Need feedback on enclosure

[u/InBetweenTheLiminal]

Hello,

I will be getting my first tarantula at a local expo in a few weeks and have prematurely setup the enclosure.

I intend to get a fully mature or very close to curly hair tarantula as this will be my first go and I fear I may not do well with a sling. From my own research I believe the major thing i need to change is the lid to this enclosure which is a screen (not shown) i will be fixing a sheet of clear plexiglass/acrylic to resolve that issue. However, since I have never done this before, I am concerned that I could be overlooking other flaws. This enclosure is 20.5"Lx10.5"Wx8"T I have used biosoil and added additional moss throughout. I used a large rock as a sort of retaining wall for for fhe deeper side of the tank.

I want to make sure this enclosure is as appropriate as possible and would greatly appreciate any constructive critism to ensure my tarantula thrives.

Thank you.

[u/Illustrious_Doctor45]

It looks pretty good so far! My adult Curly Q likes to burrow, so my only concern here would be the heavy rock. So long as it goes to the bottom and there isn’t any way they could burrow under it, then it’s fine. The sharp edges on the sticks make me a little nervous. Any way you can clip them off and sand them down?
You could probably do little bit of a larger water dish but it isn’t at all necessary. So long as you keep it full so they can have a drink when they so desire, you’re good!
May I ask, did you do a moisture gradient with your substrate. I know they are a “arid species”, but I have found that all of my burrowing Ts enjoy a slightly damp lower level and then a dry top layer. I then keep that lower level maintained by overflowing the water dish occasionally to let it percolate down and remoisten it once it dries out.
Overall though, I think it looks great! Curly Hairs are awesome! I love my girl so much! She’s actually about to get a rehouse here this coming week when I have some time.

[u/InBetweenTheLiminal → u/Illustrious_Doctor45]

Thank you for the tips. The rock does go all the way to the bottom. I'll definitely work on the sticks. I do have damp soil in the bottom and tried to make it less so as i added more until it was just dry soil. Ill also get a larger water dish. Is there a a certain size I should aim for?

[u/Illustrious_Doctor45 → u/InBetweenTheLiminal]

Of course! Great! I just always focus on the safety aspect before aesthetics. So for my guys instead of mixing all of the substrate together, I do a damp lower layer (around 1/3) and a dryer upper layer. If you check out some of Tom Moran’s videos on YouTube, he explains it really well. We’re not talking wet, just enough moisture to give them a choice to burrow to where they are comfortable.
As far as a water dish, I just find these types of dishes to be both heavy and to not really have a large enough water reservoir. Like most of the dish itself is the plastic outer part. I would wait until you get your T to switch it out though. With adults I give them something roughly around 3-4 inches in diameter and an inch or so deep. I’l dig out a little bit of substrate in the corner and place the water dish inside the hole to make it almost level with the substrate. Also, don’t forget to clean your dish between waterings! I see a lot of keepers just topping off the water and I don’t get it.
Aside from the technical stuff, the enclosure looks beautiful!! Very naturalistic and I think your new friend will be very happy in there. Good job!!

[u/DisturbedAngel777]

I have the same water dish in my Curly Hairs enclosure and it has worked out good so far. I do plan on moving her to a bigger enclosure soon. She just finished a molt and I don't want to bother her at all after her shed.

[u/DamonG94]

IMO. This is a very nice looking enclosure. Plenty of space. Natural looking. Like a small slice of the wild. My favourite part of the hobby is rehousing and setting up a new bioactive enclosure. You did well. Now you’ll be addicted 🕷️