Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch Large Review

[Ratmosphere]

Today I will be reviewing the Tarantula Cribs Treehouse Switch Large. This is a very nice acrylic enclosure that has dimensions of 8" x 8" x 12". In comparison to something like an Exo Terra Nano with similar dimensions, this enclosure actually measures what is says it is. Exo Terra Nanos are actually closer to 13" while this acrylic enclosure is a true 12" in height. This is helpful if you are picking out shelving options with specific measurements. The Treehouse Switch Large enclosure weighs 3.90 pounds when empty, and the Exo Terra Nano weighs 7.26 pounds when empty.

It features a magnetic lid which feels very secure when the magnets align into place. I chose the maximum ventilation option for the lid. This magnetic lid is very convenient for access behind the cork bark or however you set it up. The lid also is very convenient for breeding purposes. The front features a magnetic sliding door which is also secure.

The enclosure features 2mm air holes providing cross ventilation, which is great for Avics/Caribena and many other arboreal tarantulas. The acrylic is super clean and this enclosure looks very nice on my shelves. However, there are some things I do not like about this enclosure.

There are options to put magnetic backgrounds of different colors in the back of this enclosure. Because of this, there are 4 magnets on the back. I personally hate this feature, since I got the clear version and really wish these magnets weren't there. It takes away from how clean the enclosure looks. Another thing that I dislike is the price compared to other options like Exo Terra. This enclosure is listed at a whopping $94.99 while other options like Exo Terra are as low as $49.00. There are various coupon codes you can use to get the cost down for the Treehouse Switch enclosure which is nice. Another con would be scratching. Acrylic scratches very easily, so over time the look of the enclosure might look dated with a "cloudy" appearance if it gets scratched too much. Just ensure to clean this enclosure with dish soap and a non abrasive cloth. Finally, as we all know, magnets get weaker over time which could cause some issues somewhere down the line.

Overall I really do like this enclosure, and it matches all of my other AMAC style boxes giving my collection a clean and organized appearance. I will be giving this enclosure a 8/10 rating, mostly because of the 4 magnets on the back. If it didn't have that, the rating would be at least a 9. It suits my needs well, and I most definitely will buy a few more.

 

[Evilme]

I have a few as well and enjoy them for my sub adult caribenas. For T cribs, because of the price tag, I have also found similar enclosures on Amazon for my slings/juveniles that have the switch top and middle access with magnets. I usually get the combo package of the small/medium and the total without shipping and tax is around $48.00. Another option and since you reviews might be a more inexpensive option when you are dealing with a small T.

EctoTherm Acrylic Enclosure

 

[Evilme]

I forgot to add, I usually do T cribs for my sub adults and adults, and having the more inexpensive housing while they are slings/juveniles

 

[Ratmosphere]

Another thing I'd like to address is the magnet strength on the lid. As we know, a good amount of arboreals will web at the highest point of the enclosure. This could make opening the top challenging, since you will be ripping the spiders web up. That is, if they do decide to web up there. If you do need to take the lid off, do so carefully. The magnets are pretty strong and lock into place quickly when they are all aligned. You would not want to accidently close it on the spider.

 

[Ratmosphere]

Was doing some rehouses today and ended up cleaning these enclosures. I must say, the process was very easy. Just take the top and slider door off, use dish soap and a rag to clean any poo poo from the surfaces, rinse and repeat. It is important to use a dish towel/rag instead of paper towels to avoid scratching the acrylic. I find it was easier to clean these than Exo Terra's.

 

[Tarantula Trooper]

Another thing I'd like to address is the magnet strength on the lid. As we know, a good amount of arboreals will web at the highest point of the enclosure. This could make opening the top challenging, since you will be ripping the spiders web up. That is, if they do decide to web up there. If you do need to take the lid off, do so carefully. The magnets are pretty strong and lock into place quickly when they are all aligned. You would not want to accidently close it on the spider.

Absolutely right about them magnets on the newer T cribs! Spider bolts for freedom while you closing and it could end tragically. To me though every enclosure has its ups and downs. If anyone could come up with foul, tip proof water dish I would part with some decent money!!! Lol. Happy Spoodering brother!!!

 

[Ratmosphere]

Exactly! I wish they had hasps on the top with weaker magnets or just no magnets at all. One off day and you could potentially kill your spider.

 

[Tarantula Trooper]

Exactly! I wish they had hasps on the top with weaker magnets or just no magnets at all. One off day and you could potentially kill your spider.

To me the hex cribs with the raised lip are the worst. Love the cubes and cuboids especially for old world T's. Like being able to move the lid where I need to and not locked in place by sliders. Helps at feeding time as well. Happy Spoodering!

 

[Ratmosphere]

Never tried the hex yet, thanks for the warning! I too like the cubes!

 

[Tarantula Trooper]

Never tried the hex yet, thanks for the warning! I too like the cubes!

Had my H. Cafreriana in a 5" hex. Every time I opened the thing she was immediately on point. She is now in a 6" cube and acts like a different spider. Sometimes wonder if the lid didn't pull a vacuum. Lol. Things in my opinion (5" hex) not good for feisty OW T's.