Creating an Enclosure for Arboreal Tarantulas Using a Vertically-Oriented 10-gallon Aquarium
Page 2 of 4 | text and photos by Michael Jacobi
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3. Add your substrate of choice to the aquarium floor (which in normal horizontal orientation would be the tank's short end). Choices include coconut husk chips, coconut husk fiber or coir, sphagnum peat moss, sphagnum moss, green moss, garden soil, cypress mulch, etc. Slope the substrate away from the open end and cover with a layer of moss or leaf litter if desired. The increase in depth toward the rear will provide a visually appealing contour to the substrate and keep it away from the cage front. However, it can be helpful to add a couple inches of damp sphagnum moss on top of the thin layer of substrate at the front of the cage to absorb water during misting or watering and prevent water from dripping through the gap of the cage front and the aquarium. (Adding a dam at the bottom front is an even better solution. See the final paragraph of Step 8 and photo on page 4.)
4. Ensure that the length of bamboo fits snugly in a vertical position inside the cage. If it is too short wedge substrate or a thin flat rock underneath to secure it in a vertical position. Use caution when placing the bamboo in the cage. If you force a snug piece into place you may crack the top. Remove the bamboo and cut an entrance hole approximately two-thirds up from the cage bottom. An ideal piece will have its seam close to the middle of the length so that the lower half cannot be occupied by the spider. Approximately midway between the seam or middle and the top you will cut the opening for the spider. A 1 in [2.5 cm] hole saw can be used to make two overlapping holes and then a razor knife can be utilized to cut the extra material away to create an oval vertical slot about 2 in [5 cm] high and 1 in [2.5 cm] wide. Alternatively, you can use a larger hole saw to create a larger round opening. If necessary, use a razor knife or sandpaper to smooth any sharp edges around the opening. Place the finished piece of bamboo inside the aquarium.
5. Insert the cork bark so that it leans against one of the cage walls. Because the spider may frequent the backside of the cork piece you may wish to place it against one of the sides rather than the back to increase the spider's visibility. It may be helpful to wedge the cork piece and bamboo so that they offer each other support. The cork bark slab and the hollow bamboo will offer the inhabitant a choice of retreats.
6. Remove and discard the wire hook from the suction cup. Next, take one of the condiment cups and make a hole in the side that will accommodate the knob of the suction cup where the hook was. The hole can easily be created with a soldering iron or a large nail heated with a flame. Gradually increase the diameter until the knob of the suction cup can be pressed through. The hole must be small enough to hold the suction cup snugly. If it easily enters the hole it probably will not be held tight enough. Once the suction cup is securely attached to the cup, moisten the suction cup slightly and press it into place on the aquarium wall. This cup will be the holder and the second cup will be placed inside of it to create a removable water dish that can be cleaned or replaced as needed. The best location is about one-half up the height of the tank and toward the front. This will allow for easy access to fill and remove the water cup as needed. It also is a good idea to locate the water cup on the same side as the cork bark, just in front of the bark so the spider can access water while clinging to the cork. Separate a pair or trio of small leaves from the length of silk plant to place into the drinking cup to prevent feeder insects from drowning.
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