Is this SUBSTRATE safe for my G. Pulchra juve?

[David P]

I saw this on https://www.thetarantulacollective.com/supplies as one of the highly recommended substrates. Any thoughts?​

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The Bio Dude Terra Aranea 6 quarts Bioactive Substrate for Tarantulas, Scorpions, Isopods and Millipedes Terrarium and Vivarium​

Thanks

New Member

 

[octanejunkie]

Yes

 

[DustyD]

I started using the BioDude Aranea a few months ago, including with a G. pulchra and I really like it. I had been using Creature Soil and liked that, but the Aranea seems a little better.

The only thing is all the spiders I have used it with relocated the charcoal chunks they found, but that may have been true of the other substrate as well. I think there is more charcoal in it anyway.

It is more expensive, so probably not the choice for those with a lot of Ts wanting to stretch their dollars.

 

[David P]

I started using the BioDude Aranea a few months ago, including with a G. pulchra and I really like it. I had been using Creature Soil and liked that, but the Aranea seems a little better.

The only thing is all the spiders I have used it with relocated the charcoal chunks they found, but that may have been true of the other substrate as well. I think there is more charcoal in it anyway.

It is more expensive, so probably not the choice for those with a lot of Ts wanting to stretch their dollars.

Thanks for your reply. I am getting my first T next week and trying to set up the enclosure. I only have 1 T. Do you have to add any thing to it. Or just pour right out of bag?

thanks

 

[octanejunkie]

Thanks for your reply. I am getting my first T next week and trying to set up the enclosure. I only have 1 T. Do you have to add any thing to it. Or just pour right out of bag?

thanks

The BioDude substrate is great for setting up bioactive enclosures sans drainage layers. It is $$$ for basic use but it won't hurt.

 

[MBullock]

Technically, their favored substrate is loam or loess, but that's a bit impractical for a pet tarantula.

 

[DustyD]

What I usually do, and others can chime in, is I put in half the substrate and press it down. I lightly spray water on the top the area and then add the rest of the substrate while putting in the hide and any decorations. I like cork bark as it is light and natural and looks good. Keep a water dish in the enclosure for drinking. And sometimes they use it as a trash dump or bury it in substrate just to show you who's boss.

G. pulchra are native to relatively dry grasslands but some recommend higher humidity and temperatures. Dave's Little Beasties just did a rehousing of the Brazilian Black Tarantula and suggested that. I tend tend to be on the dryer side, so ultimately it may be a personal preference. I may try moister.