First ever enclosure

[Clownc0ffin]

Hi everyone! I just ordered my first ever tarantula from Jamie's Tarantulas. I went to a local reptile/Tarantula shop and an owner who also owned the same Tarantula recommend a 20.5" x 10.5" x 8" enclosure. The T I'm getting is a 3" Arizona Blonde. I do need more dirt, the enclosure came in a package so I used what it had but I'm going to go get more. Is there anything I can add? I feel like it looks a bit empty. Or anything I should fix, thank you so much! I want to make sure she is healthy and comfortable and wanted to set everything up before she's here.

 

[Josh]

hello and welcome to the forum! nice work you've got a good start there
i'd probably add a minimum of 2x that much substrate. maybe even 3-4x as much. Make some cool hills or a mound on one side. Try adding a background - those help a lot and make it feel less bare.

 

[Clownc0ffin]

hello and welcome to the forum! nice work you've got a good start there
i'd probably add a minimum of 2x that much substrate. maybe even 3-4x as much. Make some cool hills or a mound on one side. Try adding a background - those help a lot and make it feel less bare.

Thank you so much I really appreciate your help and taking the time to respond! I'll be sure to apply all of those

 

[Josh]

That's what we're here for!

 

[Clownc0ffin]

That's what we're here for!

Hi again! I just bought two huge bags of coconut fiber loose substrate and I added more, is this too much or should I put more? Or Is it good, I don't want to make it too much, thank you She arrives tomorrow.

 

[Josh]

Looks great! You could add more but it's your preference at this point.

 

[siege]

Hi again! I just bought two huge bags of coconut fiber loose substrate and I added more, is this too much or should I put more? Or Is it good, I don't want to make it too much, thank you She arrives tomorrow.

Press it down but other than that looks good!

 

[Clownc0ffin]

Press it down but other than that looks good!

Thank you both! My biggest issue is this has a mesh lid and when I went to the shop they insisted this was better so I got it and it I did more research and I regret it, is there any way I can just replace the lid itself or stop her from going there? I heard I can buy plexiglass and drill holes in it

 

[Josh]

Id replace it. Plexiglass is fine. Make sure it fits and is secure!

 

[Clownc0ffin]

Id replace it. Plexiglass is fine. Make sure it fits and is secure!

Does she need cross ventilation? Or can I just drill a lot of holes on the top? I'm so sorry for all the questions :,)

 

[Josh]

This is what we're here for. Cross ventilating is nice but not always necessary

 

[siege]

Thank you both! My biggest issue is this has a mesh lid and when I went to the shop they insisted this was better so I got it and it I did more research and I regret it, is there any way I can just replace the lid itself or stop her from going there? I heard I can buy plexiglass and drill holes in it

They make conversion kits to replace the lid. Spider shoppe carry’s some and you could probably find them on Amazon as well.