Tarantula Enclosure Setup: Terrestrial & Arboreal Guide

Setting up the right enclosure is the most important step in tarantula care. The setup depends on whether your species is terrestrial (ground-dwelling) or arboreal (tree-dwelling).

Terrestrial vs Arboreal: Know Your Species

Terrestrial species live on or under the ground. They burrow and rarely climb. Examples include the Mexican red knee, curly hair, and Chilean rose.

Arboreal species live in trees, building web tunnels on vertical surfaces. Examples include the pink toe and various Poecilotheria species.

Fossorial species are heavy burrowers like the Cobalt Blue that spend most of their time underground and need extra-deep substrate.

Terrestrial Enclosure Setup

Size and Type

Floor space should measure 2 to 3 times the tarantula's leg span in both length and width. Keep height minimal since terrestrial tarantulas can climb and fall, rupturing their abdomen. The distance from substrate to enclosure top should be 1.5 times the leg span or less.

Popular options include acrylic tarantula enclosures, modified plastic containers with ventilation holes, small glass terrariums, and critter keepers for juveniles.

Substrate

Use coconut fiber (coco coir) at 4 to 6 inches deep for burrowing. Fossorial species benefit from 6 to 8 inches. Keep it slightly damp for tropical species and dry for desert species. Avoid reptile sand, cedar or pine shavings, and fertilized potting soil.

Hides and Water

Provide at least one hide (cork bark, coconut shell) with the opening facing away from the front glass. Include a shallow water dish at all times, cleaned and refilled every few days.

Arboreal Enclosure Setup

Size and Type

Arboreal enclosures prioritize vertical space, at least 12 to 18 inches of climbing height. Use tall acrylic enclosures, front-opening terrariums, or modified tall plastic containers.

Climbing Surfaces

Provide cork bark tubes leaned vertically, fake plants for webbing anchor points, and cork bark flats on walls. Do not remove webbing during cleaning since it is the spider's home.

Substrate

Only 1 to 2 inches of coconut fiber is needed since arboreal species rarely go to ground level.

Ventilation

Arboreal species, especially pink toes, are highly sensitive to stagnant air. Ensure cross-ventilation with holes on at least two sides. Poor airflow causes fatal respiratory issues even when humidity appears correct.

Temperature and Heating

Most pet tarantulas thrive at room temperature, 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use heat lamps as they dry out the enclosure and create dangerous hot spots. If supplemental heat is needed, use a low-wattage heat mat on one side (not the bottom) with a thermostat.

Humidity

Use a hygrometer to monitor levels. Over-misting causes mold and bacterial issues.

Common Mistakes

• Too large too soon: Slings need small containers to find food easily.
• Excessive height for terrestrial species: Creates dangerous fall distances.
• Poor ventilation for arboreals: Leads to fatal stagnant air conditions.
• No water dish: Tarantulas drink regularly and always need water access.
• Heat rocks or lamps: Both can burn or overheat your tarantula.

Cleaning Schedule

• Spot clean food boluses and waste as needed.
• Refresh water dish every 2 to 3 days.
• Full substrate change every 3 to 6 months, or sooner if mold appears.
• Never use chemical cleaners inside the enclosure.