Ventilation for Curly hair sling

djbones

Arachnopeon
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Feb 21, 2025
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IMG_20250217_111937646.jpg
This is my baby Popcorn's enclosure, I got it from a breeder and they are so small I don't wanna rehome them yet or disturb unless totally necessary. But I'm wondering since the enclosure has 1 hole on each side of the cube, is this not enough air flow?
I believe this is what the breeder raises all her slings in, but just wanted some opinions. Thank u! (I'm a first time T dad).
 

Andrew Clayton

Arachnodemon
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Dec 19, 2018
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767
View attachment 491825
This is my baby Popcorn's enclosure, I got it from a breeder and they are so small I don't wanna rehome them yet or disturb unless totally necessary. But I'm wondering since the enclosure has 1 hole on each side of the cube, is this not enough air flow?
I believe this is what the breeder raises all her slings in, but just wanted some opinions. Thank u! (I'm a first time T dad).
Yes that will do, nothing wrong with adding more though (Ventilation). I'd have more substrate in there though, rule of thumb it's 1.5x DLS from surface of substrate to ceiling of enclosure, with such small slings it can be more but still trying and minimise the risk of damage if it falls.
 

Ratmosphere

Arachnoking
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Not good enough for me, might work for some keepers but I definitely would not keep it like that.

If you wanted to add more, a 1/16" drill bit and drill would be your best friend, very easy fix. How big is the sling?
 

djbones

Arachnopeon
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Feb 21, 2025
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About as big as my thumbnail, tho I haven't seen much of them

Thanks! Ya the substrate is higher on the other side, the sling just moved it around pretty weird. But I'll def think about putting more in
 

djbones

Arachnopeon
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Feb 21, 2025
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Not good enough for me, might work for some keepers but I definitely would not keep it like that.

If you wanted to add more, a 1/16" drill bit and drill would be your best friend, very easy fix. How big is the sling?
Preview
Thanks! Ya the substrate is higher on the other side, the sling just moved it around pretty weird. But I'll def think about putting more in
At that size one of these are ideal, View attachment 491833
Honestly for size scale comparing your hand, the enclosure isn't much bigger than that. I can hold it pretty comfortable in my palm.

Yes that will do, nothing wrong with adding more though (Ventilation). I'd have more substrate in there though, rule of thumb it's 1.5x DLS from surface of substrate to ceiling of enclosure, with such small slings it can be more but still trying and minimise the risk of damage if it falls.
For substrate, I have eco earth I use for my springtail tank, should I add a bit more of that? She has created tunnels and a little burrow so I don't wanna squish her. (My first sling ever, so learning lol) I realized I said it was higher on the other side but looked at the pic again and I think that's the side she pushed it to.
 

Andrew Clayton

Arachnodemon
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767
For substrate, I have eco earth I use for my springtail tank, should I add a bit more of that? She has created tunnels and a little burrow so I don't wanna squish her. (My first sling ever, so learning lol)
There pretty hardy and it's going to be in there for a few moults which could be a while so just take it out and redo the enclosure. It will have tunnels dug in no time, give it a starter burrow down one of the corners and it gives you a better chance of being able to see it when it's burrowed away.

Also never used eco earth, don't know what it consists of, I use cocofibre and top soil.
 

djbones

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Feb 21, 2025
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There pretty hardy and it's going to be in there for a few moults which could be a while so just take it out and redo the enclosure. It will have tunnels dug in no time, give it a starter burrow down one of the corners and it gives you a better chance of being able to see it when it's burrowed away.

Also never used eco earth, don't know what it consists of, I use cocofibre and top soil.
Thanks!
 

AphonopelmaTX

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This is my baby Popcorn's enclosure, I got it from a breeder and they are so small I don't wanna rehome them yet or disturb unless totally necessary. But I'm wondering since the enclosure has 1 hole on each side of the cube, is this not enough air flow?
I believe this is what the breeder raises all her slings in, but just wanted some opinions. Thank u! (I'm a first time T dad).
If the container, with just the two small air holes, you pictured is what a breeder uses to raise spiderlings and has been successful with it then why would you question whether there is enough air flow?

There is this overemphasis on ventilation I've noticed in the online tarantula keeping community for a while so it is important to understand it. You only need just enough ventilation to allow an enclosure to dry out so you keep a sanitary environment for the tarantula regardless of size. Just like in your own house, keeping an enclosed area perpetually damp and stagnant promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and fungus. If you can accomplish this with just two small air holes then that is all you need. Compared to us people, and other animals that use proper lungs to breath, tarantulas barely breath and don't need large amounts of fresh air and oxygen to support their metabolic needs.
 
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