Guides

Tarantula enclosure guides

Straight, tested advice on housing tarantulas, written by keeper Adrian Costa. Every guide starts from how the animal actually lives, then points you to the right enclosure. See our method on the how we test page.

Two acrylic enclosures, a piece of cork bark, a tape measure and an open notebook laid out on a desk
A wide acrylic enclosure and a tall one side by side, the two shapes the beginner species split into

· Adrian Costa

Best Beginner Tarantulas

The species keepers recommend to newcomers, compared by temperament, growth, lifespan and the enclosure each one needs.

An acrylic enclosure with the front door open beside a pair of long tweezers, the setup used for a spot-clean

· Adrian Costa

How to Clean a Tarantula Enclosure

The spot-clean routine, when a full substrate change is due, and what never goes in the enclosure.

Three pieces of cork bark, a flat slab, a tube and a curved arch, laid out before going into an enclosure

· Adrian Costa

Cork Bark, Hides and Fake Plants

What to put above the substrate, where to place it, and the decor that puts a spider at risk.

TaranTerra acrylic enclosure sizes lined up for comparison

· Adrian Costa

How to Choose a Tarantula Enclosure

The five criteria that actually matter, no invented star scores.

Pink toe style tarantula in a tall clear acrylic enclosure

· Adrian Costa

Pink Toe Tarantula Enclosure Setup

Why this arboreal species needs height and generous cross-ventilation, with a sample build.

A clear enclosure planted with live greenery over natural substrate

· Adrian Costa

Bioactive Tarantula Enclosure Guide

Springtails, isopods, plants and drainage, plus what it covers before you commit.

Ventilated rear panel of a clear acrylic enclosure

· Adrian Costa

Tarantula Enclosure Ventilation Guide

Cross-ventilation vs stagnant air, humidity vs mold, and why perforated acrylic helps.

The four acrylic enclosure sizes shown together

· Adrian Costa

Tarantula Enclosure Size by Stage

A stage-by-stage size guide from tiny slings to adult terrestrial and arboreal spiders.

A tall arboreal enclosure and a wide terrestrial enclosure side by side

· Adrian Costa

Arboreal vs Terrestrial Tarantulas

How lifestyle changes the enclosure you need, with a side-by-side comparison table.

Two acrylic enclosures side by side, one with a shallow substrate layer and one filled deep

· Adrian Costa

Tarantula Substrate Guide (Coco, Topsoil)

Coco fiber, topsoil and vermiculite, with depth and moisture set by lifestyle.

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