Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm considering getting a Chilean rose tarantula now instead of one of the more expensive arboreal species I was asking about in my previous post. Anyway, I keep hearing and reading conflicting things about the temperature requirements for tarantulas. Some say 70 F room temps are fine, but many books indicate tarantulas such as the Chilean rose do best at temps in the upper 70s to low 80s. My room temps stay at about 70... should I invest in ten gallon tank with a heating pad for my first tarantula?

75-85 is ideal, but 70 is just fine too. My collection sits at right about 70 in my basement. Heat pads are not necessary unless the temps get below 60-65 at night or the temps never get above 70 in the day.

You're not thinking of putting a Chilean rose in a gallon jar are you? Not enough floor space for them. You don't quite need a 10 gallon though. I kept mine in one and it was a little too big. A 5 gallon is fine or use a Kritter Keeper.
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KJ Vezino
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Missouri Tarantula Enthusiasts Group

I plan on using a 5 gallon glass tank. I've seen rose tarantulas maintained in larger terrariums and they spend all their time stuck to one side in an upper corner. I'm guessing the issue there is not being able to "feel" the cage walls all the time and thus feeling exposed in the open (which in a tarantula's mind probably means increased chances of being eaten by something).

I think I will go with a heating pad, probably a Zoo Med mini attached to one side of the tank. My room temps sit right at 70 F 24/7, so my hairy little pet will need extra heat. My my other thought was to hook up a 25 watt red incandescent light over one side of the screen lid I'll use to keep the spider in: one of those would heat the tank in addition to letting me see the critter at night.

I don't think that them not "feeling" the walls is the issue. If they want that close feeling, then they will go under their hide or dig a burrow. The issue is that they are in a cage with little to no variation in temperature, humidity or airflow. Instead of being in nature exposed to the elements, we put them in essentially a sterile but stagnant enclosure. They are not receiveing much external stimulus. Therefore they are content and most terrestrial don't burow as a result, where they would in nature. Just my thoughts.

70 is a fine temperature and a heat pad is not necessary. But if you want to use one, it shouldn't hurt anything.
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KJ Vezino
My Gallery
Missouri Tarantula Enthusiasts Group