The Tank

Terrestrial Tarantulas

Terrestrial tarantulas need more floor space than they do height.  This type of tarantula is very easily housed. They can live quite happily in a shoe box or any other container, assuming that they cannot escape. All tarantulas can climb glass, so be careful. If you choose to buy a tank at a store, a 5 or 10 gallon will do just fine for most species.  If you have a larger species, such as a T. Blondi or anything over 8 inches, then you should invest in a 20 gallon tank. 

No matter what you keep them in, you must make sure that terresterial tarantulas do not have much head room. Tarantulas are very fragile, and just a small fall could make them bleed to death.  They should have no more that 2 inches of headroom to prevent injury. 

Also use caution when using screen lids. I have heard that many people have lost their tarantulas and or their legs because of this.  They will climb up the class and get their little claws stuck in the screen. 

It is vital that you supply a hiding place for them so that they do not get stressed. 

Arboreal Tarantulas

Arboreal tarantulas are spiders that like to climb and make webs high in the air.  Such a tarantula would be the Pink Toe.  These tarantulas can survive a worse fall than the terrestrial species.  When housing these specimens, keep in mind that height is more important than floor space. Make sure you have a slanted piece of bark or other decoration for this species. They will climb up and make a web there, spending much of their time up there. 

Temperature / Humidity

The vast majority of tarantulas can be kept in the 70-85 F range.  However, you should find documentation for your specific species in order to provide optimal conditions.  Keep in mind that the warmer you keep your tarantula, the faster they will grow and the more they will eat. Some tarantulas also need high humidity levels, such as the Pink Toe and the T. Blondi.  If your species needs high humidity, then you should occasionally mist the enclosure.  Be sure to never mist the tarantula directly, if you do, you will have one angry spider. 

If you have to provide a heating source, make sure it is not bright. Tarantulas are nocturnal and hate light.  Use a red light if necessary, as this will not disrupt their normal sleeping patterns.  Never use a heat rock, as these can severely burn your spider. 

Water

All tarantulas must have a water source. It is important that the water dish be shallow, as tarantulas can drown easily.  You won’t see your tarantulas drink much, but every once in awhile it will get a drink.  A water dish also helps you keep up the humidity.

Substrate

When housing your tarantula, a good substrate to use would be potting soil, peat moss, or vermiculite.  Never use cedar chips, as these have been known to kill tarantulas.