How to choose your first spider.

[Incubuss]

Originally Posted by spider_mad

sweet we could do with a few stickys in the invert section

Very true, it seems like it's the same people that post on this section all the time. We all should try getting everyone else into inverts. hehehe

[daxy1]

i was made up to see this thread ive just got a exoterra 45x45x45 viv
especialy for a spider but i didnt have a clue what to get as it will be my first one
i realy wanted a red knee but thought they were more complex than this
but reading they are ideal beginers spiders i have decided to go ahead and buy one
i have one question though should i buy a young or a more older spider
also does anyone know anyone selling one i dont want to pay pet shop prices so what will i be
expecting to pay for one

cheers daxy1

[Poxicator]

Thanks for the advice, seems to correspond with what I'm thinking and will certainly relieve some of the fears the wife and kids have.

I'm looking at A. Bicolouratum, A. Versicolor, B. Albopilosum, B. Auratum, B. Boehmi, B. Smithi or Nhandu Caraponens. I'm very tempted by the colouration of Chromatopelma Cyaneopubescens but the fact it loves to cover the viv in web turns me off.

I was thinking of segregating the tank with a slide-in panel which would help with cleaning and changing the water. What level of maintenance is required, how often would this be required and what precautions do people take?

[sab6517]

Having kept most Ts at times I think this guide is very good.

Would strongly advise first timers not to go for baboons or ornamentals, stick to those in the guide, get used to feeding and shedding cycles and learn how fast even a " slow " tarantula can move !!!

Baboons and ornamentals or larger bird eaters make great second / third spiders, read up on them first though as they need respect ( which is what I think the other guys are saying ).

Personally I think Albopilosum is a greatt starter, feeds well, grows large, is a little lively and has some spirit

Steve

[Poxicator]

After much research and testing the H & T of the terrarium I've gone for a Lasiodora Klugi, 8" 6yr old female which I've had for 2 weeks. She's very graceful, always within vision (rarely goes into her burrow), rearranged the furniture and is eating well.
With so much reading and research I felt compelled to take a G. Rosea yesterday, just about the size of your thumbnail, lovely pink legs and my daughters are collecting names.

[jen1302]

I'm you could say new to spiders as a owner of my first spider a chilean rose.

I never liked spiders a fear of them until i held Anstice at shop the owner helped me with this fear with them.

And i now have a thing for all thing's like that now i'm picking up from shop a taillless whip scorpion.

Besides the Emperor or Black is there others as i'm going to collect more in the future.

[Poxicator]

There are between 800-1000 different species of tarantula but its suggested that the number could be double as new species are found. Even the currently known species are being reclassified as more info is obtained.
According to wiki there are over 2000 species of scorpions which also includes the whip scorpions.
So, you have plenty of choice but don't expect to find them all at your local pet shop

[chubz]

for my first t i chose a pinktoe was that a good choice?

[Poxicator]

congrats chubz you'll find it an interesting choice.
There are the obvious choices for first tarantula but if you spend some time reading about the alternatives then its feasible that any breed could be a good choice. The reason people suggest the more familiar Brachypelma, Grammostolas and Aphonopelma are because there's plenty of info readily available about them, because they're generally docile and easy to care for and fairly hardy. Getting experience on the easy Ts helps when choosing more advanced species which tend to be much faster, much more aggressive and stronger venom.
The pink toes (Avicularia sp) are arboreal Ts so you'll need to provide it height rather than ground substrate, with plenty to climb on and a piece of cork bark to hide. It will probably avoid the ground completely so lots of branches. They tend to web a bit but you'll probably find they rest on top. You need to keep them a bit more moist, spray the tank each day but its most importantly you make sure the ventilation is good if its to survive for long. They can be a little fast if alarmed, they can jump, they can swim and they can also squirt poo. They make great starters for arboreal species and some species of Avicularia are capable of living communally. They don't grow too big, between 4-6 inches.

[chubz]

could you please tell me what size tank should it be in if it has a leg span of 3-4 inches?