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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Denny Dee" data-source="post: 45553" data-attributes="member: 1393">Always more than one way to skin a cat <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile    :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />.   I do use cocoa fiber mixed with a 20-30% vermiculite to allow for some drainage and discourage mold in the substrate.  I have a cave enclosure on one end of the tank with a substrate depth of about 7" with the soild sloping down to about 4".  Remove the cork bark as that will definitely encourage mold.  For humidity, I do like to have a hygrometer present.  Although they are not spot accurate, they are still a good guide to approximate humidity levels. 1% is certainly not going to make or break the set up.  I use a reptile like set up and have a screen mesh bottom with clay balls to always allow for water to always be present.  The humidity builds up from the bottom and avoids complete over saturation of the soil.  I use a heavy gauge metal screen on the top versus glass to allow for air circulation (also have the top bolted down with four heavy duty screen clamps and locked).  I have tried glass in the past and it always brings mold to the tank at some point.  Because of the high humidity requirements, combined with my busy lifestyle, I use an auto mister that runs three times per day (fill with distilled water or you will get unsightly water marks on the tank).  If you are not going to use an auto mister, I would go with the glass top.  Fairly expensive set up but over the life of the T, very reasonable considering the health of the T and the expensive replacement costs for the species. Without the auto mister, I think I would have failed but my blondi is going on three+ years now and has molted approximately five times.  Close to full grown.  She is the "wow" factor in my spider room and probably one of my top five species.  Eating machines that I find you proabably cannot overfeed however, watch out for molting times. They generally won't eat during this time and with high humidity, you need to remove uneaten food fast.  Tropical isopods are a nice addition to these tanks as well to assist with maintenance.</blockquote>

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