substrate question

amaurer2 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-27-2010, 03:29 PM

Is store bought potting soil (all natural of course) okay to use with my rose hair? It just stays at the top of the tank by the screen. See?

feathafur · #2 (**permalink**) 03-27-2010, 03:50 PM

soil is fine but usually you end up with bug problems with your typical potting soil, weather starts to warm up and the fruit flys come out in mass numbers from any re potting in the house. When i had mine i used sand to mould and shape the ground then covered it in a light dusting of moss and reptile dirt. Move him down from the corner and let him explore?

AGActaeonia · #3 (**permalink**) 03-27-2010, 03:53 PM

I agree. We're having a bout of infestation now actually with some potting soil we purchased for some of our houseplants.

Jungle Bed works well with Rose-hairs, or so I've heard.

As for "putting it down and letting it explore," I'd let him do what he wants when and how he wants. Acclimation applies as much to tarantulas as it does to any other animal. Some take it better than others.

amaurer2 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-27-2010, 03:57 PM

I agree. I don't wanna stress him. I'll definitely look into the jungle bed. I'm not liking how the soil looks anyway. I tried to get him to explore but he's not having any of it. LOL What's the chances that he'll bite?

feathafur · #5 (**permalink**) 03-27-2010, 04:01 PM

hes kind of in an awkward spot just to coax him onto you hand, I used to use my index and thumb around the middle of my guy and just scoop him up from wherever, now most Tarantulas dont usually let you do that

He will warn you before he bites
you can try seeing if youre ready to hold him, and if he warns you back off, the best way right now is to slowly coax him onto you hand and see what happens

amaurer2 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-28-2010, 12:37 AM

Well I grew a pair and held him. That wasn't terrible. I did switch out his substrate with Eco Earth. I went out and spent a few bucks to make it look nice as well as make him feel a little more comfortable. This is the setup.

Reptscue · #7 (**permalink**) 03-28-2010, 12:38 AM

If the jungle bed substrate is mulch... no I wouldn't use that either. I use cocofiber/ecoearth. If your substrate is too moist, then that is the whole reason your T is on the side of the cage.
Also... if your lid is screen, be on the lookout for the T getting it's hooks stuck.

amaurer2 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-28-2010, 12:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reptscue

If the jungle bed substrate is mulch... no I wouldn't use that either. I use cocofiber/ecoearth. If your substrate is too moist, then that is the whole reason your T is on the side of the cage.
Also... if your lid is screen, be on the lookout for the T getting it's hooks stuck.

I was using just potting soil but then went and bought the cocofiber/ecoearth. I hope that it's not too moist. He's on the ground now. What should I do to avoid himn getting his hooks stuck?

feathafur · #9 (**permalink**) 03-28-2010, 12:59 AM

looks very nice!
he might not even like the idea of climbing on the lid if it feels awkward too them, i used a basic screen lid for mine for years and he never went up there ( never climbed the glass either... wierdo)

Reptscue · #10 (**permalink**) 03-28-2010, 07:32 PM

I'd just watch him... I've seen some Ts get hung up on it.
Also... you might want to add a little more substrate to the tank. 10 gallons are pretty big for a G. rosea. The rule of thumb is that if the side of the enclosure is more than 2-3 legspans high they could fall and hurt themselves.

amaurer2 · #11 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010, 12:38 AM

I hope this doesn't sound like I'm being a smart "alec" but how do they ever survive in the wild? He's starting to acclimate I think and isn't climbing the walls as much. I do need to get a better heat source for him though. Any recommendations? I know that direct light probably isn't helping stress issues. Is it okay to keep the same temps 24 hours a day of should I simulate day/night cycles like I do with my snakes and lizards?

Reptscue · #12 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010, 01:31 AM

The sad thing in the wild... Most don't survive.
What is the temperature in your house? None of mine have a heat source. They do just fine with out one. In fact... It can dry them out too much and cause dehydration.
Day/night cycles are always great, but no lightbulb is needed for that. Just light coming from the windows.

amaurer2 · #13 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010, 12:38 PM

Never lower then 70 degrees. I thought they needed like 80 degrees during the day.

Reptscue · #14 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010, 02:45 PM

Nope, your temps are fine.

feathafur · #15 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010, 03:07 PM

these guys are troopers! they adjust amazingly to our normal household temps and even canadian winters lol all i didnt for mine in the winter was have a blanked over my heating vent directing a bit of heat towards the cage but even that was probably pointless

amaurer2 · #16 (**permalink**) 03-29-2010, 03:48 PM

That's cool. I'm glad that I don't have to worry about that. What about humidity level?

feathafur · #17 (**permalink**) 03-30-2010, 02:52 AM

these guys are used to getting water only during monsoon season so you dont need to worry about humidity really. just leave a small water dish out for them.

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