Heya

[MyNameIsRae]

I'm a new tarantula enthusiast looking for some company that doesn't think I'm a freak I haven't made the purchase yet but I'm on alert for a female GBG spiderling to take home. I'm using a 5 gallon aquarium with sealed lid and fine mesh top (regulated by a hygrometer and a thermometer), half a clay pot for a hide, and a shallow 4" water dish. I'm gonna buy some extra small dubia roaches and gut load soon so they'll be all filled up before she arrives. The only real dilemma I have is what substrate to use that will allow her to burrow. Everyone seems to have a different opinion! I want the safety and health of the tarantula to be priority #1.

So if you see a problem with my set-up or have a strong opinion on substrate, please help a novice out.

 

[Josh]

Welcome to the forum, Rae! Thanks for joining us!
I use coco fiber for my substrates but I have not kept GBG before so I'm no expert on that species. Others will be able to respond and give you their experience!

 

[MyNameIsRae]

Thanks Josh!

I just realized that I said GBG when I meant GBB. Oops. Hope that clears up any confusion.

 

[HungryGhost]

Coconut fiber for mine. I keep it bone dry. It's a nice clean substrate.

 

[Christell Erasmus]

Hi there
Coconut fiber will work great. I have a GBB and my little fellow has not burrowed in the 2 years I have had him. I also gave him a clay pot as a hide and I added a little piece off synthetic branch,. Mine webbed up the whole enclosure. They like dry substrate.

 

[MyNameIsRae]

GBB require absolutely no extra moisture or temperature control right? Pretty much everywhere I've looked recommends around 40% humidity and 70 degree F temperatures. That kind of sucks a little bite because I already bought a small spray bottle and researched humidifying techniques before I decided on this species xD Oh well. If I ever expand my collection it'll come in handy.

 

[MyNameIsRae]

*bit

 

[HungryGhost]

Believe me, your collection will expand. It gets addictive. You picked a great T to start with, enjoy!

 

[MyNameIsRae]

Thanks HungryGhost

 

[Prudance]

Hi Rae and welcome.

I'm with everyone else and use coco fiber for my enclosures as well. I have a few species who like it a little more moist and so add a little peat moss just to their enclosures. If you get a spiderling that spray bottle will come in quite handy as she may be to small for a water dish. GBB's are awesome to watch grow! Nice choice.