H maculata Bioactive Enclosure and Rehouse

[@MaximiliansMom]

All right that's it. BioDude, take my money. First I'll start with the tortoises, then the geckos, then the scorpion, then my 50 tarantulas. LOL!!! These enclosures look so good!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Christine! :) Hahahahaha. The possibilities really are endless with this stuff. I'm really glad that I tried it out (although, my enclosures are just a bit more expensive now. lol). Let me know what you set up!

[@ryanmack423]

Beautiful set up brother, I see how much your enjoying yourself, it's nice

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! I'm becoming obsessed with this stuff. haha I just keep coming up with spiders I want to rehouse into one. haha

[@nicoledonohoe2808]

Awesome Tom as I tell you all the time I love your rehouses you have taught me everything I just rehoused all my T’S most are old worlds and I have used you ways with the catch cups attached to cardboard and every rehouse house went great and as you said to me before wow I jumped right in with getting my 3 and 4 T’S as OBTs lol I also thou Tom and 44 yrs old so I do use caution me and my 24 yr old son every day do our Tarantula collection so it’s great we share that hobby !! I did just uses all my Bio Dude substrate with the Bio packs so I will keep you updated !! In how I like it !!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Nicole! Thanks so much! I love to hear that, as that's why I do so many rehousing videos. I want to take some of the stress out of it for folks. :) And that is great that you and your son can share the hobby! And definitely keep me updated...that would be awesome. :)

[@thesystima]

Hey man, a tip that will make your life easier regarding the plants: Get a pair of aquarium scissor! While you might not be a botanist, some plants will just refuse to die and will thrive seemingly regardless of what you do. In time, these will need to be trimmed down, and trust me, doing that with a regular scissor is NOT FUN. Also, I think you could benefit greatly from buying a bunch of mini plants (at what ever place that carries them). Because you dont know if they have pesticides (they most likely have) and mites and such, you cannot use them immediatly. So you remove as much dirt from them as is possible and replant them in what ever soil you would use for your spiders. Wash them gently while removing dirt, the running water will also help remove dirt. Let them be like that for a while. This will help you learn what plants and types of plants you like and what works for you. It also save you the potential stress of working with the plant with a T around. As a benefit, it doesnt suck as much to loose a plant when you paid a single dollar for it. Bonus: get yourself some coffee plants: they look amazing and they are unkillable if you go by the notion of "there is no such thing as too much water". I honestly think you could put them in an aquarium and they would survive. Sorry for the novel, I wrote much of it as a reply to you in the last video, but wasnt sure you saw it. Keep at it man! The enclousure look amazing and I am thrilled to hear that you have noticed that your spider is staying out and about more!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you SO MUCH for this....I truly appreciate it. I will order some aquarium scissors ASAP. I've actually been "processing" the plants since doing my first couple setups. NEHerp has a method that has you soak them in a bleach solution...have you heard of that? And I have a bunch on my dinner table right now that I've cleaned up, replanted, and am waiting to use. GREAT tip! And I will definitely check out coffee plants! Thanks so much! Tom

[@thesystima]

@@TomsBigSpiders You will be happy with it! I recommend using them for light trimming and if heavy trimming of the plants is needed, you cup the spider so you can Work in there as needed. I've never heard of neHERPs bleach process? Butik I would imagine that it is meant to kill any parasites, mites etc., While also washing the plant for any pesticides? Mini-plants are amazing and so usefull, and their size is amazing for terrariums! It is great to watch you learn and be amazed with the bio-active, and that I am able to share knowledge with one of my absolute heroes of this community, with this kind of reply? It is one of the joys of the hobby: the incredible community.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Well, again...I truly appreciate all of your feedback and tips! I have to admit that it is a lot of fun to get to learn this new facet of the hobby and to get to actually share the learning process! Thanks so much!

[@thesystima]

For inspiration, check out videos of people keeping dartfrogs. The paludariums used for them is often incredibly good looking and overgrown with plants. I'm looking for some xaxim tree fern panels for a long-term project for my Megaphobema Mesomelas. The mats are made from the bark of tree ferns and they contain moss and fern spores and if kept moist will grow a ton of small ferns and mosses. Looks amazing as background for terrariums, if the inhabitant can tolerate the moisture. (If my M. mesomelas can't, well, then I gotta get me some frogs). So yeah, there is tons of great stuff out there, even for putting plants into a dedicated dessert terrarium with an inhabitant that cannot tolerate moisture. Think PVC piping under the substrate. The options are endless and it's a joy! Thank you for sharing it with us, even though you make it look easy and "hey I'm just learning here, look I made this" and you go and do these amazing looking terrariums ;) Keep it up!

