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I'm gonna make a nice thrifty thread here, and if you have anything you'd like to add feel free.
My typical enclosure cost is $10 or less, here's how.
1st your going to need some substrate. this is either the most expenssive part of the enclosure, or the cheapest depending on how you look at it.
I start with buying a 50lb bag of Peat Moss from Loews for $10. I also buy a couple bags of Eco Earth, $8.99 each, and mix the two together. This provides me with a solid year or more of substrate for my well over 100 tarantulas. If you only keep a few , or 1, a bag or two of Eco Earth works just fine.
Next is the Enclosure itself. There are quite a few options here.
If your housing slings I like to use Pro-Kal 32oz tall deli cups. I use less substrate for Arboreals and More for Terrestrials. You can find these at Costco,Sams,Smart and final, and online in packs of 25 for $5 and a pack of 50 lids for $5 so $10 in total for 25 enclosures.
For Juvinile to Adults I like the basic plastic shoebox, and sweater box. easily obtainable for $4 or less at any Grocery store.
For Arboreal, or small burrowers, I just go with deeper Sweater Boxes usually under $5.
For very large Ts , and Large burrowers, I like 10-15 gallon totes, that you can find at any grocery store.
Be sure to drill or burn holes into the side of your enclosure, not the top. Heat and Humidity is easily lost through the top.
Now you need a Hide
For Terrestrials, I use an appropriately sized plastic flower pot that can be found at any hardware store.
They usually run $2 or less, and I cut them in half and bury them in the substrate. That's two Hides for $2.
For arboreals, I like cork bark, but that can be expenssive. up to $50 for very large pieces.PVC pipe is a cheaper option. Unfortunately It's not asthetically pleasing. You can also go out side and find a nice piece of wood. Just make sure to bake it at 350 for 20 minutes 1st, and let it cool down over night.
Water Bowls are a must for any Juvie to adult Tarantula.
In my experience, 4" flower pot saucers are a great option and only cost a quarter each. If you have a Blondi (or another high humidity T), go with the 6" for .50.
small portion cups are also good for smaller Ts you can get a pack of 50 for $4.00
That's it! that's a solid basic enclosure.
Substrate:
Peat Moss 50lb for $10, Eco Earth $8.99 a bag or $3.99 a brick
Enclosure:
Plastic shoebox,sweaterbox, or deep sweater box $5 or less
Hides:
Plastic Flower pots $2 or less. Pvc pipe $varies, Cork Bark $varies.
Water Dishes:
4" plant saucer $.25 6" $.50 Portion cups 50ct $3.99
My typical enclosure cost is $10 or less, here's how.
1st your going to need some substrate. this is either the most expenssive part of the enclosure, or the cheapest depending on how you look at it.
I start with buying a 50lb bag of Peat Moss from Loews for $10. I also buy a couple bags of Eco Earth, $8.99 each, and mix the two together. This provides me with a solid year or more of substrate for my well over 100 tarantulas. If you only keep a few , or 1, a bag or two of Eco Earth works just fine.
Next is the Enclosure itself. There are quite a few options here.
If your housing slings I like to use Pro-Kal 32oz tall deli cups. I use less substrate for Arboreals and More for Terrestrials. You can find these at Costco,Sams,Smart and final, and online in packs of 25 for $5 and a pack of 50 lids for $5 so $10 in total for 25 enclosures.
For Juvinile to Adults I like the basic plastic shoebox, and sweater box. easily obtainable for $4 or less at any Grocery store.
For Arboreal, or small burrowers, I just go with deeper Sweater Boxes usually under $5.
For very large Ts , and Large burrowers, I like 10-15 gallon totes, that you can find at any grocery store.
Be sure to drill or burn holes into the side of your enclosure, not the top. Heat and Humidity is easily lost through the top.
Now you need a Hide
For Terrestrials, I use an appropriately sized plastic flower pot that can be found at any hardware store.
They usually run $2 or less, and I cut them in half and bury them in the substrate. That's two Hides for $2.
For arboreals, I like cork bark, but that can be expenssive. up to $50 for very large pieces.PVC pipe is a cheaper option. Unfortunately It's not asthetically pleasing. You can also go out side and find a nice piece of wood. Just make sure to bake it at 350 for 20 minutes 1st, and let it cool down over night.
Water Bowls are a must for any Juvie to adult Tarantula.
In my experience, 4" flower pot saucers are a great option and only cost a quarter each. If you have a Blondi (or another high humidity T), go with the 6" for .50.
small portion cups are also good for smaller Ts you can get a pack of 50 for $4.00
That's it! that's a solid basic enclosure.
Substrate:
Peat Moss 50lb for $10, Eco Earth $8.99 a bag or $3.99 a brick
Enclosure:
Plastic shoebox,sweaterbox, or deep sweater box $5 or less
Hides:
Plastic Flower pots $2 or less. Pvc pipe $varies, Cork Bark $varies.
Water Dishes:
4" plant saucer $.25 6" $.50 Portion cups 50ct $3.99