Clean up crews for arid T’s

[MrFireLeg]

Just wondering if there’s a go to clean up crew for dry sub T’s (Brachy’s etc)?

 

[octanejunkie]

Just wondering if there’s a go to clean up crew for dry sub T’s (Brachy’s etc)?

Dry substrate doesn't have the same issues that typically require cleaner crews...

What are you looking to accomplish here? A self cleaning tank?

 

[m0lsx]

If you want some springtails to clean up a one off issue, then get yourself a kitchen food container, cut a hole in the lid & hot glue some very fine material over that & start keeping some springtails in it.

I collect Oak leaves locally & then microwave them before use. Oak leaves have the advantage of remaining available from a tree all year round. I also use yeast, which I sprinkle into an area under leaves in both enclosures, where I have springtails & into my food tub. I also very occasionally use a small amount of flaked fish food or a few grains of dried rice.

By having a small tub of looked after springtails, I always have a teaspoon full available for any enclosure that needs it.

 

[octanejunkie]

If you want some springtails to clean up a one off issue, then get yourself a kitchen food container, cut a hole in the lid & hot glue some very fine material over that & start keeping some springtails in it.

I collect Oak leaves locally & then microwave them before use. Oak leaves have the advantage of remaining available from a tree all year round. I also use yeast, which I sprinkle into an area under leaves in both enclosures, where I have springtails & into my food tub. I also very occasionally use a small amount of flaked fish food or a few grains of dried rice.

By having a small tub of looked after springtails, I always have a teaspoon full available for any enclosure that needs it.

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Oak leaves and yeast, you're got 2/3 the fixins for alcohol

 

[m0lsx]

Oak leaves and yeast, you're got 2/3 the fixins for alcohol

I like to keep my springtails happy. They also get an occasional Pizza night too.

Rice makes a decent Vodka.

I use Oak leaves mainly because they are available from the tree 12 months a year, it is called marcescence, when a tree maintains dead leaves on it's branches & ecologists think it may be because dropping some leaves in spring gives them extra food at the time they need it most. Beech trees do the same thing, but I have lots of oak trees within a 10 minute walk of home & no beech trees.

 

[MrFireLeg]

Dry substrate doesn't have the same issues that typically require cleaner crews...

What are you looking to accomplish here? A self cleaning tank?

My end goal would be to better care for my T’s, once they’re my responsibility I want to do my best by them.

since dry substrate is less prone to mould etc then just spot cleaning is ok I take it?

 

[MrFireLeg]

If you want some springtails to clean up a one off issue, then get yourself a kitchen food container, cut a hole in the lid & hot glue some very fine material over that & start keeping some springtails in it.

I collect Oak leaves locally & then microwave them before use. Oak leaves have the advantage of remaining available from a tree all year round. I also use yeast, which I sprinkle into an area under leaves in both enclosures, where I have springtails & into my food tub. I also very occasionally use a small amount of flaked fish food or a few grains of dried rice.

By having a small tub of looked after springtails, I always have a teaspoon full available for any enclosure that needs it.

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That’s really smart. I want to go down the self sufficient rod eventually.

thanks bud!

 

[octanejunkie]

My end goal would be to better care for my T’s, once they’re my responsibility I want to do my best by them.

since dry substrate is less prone to mould etc then just spot cleaning is ok I take it?

Yes
Don't over think it

 

[Konstantin]

Springtails are easy to keep.8oz tub with a little moist dirt,no ventilation and porridge oats as food when they eat it ad another pinch.I open the lid once a week ish.Do not overdo the moisture I added alittle water once after initial setup 6+ months ago.No ventilation helps with that and keep them in.If any go out while you open a corner for air exchange or food they will find their way to your moist enclosures or die.

It is as simple as that.
Regards Konstantin

 

[timc]

If you put springtails in with a correctly kept Brachypelma, they’ll just die since it shouldn’t be damp enough in there for them. Spot cleaning is the way to go. Tarantulas are remarkably clean creatures in captivity and if routine cleaning takes so long it becomes a major inconvenience you’re probably doing something wrong.