[@rachellehenson5568]

Great rehousing vid as always. Love the H. Macs. They are so beautiful. I love hearing the clicking of the dogs in background and them drinking water, etc. lol

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Rachelle! The H. mac is one of Billie's favorites...they really are stunning. Hahahaha. Thanks! I always feel bad about the clicking and slurping.

[@rachellehenson5568]

Oh, don’t feel bad. They are part of the family as well. Us animal lovers totally understand. What breeds of dogs do you have??

[@annasflorafauna7133]

Love how these enclosures look, as a new person to the hobby I've learnt a lot from your videos so thankyou so much for sparing your time to share these videos 🙂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Anna! :) I really appreciate it.

[@tinabbaker37]

You have come a long way with Enclosure Set Ups...Gorgeous!!! A+

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Now that I have a limit on the spiders that I can bring home, I can spend more time and money on the setups. It's been fun. Thank you!

[@bonniehawkins2979]

Lovely set up. Tell Billie she is a great assistant.:)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Bonnie! And these rehousings would NOT go as smoothly if she wasn't helping me. :)

[@carlanderson5068]

@@TomsBigSpiders Have you done a video on how she got involved in the T's videos? Was she already into them before, or did you help her become comfortable with it? My wife is pretty reluctant to be involved with the whole "bugs" related hobbies. I've made some inroads with her, I got her to touch the millipede the other day (not a euphemism, LOL), but that's about the extent so far. Any advice would be useful.

[@Krb4619]

Great job again Tom, nice choice of plants. Fantastic set up!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Bev!

[@tonicoffin7706]

Great rehouse with a little suspense! Beautiful enclosure

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Toni! Yeah, this one was a little bit stressful. haha

[@drewc2735]

The enclosure looks great! And I like how you showed some advanced rehousing tactics in this one lol. Nice Gojira hoodie by the way, I like those guys.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Drew! I've held back on posting the spray technique for a while as I didn't want people to misunderstand it and start spraying the spiders. haha And thanks! Hopefully, I'll be seeing them this summer!

[@drewc2735]

@@TomsBigSpiders I bet that show will be awesome!

[@AlsArachnids]

Great set up Tom, looking forward to seeing how these enclosures and T's grow.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Al! Hopefully, they continue to go well!

[@jamesbosslet994]

It is an awesome set-up, good job!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, James! Thanks so much, bud! :)

[@phillipmaciejewski9872]

Great video! Gonna try this setup for my next bioactive. Love the shirt and sweater too, keep it metal!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha. Thanks, Phillip! :)

[@rain040103]

Beautiful baby. Can’t wait till my Togo sling is grown. Love the enclosure

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! :)

[@rachelletreadway9765]

Nice setup! I shop with the BIODUDE often. Awesome stuff :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you, Rachelle! I'm loving his stuff so far. :)

[@conchitamay4859]

We have had really cold weather for 2 weeks. It is still below average . She was eating and drinking and just quit. Her abdomen is nice and round and fuzzy. I have been watching her for dehydration. I LOVE my babies. She doesn't look promptly but I am still new at this I take all your advice seriously. I appreciate your knowledge and experience. Thank you . LOVE you

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Conchita! What are the temps in your home? It may just be in premolt (hence the loss of appetite), or it could be fasting due to the weather. I've had some stop eating when the temps outside drop. If her abdomen is nice and round, and she has access to water, I wouldn't worry. Thank you!!!

