How to make a do-it-yourself terrarium from a plastic container. How to make a do-it-yourself spider terrarium? How to make a terrarium for a tarantula spider

After reading this article, you will find out how to choose a terrarium for a tarantula, what size it should be and how does a terrarium for terrestrial spiders differ from a terrarium for arboreal species.

Choosing a terrarium for your tarantula is very important. The well-being of your pet and how many years it will live will directly depend on this choice. If we talk about young tarantula spiders, then they are sold in a wasabi saucepan. As a rule, such spiders rarely exceed one to one and a half centimeters in length. I recommend replanting such spiders immediately, at least from a salad bowl of at least 10x6x5 centimeters in size. In such a container, the spider will be able to molt twice. I do not recommend planting small tarantulas immediately in large terrariums, as this will greatly complicate the feeding of the spider and it will simply be difficult for him to keep up with the prey. As the spider grows, it will be possible to increase the size of the container.

Before planting a young tarantula, sprinkle at least 1 centimeter of coconut on the bottom of the salad bowl and slightly moisten it. You can also put up a small shelter so that the spider is not frightened. It is necessary to make about 10 small holes in the lid with a diameter of about 2 millimeters. This is done in order to ensure good ventilation and so that the air does not stagnate.

Be careful! Small tarantulas are very nimble! Be careful not to let your pet run away. My little spider has tried to run away from me two times already.

When he runs away, just put your hand to him and let him run on her. Do not be afraid, he will not bite you. Just do not make any sudden movements so that the spider does not fall and get damaged.

After the spider grows up, it can be transplanted into a large container. Dimensions (edit) terrarium for an adult tarantula should be 40x40x40 for terrestrial spiders and 40x40x60 for woody ones.

These terrariums are made of glass or plexiglass, have front doors and ventilation on the floor, top and sides. Such terrariums cost about 600 rubles. You can also make a terrarium yourself. The most important thing is the dimensions of at least 40x40x40 and good ventilation.

If your spider is a terrestrial species or a burrowing spider, then it should definitely pour at least five centimeters of coconut on the bottom. I also recommend putting in a few pieces of bark. This is done so that the spider has the opportunity to dig its own burrow. It will not be superfluous to put a shelter in the terrarium. In my opinion, a very good hiding place is a half of a coconut shell.

If your spider belongs to the species that live on trees and shrubs, then you need to equip the terrarium a little differently. First of all, the terrarium must be tall. About 60 centimeters high. The bottom area in the terrarium is not so important for these types of spiders. Next, you need to pour about three centimeters of coconut, and place the branches in the terrarium. Woody spider species weave an air web just on such branches. These species are more demanding on humidity in the terrarium, so it must always be maintained at 80 percent.

It is very interesting to watch the hunting of such spiders. They can catch prey on the fly. And besides, they are very good at jumping. It is worth considering this fact and knowing this feature before starting such a spider. By nature, woody species are much better than burrowing ones and in most cases are shy, but few people can compare with them in beauty.

Highly beautiful spiders of the genus Avicularia, moreover, even a beginner can keep them. It is only important to monitor the humidity.

Today I want to tell you how to make a terrarium for a spider, scorpion, or any other terrarium dweller from a plastic laundry container that is sold at a hardware store and is relatively inexpensive. My container with dimensions 35x20x20 length, width and height cost 290 rubles.

To begin with, let's ask the question: "What is the difference between plastic terrariums sold in pet stores and containers for linen sold in hardware stores?" And the answer is simple: in "terrariums" from pet stores there is ventilation, and a convenient handle for carrying, that's all. In the case of my container, there is no handle, but I don't really need it.

How to make ventilation in a terrarium from a plastic container:

The first step, and the only one in our case, will be the manufacture of ventilation holes in the container, it is worth noting that ventilation is very important for any terrarium inhabitants. In my case, I am making an insectarium for Madagascar cockroaches, so I will make ventilation on the side and on the lid so that the air circulates better.

In order to cut holes for ventilation, I use a heated gas stove knife, it cuts plastic perfectly without breaking it. Note that with this cutting method, unpleasant smoke is emitted, so it is better to open the window first.

I make two holes: on the side, and on the top cover of the future insectarium for cockroaches.

In order for the cockroaches not to scatter, these holes must be sealed with some kind of net, for this I use a simple mosquito net, with a rather small mesh.

