I want to set up a true desert vivarium with desert succulents in it. Anybody think of any T that would be a good candidate. I know a B. Smithi would do good, but they don't live in actual deserts in the wild, and im a nerd for realism. Would prefer something easy to look at (not something like desert blondes) and i could get my hand on for under $40.
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Desert Vivarium
- Thread starter auganator
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- 5,547
- Location
- Outside San Antonio, TX
There are several desert species in the US, including the chalcodes. I used to find them in the desert in Ridgecrest, California as a kid, I don't know what species those were though.. Any of the Brachys would do fine in sand, and I guarantee some of them do actually live in sand in the wild. Mixing a bit of clay in with it would be good, with a pre made but natural looking burrow. You might also consider the desert hairy scorpion..though you will rarely see them..my vote is B boehmei, emilia, klassi, or smithi. Or arautum..or albiceps, or any of the Grammastola.
hmmmmm, im thinking of going with a boehmei. For substrate i was going to to a 2 part sand 1 part coconut fiber mix, do you think the clay is necessary?There are several desert species in the US, including the chalcodes. I used to find them in the desert in Ridgecrest, California as a kid, I don't know what species those were though.. Any of the Brachys would do fine in sand, and I guarantee some of them do actually live in sand in the wild. Mixing a bit of clay in with it would be good, with a pre made but natural looking burrow. You might also consider the desert hairy scorpion..though you will rarely see them..my vote is B boehmei, emilia, klassi, or smithi. Or arautum..or albiceps, or any of the Grammastola.
- Messages
- 5,547
- Location
- Outside San Antonio, TX
Its necessary for a realistic sand look, in my opinion, I've got two desert hairys set up in it and it looks nice, and you can get an actual desert look really easy with it. Check out Excavator clay, im sure you'll see some good examples online. It's really good stuff
yeah just checked it out, i like it. now deciding between a Boehmei, and a Green bottle blue.Its necessary for a realistic sand look, in my opinion, I've got two desert hairys set up in it and it looks nice, and you can get an actual desert look really easy with it. Check out Excavator clay, im sure you'll see some good examples online. It's really good stuff
- Messages
- 5,547
- Location
- Outside San Antonio, TX
Im a huge fan of both. I don't envy you having to choose between those two..
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- 519
I haven't kept GBBs, but boehmei I've kept all stayed out in he open.
- Messages
- 5,547
- Location
- Outside San Antonio, TX
I'm fairly certain that's exactly what it would do. They're known to be prolific webbers, and my two are perfect examples..My boehmei however, is not.
- Messages
- 5,547
- Location
- Outside San Antonio, TX
But you really never know..if it helps, none of my Brachys web much. But as you probably know...yep, each spider is an individual
just purchased a Boehmei from jamies tarantulas, sat there staring at the screen for a good 20 minutes trying to pick. the slow growth rate of the borhmei was really turning me away, but i the end i decided patience was rewarding and the go with what would have the best end results.But you really never know..if it helps, none of my Brachys web much. But as you probably know...yep, each spider is an individual
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- 519
Auganator- I raised a mess of boehmei several years ago. Kept them warm and fed at will. Took 3-4 years. Much faster than B. smithi or G. pulchra, B. albiceps, etc.
Sometimes, slow growth is a self-fulfilling prophesy. Told they grow slow, so fed infrequently.
The stories that you read/hear about Ts attacking water being poured into their water dish? They're not aggressive, they're HUNGRY!
Oh, and Jamie is a trusted vendor of mine!
yeah i got my LP from jamie's and was very happy, so I decided to stick with him for now. that brings me to my next point, my LP has probably spoiled me with growth rate, hes gone from 1.5in to a bit over 3in in 3 months. Having to wait over a year to see that growth is going to kill me. The LP is going to be the size of my hand before this guy is the size the LP is now.
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L. p will/should hit 4" DLS by year's end. Enjoy, my friend. B boehmei will not disappoint.
I don't go by any "posted" growth rate. all depends on feeding, temp, etc. FWIW my boehmei has grown from 1/2" to about 3" in year. I've kept all my T's in 75-82F temps year round, feed all the slings/juvies abdomen sized prey twice a week, water dish filled every other day, or 3rd day depending how fast it dries out. sub adults and adults get fed an adult dubia or 2 adult lateralis roaches once a week.
My LP has grown about the same as the boehmei. Got him back in January at 1/4" or so and he's 2.5-3" now.
- Messages
- 5,547
- Location
- Outside San Antonio, TX
Congrats , its a boy
which one?Congrats , its a boy
the B. boehmei is confirmed female, waiting for the LP to molt, last molt was suspect female but was too damaged to verify 100%
- Messages
- 5,547
- Location
- Outside San Antonio, TX
Wow, a female Brachy growing that fast? Lucky bastardwhich one?