[@xxsisterxgracexx]

I love that marble queen pothos! Beautiful spider and setup too c:

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much...I love that plant! It has grown so large since I filmed this. We also have a huge one in my upstairs bathroom now. haha

[@Onetwoone1]

Super smooth rehouse, setup looks amazing.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! :)

[@MrTQuillen]

My name is Thomas as well. I really enjoy your videos. You do a great job with editing them. Something I have to get better at.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Thomas! I really appreciate that, as the editing is something that I'm still working on. :)

[@rebeccahr1]

I absolutely love this video.. Your videos are always so informative, great to watch and learn. Many thanks Tom. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Becky! :)

[@jnew42]

That is a gorgeous set up, really like these and am going to be waiting for your updates on the plants and soil. Beautiful tarantula also, but then most of them are.

[@nineleafclover1477]

That is so cool about the T's being out more in the more bioactive enclosures. I think the natural setup looks a lot better but is harder to prepare. I've had pothos before and can vouch that it is incredibly hardy, but will need some trimming. Luckily, as an ivy, it is very easy to manage.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

So far, so good! And this is NOT something I would have attempted early on. Now I have to worry about both the health of the tarantula AND the plants. And thanks for the advice!

[@mayaj2354]

after watching so many H.Mac rehousing videos I gotta say I have realized how lucky and blessed I am with my H.Mac 😳 few days ago I found ants in her enclosure and in the substrate also, so I moved her to the catch cup and cleaned up everything, changed the cocopeat, put her back to her enclosure, and during the whole thing she was so calm, very well behaved young lady, and when I put her back in, I don't even have to poke her gently from the catch cup, she went right in like she knew it was her home, like "ok time to go home. thanks hooman" 😩 mine is such a sweetheart 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Mayaza! Sounds like you have an awesome spider there. I've never gotten threat poses from either of mine, but they are quite nervous. :)

[@trevortrober3499]

You have made me a better Spood keeper. All 11 of my guys and gals thank you for what you do!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Trevor! :)

[@kerrywright2645]

Nice looking setup. I'm really interested in eventually doing some bioactive enclosures so I'm really glad to see you doing this.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Kerry! I figured that it was time to try the out and see how they work. I'll keep updating people as I go!

[@RoanPonie]

,wow! What an excellent idea to re house!!!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you very much, Roan! :)

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

Sorry I was late. Tonight is popcorn and videos night. But I always come back to see your videos.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Joyce! Hahaha That was our Friday night. :)

[@jacktastick]

The cup says "Chill Zone" LoL!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Gotta stay cool during rehousings, you know? :)

[@jacktastick]

It's like tarantula time out.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@jacktastick Hahaha. Yes!

[@tinabbaker37]

Deep Love and Tight Hugs to my adopted family, the Wonderfully Fun, Precious, Extremely Knowledgeable, Morans

[@Thewidowpeak]

So interesting, I was just listening to your podcast when this popped up on my notifications..

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you! I've got three more of these videos to put up. haha

[@scottwhitemyer5501]

very nice job on the enclosure, you can trim the pothos when it gets too big very easy to do. I like the water dish !!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Scott! Yeah, I'm guessing I'm going to be doing some trimming sooner than later. :)

[@tarantulacollective]

great video my man...that H. mac had my heart beating too. I have some rehousings coming up with a few arboreal species I plan on doing in the next month or two...i think I am gonna have to try at least on of the enclosures with a bio active set up.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I've had good luck rehousing both of mine. We didn't get one rehousing on camera because Billie stopped to help. She got pretty close to one, too. :) I would love to see what you start with. :) Thank you!

[@jordanbmiddleton8938]

another lovely set up

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Jordan! :)

[@derivative7842]

Great video as always but just out of curiosity when will the other bioactive rehousings be uploaded?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks! And whenever I can find the time to put them together. :)

[@Mikeyd8383]

Tom, where are you currently from? Thank you for taking the time to make these videos. I find them EXTREMELY HELPFUL! I love the spray bottle technique!!!!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello, Mike! I'm from Connecticut, US. And thanks so much! I love that method for getting them moving without getting your hands in the way. :)

[@Mikeyd8383]

@@TomsBigSpiders Tom if ever in the Philadelphia area, give me a shout. Until then, I'll be watching/waiting for the next! Thanks again!!!!!!

[@ssebass3166]

i love tarantulas, i love gojira , i like cannibal corpse and i like your channel

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Well, thank you so much! haha

[@tennesseetarantulas5129]

Awesome rehouse. The setup looks amazing. Fingers crossed my H. mac is a female. Great video bud as always.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! Hopefully, you get a lady. They are stunning. :)

[@mtdm8233]

Auto zone spray bottles. Not sure what company they re branded, but those things will even spray wd-30. They also do great on spraying easy. The one in the shop that replaced my oil can has been going for months now.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'll definitely check those out. Thanks, Carissa!

