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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Therasoid" data-source="post: 55429" data-attributes="member: 3538">Laura, the crystals you have are great for a water source of feeders. I use them in the roach and cricket tubs.  The calcium "myth" has never been proven to be harmful to tarantulas. A looong time ago, a keeper fed "pinkies" on a regular basis, and losing one to a bad molt posted that it was the calcium content that was the culprit. Many species, in a natural environment, will feed on vertebrates. Where do you think the common name "bird eater" comes from? Crickets, roaches and various larva ( worms ) are the main source of feeders commonly used by keepers today. I have yet to know of a tarantula species that won't eat crickets as a food source.  As far as keeping crickets, a container with pulp egg crate, a dish with water crystals and a food source is fine. My supplier is Water Gel Crystals, one pound of small dry crystals costs $18 including shipping, just an fyi. I feed mine crushed bran flakes, rolled oats, quartered potatoes/sweet potatoes and a slice of apple. 2 totes 12"X18"X10", one with pinheads to 1/2" the other with 1/2" to adult crickets and sustain 1K in each. Keeps them alive for nearly a month with about a 2% death rate.  I also breed B. lateralis roaches to use as feeders and trade with local keepers in the area. [emoji3]  Any other questions, feel free to post or PM me. I'm only getting on this forum, maybe, once a week here lately.</blockquote>