Cutting out the appropriate mesh pieces, I glue them onto the shoe glue. There was no other glue at hand, it doesn't look very nice, but I'm not chasing after that.

In this small and simple article, I told you how to make a do-it-yourself terrarium, which at a price will compare favorably with the terrariums sold in pet stores.

You can ask all questions below, or in our VKontakte group.

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Tarantula Terrarium

The presence of a terrarium is required both for reasons of their own safety and for the safety of the spiders themselves. A spider that breaks free will not live long due to inappropriate climatic conditions(humidity, temperature), lack of food, in addition, it is a source of danger for children and pets.
By design, terrariums can be of two types: horizontal for terrestrial and burrowing spiders and vertical for tree breeders. For the manufacture of the terrarium, glass or plexiglass is mainly used.

Requirements for arranging a tarantula terrarium

- the terrarium should provide space for the spiders. The surface of the walls for arboreal species and the surface of the bottom for terrestrial species should be at least 2 lengths of spider leg span in maximum amplitude. At the same time, the excessive space of the terrarium makes it difficult to constantly maintain the optimal temperature and humidity; it is difficult for spiders to find food in such a terrarium.
- the terrarium must be safe - for the owners and for the spider itself. The likelihood of escape should be completely excluded, it is also necessary to minimize the possibility of a spider bite and attack. It will be useful for you to read about the bite of Poecilotheria fasciata.
- you cannot use containers with great height for terrestrial spiders, because the tarantula can fall from a height and get a rupture of the abdomen. For arboreal species of spiders, the height of the terrarium is an important component of success in keeping them. Large stones should not be placed near such spiders in order to exclude spider strikes and subsequent damage.
- a good ventilation system is essential for all types of terrariums.
- as a shelter for terrestrial tarantulas, you need to install in the terrarium either a piece of bark, or half of a flower pot, or some kind of artificial shelter. For tree spiders, a terrarium shelter can be constructed from a piece of pine or oak bark.
By and large, tarantula spiders may not necessarily be kept in terrariums, but any food container or standard insect box will do. The main thing is that these containers must meet the above conditions. And newborn spiders feel great in small plastic boxes, for example, from under photographic film with small-diameter holes on the lid and on the sides. As the spider grows, it is transplanted into larger jars.

Where to place a tarantula terrarium

The place for the installation of the terrarium is chosen by the owner independently, taking into account the peculiarities of the home environment and the interior of the apartment.
The terrarium must not be placed in drafts and must not be exposed to direct sunlight. Please note that. Often, special cabinets are allocated for collections in which small jars with spiders are stored, and adult beautiful females are placed separately in a beautiful terrarium.
It is important to understand that no matter how large the terrarium is, it is not worth keeping several individuals under one roof. Tarantulas are prone to cannibalism, so keeping multiple spiders is very risky.
To decorate or not to decorate the terrarium?
If the terrarium is part of the interior of the apartment, you can decorate it. For the guests of the terrarium themselves, the decor does not matter at all.
For decoration, you can use live moss, artificial plants, a variety of driftwood and tree bark. The decor must be fixed securely, in no case should you use glue with toxic components for this - there are special adhesives for aquariums. Decor elements should not cover food items. In addition, they should not have sharp edges that could damage the spiders.
It is impractical to decorate the terrarium with living plants. First, plants need lighting that is unacceptable to tarantulas. Secondly, many spiders are actively digging, damaging plants in the process. It is still optimal to use artificial plants for the decoration of the terrarium.
Terrarium equipment
1. Thermometer - to monitor the temperature. If the temperature in the terrarium is below 20 ° C, it is advisable to use additional devices such as a thermal cord or a thermal mat. They differ in power and area (length), are selected in accordance with the size of the terrarium and are installed under its half. You can also use a thermostat with a sensor and a timer to avoid overheating.
2. Hygrometer - to control humidity in the terrarium, the optimum level is 35-60%.
3. Tweezers - for feeding the spider with insects, for cleaning up the remains of food and waste products of tarantulas.
4. Illumination - since the insect tarantulas are nocturnal, decorative red illumination in the corner of the terrarium will make it possible to observe the spiders both at night and during the day.
5. Drinking bowl - only needed for adults. A small saucer can be used. If the soil layer in the cage is thick, the stand will prevent the drinker from falling through.