[@aquasian21]

Lovely looking set up! Can’t wait to see how it webs up! Can I ask how long did it take that H mac to get to that size? I have 2 slings so just curious

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Sian! I'll be curious to see what webbing it does as well. :) I've had that one for about 3 years now.

[@aquasian21]

Tom Moran thanks for getting back to me! Aw I can’t wait til mine are that big 😁

[@kyoukatsuariadust6744]

awesome, also got a sling so i'm looking forward for the rehouse :D i hope it goes as smooth as yours.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! I rehoused another one last year, and that went pretty well, too. Hopefully, yours goes smoothly. :)

[@randomguythatvibes5161]

you should try to use the ventilation holes that might make it easier if the tarantula gets in the corner

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Good call!

[@randomguythatvibes5161]

@@TomsBigSpiders np man sense I had my first T I mostly follow my old arachnophobic instincts 😋

[@tinabbaker37]

That's the substate I have been using for over a year. Now you know why I have to make my enclosures. Best Best Best Substrate.

[@davidstaggs2325]

Such a cool spider! How long did it take to grow up to that size from a sling?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, David! I think about three years or so?

[@MrTQuillen]

Looks amazing, looking forward to an update

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much!

[@bobkob]

Excellent video, look forward to more, of all the vivarium plant species ive used : wandering jew, pothos and ficus benjamina ,elephant ear are the only plants ive had success with.though ive regrettably lost some as well, i assume overwatering in those cases when i first started into the vivarium world.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Bob! I've got the pothos and wandering jews, but "ll have to check out ficus benajmina and elephant ear. Thank you so much for the the suggestion.

[@nineleafclover1477]

Things are looking great! I'm getting my first T's this Tuesday, a gbb and a G rosea. Super excited, and I'm referencing your videos and guides for slings, so thanks! Also, psst.. I think you missed the 'i' in Bioactive ;)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Congrats in advance...those are great species. SO glad to hear someone picking up a G. rosea. They get a terrible rep lately. Thanks so much! BAHAHAHAHHAHA... Whoops!!! Thank you! Off to fix it... ;)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Just fixed it. haha. Thank you!

[@nineleafclover1477]

Thanks! I'm really looking forward to them. Been watching videos on youtube for quite a while and decided it was finally time. Thankfully there is a lot of great information available on channels like yours that have made it much more accessible. I doubt I would have found my way into this hobby without you. Thank you again for what you do.

[@ibnsarachnids9175]

Nice job Tom I absolutely loved this video and I'm like watching you. I have a question about the substrate your using. Can you use that substrate without having to plant live plants? What was the name again? What would you recommend for a Lampropelma violaceopes permanent enclosure? I appreciate any advice from you. Thanks and I look forward to seeing your next video. Take care.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Robert! Thanks! Yes, you can definitely use it just as regular substrate. I'm already using it in a couple of regular enclosures. Here's a link: www.thebiodude.com/search?type=product&q=terra+aranea It's the terra aranea. For a permanent enclosure, I would go with something around 10 gallons or so. A lorex plastics acrylic would work well, as would a 12 x 12 x 18 exo terra. If you're looking for something less expensive, Sterilite makes bins that are around 34-qts or so that work great. Thanks!

[@ibnsarachnids9175]

@@TomsBigSpiders where do you get a Lorax?

[@flying_hussar3034]

very impressive setup Tom. Curious to see how it's gonna progress with heavy webbers when it comes to plant longevity.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, bud! Thanks so much. I'm curious as well. The GBB enclosure certainly has me wondering how it will work out.

[@Vanessa_Simone_In_Toronto]

I have pothos in my crested gecko bioactive, but I have a draining situation. They hate having wet roots, so let them really dry out. They are really very drought resistant. Let that spot dry out completely and then water sparingly. If you use pothos again, maybe put a handful of hydro balls directly under where the plant is to allow drainage. You don't need hydro balls throughout the entire enclosure, but it will help with keeping their roots from being too wet to have some directly under the soil where the plant is.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much for that advice, Vanessa...this is EXACTLY the type of advice I'm looking for! :) I will definitely let them dry out, and I was looking at hydro balls already, so I'll pick some up. THANK YOU!

