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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Tomoran" data-source="post: 38777" data-attributes="member: 1152">Hello there, and welcome to the boards! If you're looking for a good starter species, you also might want to check out B. albopilosum. Here are some answers to your questions.1) You want to keep the distance between the top of the enclosure and the substrate short enough so that when the T climbs (and it WILL climb) it won't fall and injure itself. If you used a tank that is a foot deep (I'm assuming that this would be for an adult T), then you will just have to fill it with substrate to the appropriate level. So, if it was a 5" G. porteri, then you will fill it with at least 6" of sub or so. Just keep in mind that if these are 10 gallon tanks, they would be fairly large for some species, and you'll want to make sure that you can secure the tops.2) Strong, and much stronger than most people think. Back in the 90s, I had an A. semanni lift the lid off of a modified aquarium that didn't have latches. Try to find something that latches or clicks shut. Weights will work, but that leaves the possibility that you forget to put them on one day (like I did), and the T escapes. Many of us use plastic storage containers, like the ones from Sterilite. These come in a number of convenient sizes and can be modified to easy and appropriately house Ts.3) Tarantulas are impossible to accurately "age" unless you've hatched them yourself or know the person who did. Usually, they are referred to as "slings", "juveniles", "sub-adults", and "adults". What size was the T you saw? If it was in a pet store, it's likely a wild caught specimen. This is a slow growing species, so if it was several inches, it could be many years old. This is also a long-lived species (I got mine as a young wild-caught adult, and I've had her for 19 years).If you're serious about getting into the hobby, you'll want to check out one of the many reputable online dealers. That's where the majority of us get ours from.4) Play it safe, and find something with a lid that latches. Why take the chance? If you get an adult/sub-adult "rosie", you can pick up an appropriately-sized Sterilite container for $5 or under.5) Check out <a href="http://www.swiftinverts.com/" target="_blank">http://www.swiftinverts.com/</a> , <a href="http://www.jamiestarantulas.com/" target="_blank">http://www.jamiestarantulas.com/</a> (she currently has sub-adult female G. roseas), <a href="http://www.petcenterusa.net/" target="_blank">http://www.petcenterusa.net/</a> , and <a href="http://www.kenthebugguy.com/" target="_blank">http://www.kenthebugguy.com/</a> . All have good reputations. Just keep in mind that if you do go this route, you may have to wait for higher temps before it's safe to ship.6) That depends. If you get a G. rosea sling, you will be waiting a long time for it to hit its adult size. Slings can be very rewarding, as you get to watch them grow and mature. However, they require a bit more attention to set up and care, as most species are more fragile and susceptible to poor husbandry. If you get a sling, try to get a hardier species that has a bit of size on it already (.75-1" or so).Bottom line, whatever species you get, do your homework and continue to ask questions on the boards. Although there is a lot of information on line, it's always best to be prudent and check with the folks who are currently in the hobby and keeping Ts.</blockquote>

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