40 Gallon Tank Setup

[Ratmosphere]

I do a corner. I feel the acrylic lid will keep most of the humidity in regardless.

 

[Tynan918]

This topsoil should be good, says it adds sphagnum peat moss...

With this, would I still need to add sphagnum moss with it ?

 

[Tynan918]

I do a corner. I feel the acrylic lid will keep most of the humidity in regardless.

Understood.

 

[Tynan918]

How about vermiculite ?

How much do I add of it to 80 lbs of topsoil ?

 

[Ratmosphere]

Check if there is any fertilizer or animal products (manure) in the ingredient list. If so, do NOT use it.

Best option is still checking local landscape suppliers for topsoil. Even then, ask if it is pesticide free.

Vermiculite is not required, but could be mixed. Get a bag and mix some in, I think the percentage is 10%

 

[Tynan918]

This topsoil should be good, says it adds sphagnum peat moss...

With this, would I still need to add sphagnum moss with it ?

View attachment 75950

Check if there is any fertilizer or animal products (manure) in the ingredient list. If so, do NOT use it.

"Scotts Premium Topsoil is a soil conditioner composed of a blend of organic materials and sphagnum peat moss. Specifically, it includes one or more of the following: peat, composted forest products, aged rice hulls, or compost, along with sphagnum peat moss.

This mix is designed to improve soil structure, promote root development, and enhance water retention."

Doesn't say it has fertilizer or any chemical additives.

Also seems like if topsoil is your option for a substrate, this would be it, considering it's made to help moisture and water retention.

 

[Tynan918]

Vermiculite is not required, but could be mixed. Get a bag and mix some in, I think the percentage is 10%

So I can do without it, but adding it would help with moisture and water retention, which is good for Theraphosa...

 

[Ratmosphere]

Ah, compost. I’d stay far away from that as well.

At that point I’d just use coco if you don’t want to check with local landscape suppliers.

I said it's not required, but added the percentage to use if you did want to add it. It's all up to you if you want to use it or not.

Once the substrate has a certain level of dampness you won't really ever need to touch it if you put everything in there right. Maybe a few squirts every 4 weeks or so. I use wash bottles to saturate the substrate. A wash bottle is those squeezy bottles with a nozzle that tattooers use.

 

[Tynan918]

Ah, compost. I’d stay far away from that as well.

You're referring to the topsoil I had pictured ?

This is my other cheap option of topsoil...brand is Earth Gro.

Says this also has compost in it, but I read that the moderators on Arachnaboards use only this brand as substrate.

 

[Ratmosphere]

More compost, so I wouldn't. Everything in there will mold, and mold FAST as well as attract mites.

A huge no from me, but at the end of the day, it's your setup.

 

[Tynan918]

Well damn. I'm having trouble finding the right topsoil at a decent price lol it's actually hard finding just topsoil free of everything.

 

[Ratmosphere]

I know a few people from the boards who use that as substrate, especially the legend @coldblood. I think you will be good with this bag compared to all the others to be honest. If you order online, make sure they send bags with no manure as the ingredient list.

 

[Tynan918]

I know a few people from the boards who use that as substrate, especially the legend @coldblood. I think you will be good with this bag compared to all the others to be honest. If you order online, make sure they send bags with no manure as the ingredient list.

Yea actually I think it was coldblood's comment to a thread.

Which bag, the Earth Gro ?

 

[Ratmosphere]

EarthGro, yes. Sorry if I am being biased, just a huge coco guy. I like how it retains moisture for species that require it. They both have their pros and cons.

 

[Weed]

Did you ever get the lid ? I am curious on how it looks. I think this enclosure is going to look very cool

 

[Ratmosphere]

I'm also pumped to see the results.

 

[Weed]

Looks like he moved the posts over to AB, ya done scurred em' off Ratmospheaaaa

 

[Tynan918]

Did you ever get the lid ? I am curious on how it looks. I think this enclosure is going to look very cool

Yes, I was just about to talk about the lid, and what hole patterns I should drill.

 

[Tynan918]

Looks like he moved the posts over to AB, ya done scurred em' off Ratmospheaaaa

 

[Ratmosphere]

I've been offering advice as if it were my tank, so I want you to know there may be other answers out there that are better than mine. This is how I would do it, but more spaced out since it is rectangular.