[@ChantalsCritters]

Really nice. I wish i had the room to do that kind of setups.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Channy! I had to do a LOT of moving and rearranging to make room. :(

[@ProbableHobbit]

I love that you’re doing bioactive. Thanks for letting us follow along. Also just wanted you to see me in the comment section. 😂

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Jodi! Hahahaha. I see you! lol Yeah, this has been very rewarding so far. I'm going to look forward to making updates on them. :)

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

Creeping fig is awesome. It grows obscenely fast but it requires tons of moisture. I wonder how it went. I wonder if there is a video on what ever became of all these bio setups. I haven't seen any

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Most of them went well for about a year or so. Then, little by little, the plants were killed off by webbing and spider traffic.

[@gatortarantula4706]

Are you using any isopods or springtails? If not have you used them in the past? And do you recommend them? And thank you for all the vids,very informative.

[@trevortrober3499]

I use sprintails. They work great while you learn your moisture techniques

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yes! I keep forgetting to mention them. I have springtails and dwarf white isopods in these. :) And thanks!

[@andrewperez2901]

Awesome, be following your progress very closely. I have feeling that bio active enclosures be great for moisture species.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Andrew! Hopefully, these continue to go well. I can say that My O. philippinus is definitely out in the open more, even with the lights. :)

[@tinabbaker37]

LOL I love listening to Billie in the Background. Very Very Brave...Has BLZ and very Supportive and Great Copilot.

[@allclades]

Nicely done!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

thank you!

[@nickminto3701]

Hi Tom, quick question. Do you have a video dedicated to what you use when rehousing?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Nick! I do not, although I could definitely make one. :)

[@nickminto3701]

@@TomsBigSpiders that would be great if you could. I know would help me and I suspect a lot of your beginner subscribers

[@Dovietail]

It would be awesome to see a desert terrestrial bioactive habitat!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I was literally JUST saying that to Billie! I'm dying to try one.

[@Dovietail]

@@TomsBigSpiders I kept a Chilean Rose in a bioactive habitat for years. She did very well. I picked out bronzy tinted succulents that would highlight her coloration. 1 even bloomed lovely pink flowers that made it really awesome at one point.

[@reptiletailz108]

Ivy and pothos are the 2 ive had success with and up until I started caring for t's that i got into plants at all bec i always killed them but once i got interested in bioactive I started doing research and got those 2 and they are great and very tolerable

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Pothos is the plant that I've had the most luck with.

[@Nukamedia]

Awesome video, very nice enclosure and much props for rehousing a species this venomous (I just got a P. vittata and she kinda terrifies me lol). Why not try poking the paint brush handle through the vent holes and tapping against the T's leg to provoke movement into the cup while keeping it sealed onto the top though? That's kind of the method I use with difficult T's for now.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! The vent holes in the original enclosure? They were mostly up high and not large enough for me to get the brush through. :)

[@timthespiderman8586]

Tom I would like you to do a husbandry on the h Mac starburst baboon and how fast and big they grow thanks. Tim

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Tim! I'm trying to get enough footage to make a new one. Mine are pretty shy. I'm working on it, though!

[@benallmon5613]

Hey Tom! Love the video. Beautiful enclosures. I recently got my first 7 Ts thanks to your videos! (Dark Den, Exotics Lair, Tarantula Kat and KC Tarantulas helped too :p) But my 3 or 4 inch A Seemanni has ate twice so far. My other 6 are slings I got from Swifts Inverts. I'll be trying Fear Not next. Thanks for all the recommendations and amazing content!

[@hcrib1]

Fear Not is definitely a great place, most of my T's are from there!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much...I'm in great company there. :) Swift's is an awesome place to buy them. He's been around for years and has a fantastic reputation. Fear Not is also amazing. :)

[@tinabbaker37]

I have Got To get one of those Water Dishes. Love it. Oh, and I'm setting up a Go Fund Me so I can buy Billie a clear cabinet with a totally Remote Control Camera and a Tripod with Bolts for the Floor. I'm getting you, Tom a Hazmat NASA Suit!!!!!!!!!!

