{"id":2007,"date":"2020-11-13T15:06:32","date_gmt":"2020-11-13T15:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/?p=2007"},"modified":"2021-08-14T22:02:56","modified_gmt":"2021-08-14T22:02:56","slug":"tarantula-substrate-guide-which-is-best-and-what-should-you-know-about-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/keepingbugs.com\/tarantula-substrate-guide-which-is-best-and-what-should-you-know-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Tarantula Substrate Guide: Which Is Best And What Should You Know About It?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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I love nothing more than to buy a new terrarium (preferably Exo Terra) and spend time to build up a habitat for tarantulas. Mixing bags of wood, moss, bark, but foremost the substrate, to turn it into the resemblance of the natural habitat for my tarantula. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are many substrate products to choose from. As a beginner, it can be overwhelming which one you should choose. So let’s discuss which substrate is best and what you should know more about the substrate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

A proper substrate is essential to the health and happiness of your tarantula. I personally recommend using coconut fibre (coir), with or without substrate additives, depending on your tarantula species. Coconut fibre is a clean product with good consistent quality, and tarantulas seem to love this substrate. Besides that, coconut fibre has a positive effect on the enclosure’s humidity and won’t mould quickly.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

But there is more to know about the substrate. And besides coconut fibre, other substrate products or a combination of these products work well too. It is also important to know which substrate products you should avoid<\/em> at all times. These products are not liked by your spider and, in some cases, even harmful or deadly to your tarantula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the best tarantula substrate? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are many different preferences about the substrate among tarantula keepers. Much is up to personal choice. We discuss the more popular choices of products that are used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut fibre: My #1 pick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

