Many Beginner Questions

[Alyssa Martin]

Hey!

I previously posted on here regarding getting a tarantula, but have since decided against that species for lack of space.

So I want to know what species you think would be good for me based on these supplies I would be purchasing. I would like a terrestrial spider.

The first item is the 8" 8" 14" Jamie's Tarantula's terrestrial cage.

Second is coco substrate.

I would also be curious if the "Rock Tarantula Burrow" sold by Jamie's Tarantulas is something I should buy? Or is it not something the tarantula would not use?

There would also be a few of the Jaime's silk plants in there and possible some exo terra ones?

I want a tarantula that I don't need to use artificial heating with as well. The lowest my house is set at is 68 F but we keep it warmer at 78 F-80 F during the summer. So something that can handle those temperatures would be great.

Humidity isn't an issue as I've dealt with anything from 30% to 80% easily (I have frogs.) I am also home almost all day as I am home schooled so no issues with misting should the species need it.

Aggressiveness is not an issue, so beginner or advances doesn't make a difference.

I would like have a tarantula that likes to be out sometimes, but I also am not against one that hides. As long as it eats it's food I'm not to concerned.

So basically I'm open to anything as long as it can live happily in a 8" 8" 14" home, and can deal with 68 F - 80 F comfortably.

Any suggestions?

 

[ArdorAphonopelma]

I looked up the enclosure you're getting and It said that it's good for Ts up to 6 inches so

• Aphonopelma (Chalcodes,Seemanni)
• Grammostola (Pulchripes,Rosea)
• Brachypelma (Albopilosum,Vagans,Smithi,Hamorii,Boehmei)

These are the ones I can think of at the top of my head, the rock burrow is for burrowing tarantulas so you should get it IF you get a burrowing tarantula. plants doesn't affect the T and is only to make the enclosure look nice IMO, everything else will depend on what T you get including how deep the substrate will be, most Ts do fine without artificial heating, If you get a burrowing sp then you can get it an artificial burrow(the rock burrow) or let it make it's own burrow(if it wants) the species I listed are usually docile/calm but like dogs they have angry fuzzball moments.

I recommend a half log for all of them. A comfortable tarantula will most likely stay hidden.

 

[Alyssa Martin]

Thank so much! This was exactly what I needed

I think I've decided that these are the ones I will be researching more on Aphonopelma Seemanni, Brachypelma Smithi, as well as the brachypelma boehmei.

I did forget to include in the original that the cage does come with a half log/cork round

Thanks so much!!!

 

[PanzoN88]

C. cyaneopeubescens come to mind, they are always out, heavy webbers, eat like eight legged mastiffs, the color changes with each molt, they also fit the criteria you listed, especially the temperature range. They are quite skittish.

Never bought the rock hide before, I would stick to the cork bark. Don't worry about humidity and misting (humidity especially). Tarantulas are almost too simple to raise considering you don't need all those fancy gauges. Adding moisture is as simple as pouring water on the substrate and just keeping a full water dish or for slings a few drops with an eye dropper will suffice.

In the case of species like C. cyaneopeubescens, G. porteri and G. pulchripes all you would need to do is keep the water dish full as they like things dry (though as slings, GBBs appreciate a few drops on the substrate).

Other species I recommend are:
B. albopilosum, B. emilia, A. hentzi, H. chilensis (enclosure size would be way too big, but this is the best species around in my opinion).

All are very easy to care for. B. albopilosum do like a bit more moisture than the others, but that can be accomplished by overflowing the water dish. If you can find a Nicaraguan B. albopilosum, even better (They just seem to look more stunning especially in person).

Coco fiber is a good substrate that many of us use. That is the only substrate I use for my collection of 35. No moss or anything, just straight coconut fiber.

 

[Tortoise Tom]

Cage dimensions of 8x8x14" are for an arboreal species. Any of the Avicularia, Caribena, Psalmopoeous, or smaller Poecilotheria species would be best suited for an enclosure of those dimensions, and all should be fine with those temps. Those cage decorations will suit any species. The decorations are more for us than them. The spider wouldn't care if you used a rock and a piece of 2x4, so decorate the enclosure in a way that is pleasing to your eye, and the spider will use whatever you give it.

Alternatively, you could use 6 inches of substrate, and then comfortably house any of the previously mentioned species.

I like to keep my spiders warmer, so in the winter months, you might consider putting the enclosure on a high shelf somewhere, as it will be a few degrees warmer than lower in the room, but this is not critical if 68 is your seasonal low.

 

[Whitelightning777]

Since you have cooler temps, M robustom comes to mind. This tarantula likes cooler temps just fine and will definitely get big enough to fit into your cage.

Jamie's has a spiderling beginner bundle with this species & I think it's a great deal.

https://jamiestarantulas.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=20112/

Here is the same species, larger specimen if a spiderling is to intimidating.

https://jamiestarantulas.com/m-robustum-4-female-15/



They are spectacular.