[@taeviansworldofreptiles3828]

That is a beauty! Yeah those screw top containers are not rehousing friendly lol.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much! Yeah, I think I'm going to be phasing these out. hahaha

[@webbrowser6454]

Arent H.mac rehousings so much fun? Lol nothing spikes my anxiety more in my collection than this species. So unpredictable. OBT just slaps and (hilariously) flips upside down. Pokies just run away, fast. Been charged by these guys before and they seem to know that your prodding tool is not the source of their disturbance. My hand is always on a hair trigger, ready to pull out the second I see signs of defense. Hope the bioactive goes well, might try it out myself if it proves to produce a more fitting environment with better visibility.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Haha! They sure are! Mine have been quite reasonable, but I always assume that they are just waiting for me to let my guard down. haha Thanks so much! I'll definitely keep folks updated on what I'm seeing.

[@LILBOOGsBUGCORNER]

Nice! Stepping the game up! Ive had mine bioactive for 2 years now… But I only have 8 T’s LOL

[@bighashgang1990]

Still one of the best looking T's in existence and I have some very colorful and rare Ornithoctoninae. One of my adult female macs tagged me back in like 2013 and it was pure hell lol their venom is no joke

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yup, you have to love that black/white/grey coloration! And yikes...no thank you. haha

[@ericweis4114]

Hey Tom idk how u feel about this but I put my t,s in the fridge for 5 minutes just to slow them down makes things easier and dont seem to bother them. What is your thought on this?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Eric! I've read about this technique before, but I've never had to use it. I HAVE done some rehousings in my cool garage before, so that's similar. :)

[@jimothyj2638]

Update on your O. Philippinus bioactive?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'll be doing an update on her soon.

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

Always love to watch your rehousing. Love your dog. You really have a wonderful assistant, best friend and wife in Billie. Billie you should be on cam someday. We should see the best wife ever.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

She is AWESOME during the rehousings. There is nothing like having a second set of eyes and hands. :) We'll get her on soon... ;)

[@JJDigitalartStudio]

@@TomsBigSpidersI love the way you two work together. She anticipates your needs and even gives you things before you need them. You two are so great.

[@jorgeg922]

you transfer like a pro!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Ha! Thank you so much! I do a LOT of transfer videos. :)

[@blueshard4632]

I think he does quality as a professional

[@Snowman536]

How are the Scorpions doing that you got from ButhidaeBomb awhile ago? Hoping to see a little more scorpion action after you get all of these guys rehoused in their new bio-active enclosures. :D

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I can definitely do an update. Most are doing great. I lost one a few months after posting that video. Poor little guy/gal just didn't seem right from the get go!

[@Snowman536]

@@TomsBigSpiders Excellent! I can't wait! Also just wanted to let you know your videos on your P. imperator and her babies really helped me out a few weeks ago when mine come up pregnant. I've had her for roughly 7 months so must have happened before lol. So now I've got 14 extra scorpions :D

[@Poopdeck1015]

Hey Tom, have you had any issues with bugs that emerge from the plants? Can they act as pests to the spider? I’ve been wanting to try bio actives for a while but worries after seeing people report roundworms and other nasties. Will appreciate your feedback.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I soak them in a bleach solution and rinse them off before planting them in the enclosures. I've had no issues.

[@Poopdeck1015]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks Tom! Is tht a specific bleach solution? I don't want to be ouring toilet bleach do it? lol

[@Poopdeck1015]

Hey Tom! Will you ever do a Stromatopelma calceatum video? I've got a couple and they're doing well and think they need some love. Very underappreciated and misunderstood species.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I still have to get one! I was supposed to get one last summer, but they sold out. I still need one.!

