I'm thinking about getting a tarantula, what sort of things should i put in it's tank.....?

Question

to create an appropriate habitat?

like sticks' leaves?

should i put soil down?

stuff like that. :)

please dont answer saying stuff like eww those things are creepy, i dont have time for you people.

Answer 1

For substrate it does depend on the species. Some will like sand, while others soil. Obviously, only use what you buy from a pet store, so you know it is sterile.

They also need a shallow water dish. Some species need more humidity than others, and you will have to mist them.

And they must have some place to hide, so some kind of rocks or little cave or something is needed.

After you have all that, if you still have space in the enclosure, add decoration things. Never use anything you find outside unless you know how to sterilize it. These aren't necessary, but will be interesting for it to climb onto.

Another thing, if you plan on getting a spiderling at first, avoid large sized enclosures. A small critterkeeper or even a jar with holes drilled in are suitable, and will prevent you from losing the baby.

Answer 2

Yay!

Well, cage setup depends on the species.  With Arboreal (tree climbing) tarantulas, you need more height than length, and some bark or a good surface for it to climb on and make a nest in, and about 1" of substrate.  With terrestrial (lives on the ground) tarantulas you will need about 2-3" of substrate and a shelter of some kind.  A half buried small flower pot works fine.  With burrowing (lives under the ground) tarantulas, you will need about 3-5" of substrate, and a shelter.  The tarantula will usually make it's own burrow, but you might want to make a burrow for it using a PVC pipe cut in half and hot glued to the side of the cage because such burrows in loose substrate has been known to collapse, crushing the tarantula.  As for the substrate it's self, you can use potting soil (*If* it has no artificial fertilizers).  Most pet shops will also have these bricks of "instant dirt, just add water".  They are good too.  Most hobbyists will advise you to steer clear of sand, since it doesn't hold moisture at all, and wood chippings, because it is too abrasive and can hurt your tarantula. Old fashoned dirt works best.  If you can tell me what species it is, I can tell you more about what you will require.

You will also need a wide but shallow water dish.  I am currently using the lid off of a peanut butter jar.  It should be around 3" wide and 1" deep allowing the tarantula to walk through it, but partially immerse its self in it.  It is also a good idea to put a small rock in the center, so that crickets don't drown themselves in the water dish (VERY common).  Some say you should put a piece of sponge in it, but this is a very bad idea.  Sponges could breed bacteria.

Those are the necessities, every thing else is decoration.  I would be very carefull putting anything you find in the yard around your house in the cage with it, as it could host a parasite or pesticides that will kill your tarantula.  Also, cedar is a natural insecticide that could also kill your tarantula, so avoid cedar or cedar shavings.

I will recommend you get you hands on a very good book.  The Tarantula Keepers Guide by Stan and Marguerite Schultz.  It will tell you everything you would want to know about tarantulas, from taxonomy to anatomy to natural history, to breeding and taking care of.

Answer 3

rocks cause the like hiding in corners and soil and food and water also a lamp and make sure it has a cover!