Tarantula Substrate (IMMEDIATE HELP PLEASE)?
I purchased substrate for my tarantula that i'm getting in a few days,
It is somewhat too moist for what i'm looking for, is there anything I can do to solve this?
I mixed the solution just right,
what else could I use? She is a brachypelma smithi ( red knee ) and does not really like moist.
it also leads to my tank steaming up, so i really need it to dry out or get an alternative, but what?
thankyou so much!
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Sure, you could always mix some sand into the current substrate. Sand wont hold the moisture that your current mix does, (I am guessing it is some type of bark or coconut husk fibre material like eco complete, etc).
It sounds like you used the coconut fiber stuff that expands and breaks apart in water. Get an empty container and set it next to the container with the watery coconut substrate. Grab a handful of substrate, squeeze it like a sponge to get as much excess water out as you can, then drop the substrate in the empty container. Repeat until you've gone through the whole batch.
If this is STILL too moist for your liking, don't worry. It's a red-knee so it will appreciate a little bit of humidity until the substrate dries out naturally (it should only take a couple days). The tank won't look "steamy" for long, and honestly a little humidity won't hurt the tarantula in such a short period of time. I've always used the coconut stuff for my tarantulas and it works great.
there are many substrates which would really suit your tarantula that i could recommend however, which type you use depends on what is available in your area. all i can advise is ask at local stores and see which ones your tarantula is well adapted too the most.
all the best :)