[@Poopdeck1015]

Tom Moran you will love them. They’re like broom bristles with eight legs and attitude! 😂

[@shirleysumner2420]

That seemed epic 😎

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Shirley! It was a lot of "fun" haha

[@coltengibbs5404]

Have you made any podcasts on the S. calceatum? There is a pet store near me selling one as an Indian ornamental. I was thinking of getting it, if nothing else it will at least keep someone from getting something they aren’t prepared for.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Colten! I have not. Unfortunately, I've yet to get one! Three times I've gone to pick one up, and they sold out. haha

[@linlinex3]

Hi Tom, I’m thinking of making a bioactive enclosure for my a. avicularia, how has your luck been with these enclosures? Do you prefer isopods or springtails more? I’m sorry if you’ve answered this already 😄 I looked for a more recent update but couldn’t find it.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Caroline! So sorry for the delay! I like springtails better, but I'll use dwarf white isopods for arboreal enclosures. The problem I've found with the isopods is that they can actually attack the spiders/scorpions if their numbers get too out of control. I found this out with my T. stigmurus (scorpion) communal. The springtails are completely harmless, it seems. Hope that helps!

[@linlinex3]

@@TomsBigSpiders that's ok! i know it gets busy for you this time of year. thank you so much for taking the time to reply :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

My pleasure, Caroline!

[@conchitamay4859]

Tom do spiders get depressed. My Arizona blonde quick eating drinking . It's been 3 months now and I am worried. What should I do. Thank you for your help.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Conchita. They can display signs of stress, but not depression. Was it eating and drinking before this? This species will often stop eating during the colder winter months. It also might just be in premolt. Is its abdomen nice and fat?

[@Philboi28]

Awesome as ever Tom

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Phil! :)

[@klime938]

Can you do an update on the bio enclosures

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Sure! Spoiler alert: they aren't going well. haha

[@TarantulaHaven]

Great rehouse. H. Macs always get your heart going. They have an uncanny way of shooting for the smallest opening to escape. That looks like a female Tom. It already has the dark black markings and getting that chalky color to the abdomen. My male matured about the same size and was very dull with faded markings and fuzzier legs.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hey, Alex!!! Yeah, those little buggers always get my blood pumping. And I'm glad to hear that. My other is a female, and this one looked like a female to me, but I never like to be presumptuous. hahaha Thanks so much!

[@BloodyChunX]

Wonderful video as per. As I have mentioned. Most of my enclosures are 'semi' bio. As in a bio sub with a lush carpet of feather moss to keep the clean up crew thriving. Any chance of a list of plants that you would recommend? I haven't had to rehouse much apart from slings for a while. But sods law dictates that I'll have a load that will need rehousing all at the same time (eight of the Pamphos, four of the Sericopelma and a female juvie P. pulcher for certain) it would be nice to prepare some nice foliage. :)

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hello! I definitely have to try some moss in the future. Right now, I'm liking the pothos (grows quick and is difficult to kill), the fittonia, and the dracaena. I also have a snake plant that I love. It's early still, though, so I'll be updating on my experiences with them. :)

[@Lisa-eu9fy]

Awesomeness! 🕷🧡🧡🧡🕷

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks, Lisa!

[@ryanhawk7925]

I love the direction you've been going in with the bioactive setups.. plus you've got some pretty darn amazing species you've picked to showcase in them! I'm contemplating doing some myself, but I need to sit down and really think about what species I want to go bioactive with. I was finally able to molt sex my GBB as female, but I'm also thinking my female Orphnaecus sp Panay blue, my Chilobrachys sp electric blue, my Pseudhapalopus sp blue, my female D. diamantinensis, and eventually one or two of my Psalmopoeus species (ecclesiasticus/pulcher/irminia/reduncus/cambridgei), and at least one of my pokies (probably my big mama regalis, since my metallica is male). Then ofcourse I want to do a desert bio setup for either my balfouri communal, my GBB, or one of my G rosea

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, Ryan...I'm having a blast them. I'm trying to pick some different species to see how they work. My. O. panay blue is one of the ones I'm looking at doing down the road. haha Good choice. I'll also be doing ones for some of my Pokies at some point. There are just so many possibilities. Let me know if you give them a shot!

[@whiterosetarantulas3150]

Awesome video as always Tom, I have all the spiders I want right now so I think I will go ahead and do the same, some nice bioactive enclosures for them as they gradually become adult, will be watching to see your updates on how they do!

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thanks so much, bud! Yeah, that's pretty much where I'm at. I'll pick up a few here and there, but I have a lot of lovely adults that I would like to get into nicer enclosures.