My number one pick for a tarantula substrate<\/strong> is without a doubt coconut fibre \u2014 also called coir or coco fibre. Although this product was originally designed to be used for gardening, because of its texture, visual appearance and lack of any minerals and additives, it is a popular choice to use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coconut fibre can be bought at garden centres in large bags, or as compacted coconut fibre bricks. Although the bags are somewhat cheaper, because it is only sold in large bags, many prefer the compacted bricks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You only need to add water to it, so it will expand. Then drain the excess water and it is ready to use for your enclosure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Good water absorbency for humidity<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Perfect for burrowing species
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Bricks are small and easy to store<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Looks great in the enclosure<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
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More expensive compared to other products<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Take some preparation before using<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Can become fluffy when dry <\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Topsoil, potting compost and potting soil<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These three products (still there are small differences) can work well for your tarantula enclosure. The texture and visual appearance look exactly like a forest floor, which is the natural habitat of most species. It is a popular choice among many keepers and also much cheaper than coconut fibre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When choosing for soil\/compost, you need to look out that you buy a product without any additives and fertilizer. Even when it is stated to be organic, it can still contain additives that are unhealthy for your spider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It would best to buy these products and not collect it from outside in nature. If you do so, you will also transfer unwanted (micro)organisms with it, that can irritate or harm your tarantula eventually. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you collect soil from nature, boil it in water to kill unwanted parasites, bacteria and other pests that may be present in the soil. Also, collect soil from an area that is not close to potentially fertilized land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
A cheap alternative to coconut fibre<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
When packed well also for burrowing species
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Looks natural in the enclosure<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Can be mixed with other products like coir and vermiculite<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Quality can highly differ per bag<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Is quite heavy compared to other products<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Can become muddy more quickly <\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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More susceptical to mould<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Peat moss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Moss can also be used as a tarantula substrate. Peat moss is often available in compacted bags. When water is added, it will expand, and it is ready to use. Like soil, choose moss that is free of additives and fertilizers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because moss is a plant, it can absorb water really well, and release it slowly what benefits the humidity. This is especially useful for tarantula species that require higher levels of humidity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main downside is that burrowing species can’t burrow in it. For that reason, it is not suitable for some species. Also, some terrestrial species don’t like walking on moss, but that differs per individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Absorbs plenty of moisture for high humidity enclosures<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Perfect for arboreal species <\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Looks amazing in the enclosure<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Can be mixed with other products like coir and topsoil<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Not suitable for burrowing species<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Not all terrestrial species like moss<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Quality can vary between bags<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
More susceptical to mould<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Can become dusty when dry<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Additives: Vermiculite\/perlite and spagnum moss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For a long time, vermiculite was the most recommended substrate and considered as the “ultimate” product to use for a tarantula substrate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, it is not considered to use as a standalone product anymore, but can still be very useful when mixed with another base substrate like topsoil or coconut fibre. This becomes especially true when you want a substrate that maintains high humidity levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vermiculite (and also perlite) is an inert mineral compound which can absorb a vast amount of water. It is also a very clean product, where fungus seldom grows on it. However, it lost its popularity because tarantulas simply don’t like to stand on it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sphagnum moss is used in the same way for the same reason. It can absorb moisture really well and create a higher humidity. However, also sphagnum moss is not considered as a product well to use only on its own. Tarantulas can’t burrow in it and many don’t like to stand on it. Although, you can consider sphagnum moss when keeping an arboreal tarantula species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pros<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Perfect to use as substrate additives<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
All three products very good for high humidity<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Spagnum moss looks natural in the enclosure<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Rarely attract the growth of fungus<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Very lightweight<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Cons<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Vermiculite and perlite looks unnatural<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Not suitable as standalone product<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/path><\/svg><\/span><\/span>
Some tarantulas don’t like it if used too much <\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Substrates that you should avoid<\/strong>!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although there are many choices to pick from, from experience, there are also some products that should be avoided at all times. Tarantulas do not like these products. Some products are even harmful or can be deadly to your beloving spider. So I recommend that you don’t use any of the products listed below!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pine chips and other cedar products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Products made from cedar and conifers are considered to be harmful to tarantulas. These trees have resinous sap that is very unhealthy for tarantulas. So don’t use these products or products that contain this as an ingredient. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bark chips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For tarantula keeping, they are far from ideal to use as a substrate. Even the finer dark chips, that are sold as reptile substrate, should be avoided. And there are a number of reasons for that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First and foremost, they don’t absorb moisture well and when sprayed stay quite wet. Perfect conditions for mould to grow. But they also tend to rot rather quickly in humid and warm(er) environments. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Terrestrial tarantulas don’t like bark chips as substrate, and fossorial species can’t proper burrow in it. So it has no perks to use it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Corn cob granules<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Corn cob granules are readily used for reptiles that require a desert-type environment. However, these granules tend to get mouldy quite rapidly with higher humidity. Although it comes to personal taste, it also doesn’t look great in the enclosure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When used in a tarantula enclosure, you continuously need to refresh your substrate, which is not ideal and may be stressful for your spider. Tarantulas don’t like change in their environment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sand<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Although sand does not make the worst substrate there is, it is still unfavoured to use. The first of foremost reason is the lack of water absorption and retention. Sand becomes muddy rather quick, creating pools of dirty water. You can imagine that for burrowing species, there burrow quickly fill up with water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sand is also quite heavy and will compact easily to a hard and useless layer of a substrate. Because of this compaction, there is not much air flowing through the substrate, causing the sand to become dirty and smell. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gravel & aquarium gravel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gravel, also the one for aquariums, are rather useless for tarantulas. It does not absorb any water and makes it difficult to maintain the correct humidity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tarantulas don’t like to stand and walk on gravel. Earlier reports note that tarantulas continuously try to climb up (even terrestrial and fossorial species) to avoid standing on the gravel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gravel can be quite sharp too, which make a risk that the tarantula harm itself. When falling, a rupture or cut can happen quickly with gravel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although it does not get mouldy, it has not any perks to use as a tarantula substrate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fertilizers and chemical additives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We mentioned it before, but always avoid products with added fertilizer or other (chemical) additives. Even when it is stated as organic, it can still contain additives that are unhealthy for your tarantulas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fertilizer and additives can poison your tarantula, or irritate their exoskeleton. When evaporating in an enclosed space like a terrarium, it can also affect their lungs and respiratory system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reason enough to avoid it at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sharp materials<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Anything sharp or sticky should be avoided to use in the substrate. Tarantulas are despite their exoskeleton and fearsome looks quite delicate animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When scratching and cutting at, or falling on, any sharp material can irreversibly harm and damage your beloving tarantula. So make sure your substrate is safe for your friend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The importance of the substrate<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

We described a little about why the substrate is so important in your tarantula enclosure. But there is more to it than meets the eye. So let’s have a quick look at the important role of the substrate in your tarantula enclosure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n