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Containers Contrary to popular belief tarantulas do not need large container so as they can wander around. In fact they like to feel the walls of their container close as in nature. The spider when in the wild will dig its burrow which it will enlarge as it grows. Even in nature a tarantula does not wander far from its burrow but simply lurks around the entrance looking for its next meal. |
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| The size and type of your container will depend on the type of spider you intend to keep. Your tarantula will either be a burrowing (ground dwelling) species or it will be an arboreal (tree dwelling) species. | ||
| Let us first concentrate on burrowing species of tarantula. Either a small glass or plastic fish tank with a maximum size of 10"x 8" with a height of no more than twice the leg span of you spider will suit the needs of most ground dwelling species. Twice the leg span is the usual rule since even ground dwelling species will climb from time to time and a fall from a great height could injure your spider. For larger spiders eg. Goliath Bird Eaters (not recommended for beginners) a larger dwelling is better suited something around 18"x 12" is probably best. |  |
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| Small plastic tanks can be put to use as a home for your tarantula, these are inexpensive and available from most pet stores. | ||
| We will now discuss containers suitable for arboreal tarantulas. Since these spiders live in trees it is common practice for them to climb therefore a tall narrow container is required. A container with the dimensions of 6"x 6" and 12" tall will usually suffice. Since containers with these dimensions are difficult to obtain from pet stores, a custom purpose container can be constructed by using glass sheets and aquarium sealant. | ||
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Care should be taken with the type of lid or cover used on your spiders container.
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Beware of lightweight flimsy plastic covers, as without a doubt your spider will lift such a cover with ease. Ensure the cover you choose either clips into place as with the covers supplied with the plastic tanks pictured above or is suitably weighted down to prevent escape. Air holes should also be present but preferably but minimal in number only since most tarantulas require some degree of humidity. Humidity is accomplished by using a moist substrate, regular misting with an atomiser spray, an open water dish and restricting air circulation within the container whilst still allowing air to enter to enable your spider to breath. (For more info on maintaining humidity levels see the Substrate & Interior page) |
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| You will find your spider as a clean and very tidy pet. You may only need to clean its container and replace the substrate on an annual basis. | ||
| The location of your spiders tank should also be taken into account since tarantulas find sunlight or for that matter any white light irritating to their eyes. Sunlight can also be dangerous to your spider as desication can arise. | ||