awesome tanks... I have several for adult femald terrestrial species on display.

 

[Theneil]

Ahh, no, you're totally right! But aren't the 8" tall ones only available as 8x8x8, making it too small for a 5-6" tarantula in general? Unless you move up a size, therefore making it even taller, and so on... Ah, I may just not be aware of other unique sizes So true though, they're just so expensive! Unless you only want to keep one tarantula... but a tarantula keeper that only keeps one is a myth

The one we have the ball python in is probably about 24" wide by 18" deep so i would say it is actually on the larger side.

Again, i'm not trying to push the ExoTerras, just throwing out that they do make models that would work.

 

[Crystal Spider]

I read about the Exo Terra problems with Ts at another forum. Somebody asked the community, who really experienced any problems. It turned out, that there was only one case of a spider stuck on the mesh many years ago. Since then no more problems occured, despite a lot of T-owners using Exo Terras with the original mesh top.

 

[Greasylake]

I read about the Exo Terra problems with Ts at another forum. Somebody asked the community, who really experienced any problems. It turned out, that there was only one case of a spider stuck on the mesh many years ago. Since then no more problems occured, despite a lot of T-owners using Exo Terras with the original mesh top.

There have been multiple people coming here in the fast few weeks with Ts getting stuck in the mesh. One of the seasoned guys had the problem a while ago as well, but I can't remember exactly who it was. Scroll through some of the "leg lost" or "injured avic" threads and you'll see a testament to the danger of mesh.

 

[Crystal Spider]

There have been multiple people coming here in the fast few weeks with Ts getting stuck in the mesh. One of the seasoned guys had the problem a while ago as well, but I can't remember exactly who it was. Scroll through some of the "leg lost" or "injured avic" threads and you'll see a testament to the danger of mesh.

Thanks for the info!