CREATE A MICRO-CLIMATE

CREATE A MICRO-CLIMATE (using a 10 gallon tank) Start off by putting a reptile heat pad on the inside back of the tank. Then measure and cut a piece of Styrofoam and put it across the top. This will trap the heat and humidity inside the tank. Use a thermometer on the inside to measure the temperature. If it’s too hot ,then cut away the Styrofoam an inch at a time until you reach the desired temperature. Put your spiderling containers inside.They will be warm and cozy. I keep mine at about 85-90 degrees. Remember to cover up any open areas at night as the room temperature might drop during winter months. This method will work for single larger spiders as well. If you are going to house one spider in there in complete environment,then use 3 -4inches of moist substrate and put the heat pad on the outside bottom .If you want it a little cooler, then put it on the outside back. Pour water directly into the substrate……………….. If you are going to house a bunch of slings ,keeping them in deli cups, then no substrate will be needed.. heat pad on the back only. Inside will keep it hotter, outside will keep it cooler. But do not put the heat pad on the bottom for the slings as the deli cups will melt if set directly on top of the heat pad…………….. Place the styrofoam completely over the top for maximum humidity and temp. Back it off a little to reduce temp and humidity levels. ………………. I have used this method for over 25 years. ……………………… You will notice a happier ,more active tarantula as a result. Be sure to make sure the humidity isnt too high for the desert living species. a little condensation on the inside of the glass will indicate proper humidity. Misting will give a false sence of humidity level.Keep the substrate moist at all times. Measure the temperature of the substrate to determine the actual body temperature of the spider. A common mistake is to assume that the spiders body is the same temperature as the air in the room.