water crystals for turantulas?

[nevinm]

iv always given mine a watering sponge, but i thought since i keep crickets, water crystals will probably be easier. any one know?
thanks
nevin

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Their anatomy is such that they can't consume the crystals. And sponges, like the pet stores try to push on you, are a huge no-no! An open dish with just plain old H2O is best for them. Just make sure the water is the apropriate depth for the theraphosid in question and you'll be OK.

 

[nevinm]

really? it wasnt the petstore that pushed them on me. it was a pretty big breeder that said i should have one. and its a mexican red knee. but i guess ill take the sponge out. thanks
nevin

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

The problem is the sponges tend to harbor bacteria big time. Let me put it this way. I've never seen a breeder recommend a sponge.

And a little off-topic. A really good invert forum is the VenomList. :main_thumbsup:

 

[nevinm]

yeah i understand the bactiria thing. thanks. and thanks for the link, ill deff check it out. i only have 2 spiders, but i some how pulled my gf, and my 2 best friends into likeing them and getting them as well. and im always up for learning more, so thats awsome.
thanks again

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

My pleasure! :main_thumbsup:

 

[MischiefManaged]

Yes, you should definitely join us over at the VenomList... two spiders will soon turn into a hoard of spiders, scorpions, and centipedes.

Oh, and Maurice is right... a water bowl would be much better. Post some pics of your spiders sometime... we would love to see them! :main_thumbsup:

 

[Mina]

I have to agree, I am new to geckos but I've been in the tarantula hobby for a little over 2 years and have around 80 spiders.
Just provide a shallow dish that is big enough the T can dip its carapace into it. Sponges are very bad, and they can't ingest water crystals.

 

[LimaMikeSquared]

I have to agree, I am new to geckos but I've been in the tarantula hobby for a little over 2 years and have around 80 spiders.
Just provide a shallow dish that is big enough the T can dip its carapace into it. Sponges are very bad, and they can't ingest water crystals.

Snap - me two - got my first one in Jan 2006 and then had four and month later. lol. I now have 20 Ts and 4 geckos.

I use a water dishes with mine and not seemed to have a problem - just had to make sure the dish wasnt soo deep the spider would drown, I couldnt seem to find any really shallow ones that would retain the water.

LMS