[@JasonBooth79]

Glad this one's growing slow lol. Do they like it a bit dryer? I don't remember if I thought about it or just set it up tropical arboreal on a whim. It's still a sling either way but I've had it at like 80%+ so far. Except when it lived on the curtain 😂darkest looking "grass spider" I've ever seen in here....

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Jason! As slings, they like a bit of moisture. As they get older, they can do dry with a water dish. Right now, I have two adult females, and I will moisten the substrate in the dry winter months, but let it dry out in between.

[@JasonBooth79]

@@TomsBigSpiders Thanks! Yeah I have 12%-20% tops in here right now.. pretty much everything has some moisture lol

[@warren4838]

what are pros and cons in making their enclosure bioactive? will their behavior change?'thanks

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Well, a big pro is that in a true bioactive enclosure, the good bacteria, molds, fungus, etc. take care of the harmful stuff. Boluses are devoured by cleaner insects, which makes them particularly clean. Supposedly, spiders kept in bioactive enclosures grow better and can be more visible. There is talk about the oxygen production from the plants being beneficial. I'll be monitoring these in the coming months to see if I see any evidence of this. They also look darn nice. As for cons, you have to worry about caring for BOTH the spiders and the plants. That means that you have to plan ahead to pair plants with spiders so that the plant care mirrors the care of the spider.

[@axl2651]

can u have an update how she liked the enclosure ? is she still in it today ? or did you rehouse her ?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

She's still in the enclosure BUT she killed off all of the plants with the webbing. I wouldn't try this type of enclosure with this species again.

[@DavidFoo93]

Does metalica comes out more in bioactive enclosures as well?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I don't know, but I'm about to find out. :)

[@shirleysumner2420]

I like this one 👌

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Thank you so much, Shirley!

[@EKIANandWolvesGaming]

Lovin these tanks! I just did a bio-active for my P.regalis today using a Philodendron vine, Ficus Pumila, and Pilea glauca. You should get some colorful Isopod species to enrich your soil and add some extra pizzazz.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm definitely eyeing some for my pokies, so that's great to hear! I'll have to check out those plants as well. And I currently have dwarf whites and springtails in mine.

[@EKIANandWolvesGaming]

@@TomsBigSpiders Have you seen Montenegro or Rubber Ducky isopods before? If ya haven't you should give them a look

[@tarantulasamerica9980]

What is your best suggestion for plants?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Well, I'm still early into this, but the pothos seem to work great and are apparently unkillable (which is great, because my history with plants is sketchy!). I'm also liking the wandering jew (a vine that grows quick and that you can trim and replant the clippings). I'm also LOVING the Dracaena. I have two, and they are gorgeous and seem to be growing well.

[@tarantulasamerica9980]

@@TomsBigSpiders cool thanks for the knowledge cant wait till your next video

[@rawegg8880]

Do you have lights for the plants in your bioactive setups

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yes I do.

[@invertevision4757]

I'm going to be doing my first bioactive here in a day or so once the plants acclimate. I am torn between my P. metallica or T. violaceus. The Tappie, she is an adult and the metallica pretty much is as well...maybe next molt she will be a full fledged adult but wither way, would you consider the exo terra nano tall to be of sufficient size for the metallica? Im like you and just in the process of trying out bio actives and also have an extensive collection. Having to pick which to try first is my biggest problem. Nice setup though. My H mac could use a rehouse as well but being as they hide a lot, if rather go for a species that's out more often. Till next time

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I'm setting one up for my P. metallica communal, so my vote is for the metallica. haha Yes, the metallicas are on the smaller side for pokies, so the tall should work quite well. Thanks so much!

[@Manchesterceltic]

Whats the Suntiger like to own is it a old world tarantula and are they aggressive because I've got a Brazilian blue beauty a obt and singapore blue and a Cambridgei

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Hi, Nathan. They tend to be fairly bold and can be defensive. If you've dealt with an OBT and a cambridgei, you should be in good shape.

[@Manchesterceltic]

@@TomsBigSpiders my obt is fast as hell and for my Cambridgei that's from a different planet because I don't see my one run I so love the colour on the suntiger what could u tell me about them can I look after the suntiger like my Cambridgei and obt like as in set up wise.

[@shelbyramin1376]

Not sure if you will see this, but I have a question. I use the pods as water dishes as well. The springtails have turned it into a home and the water is constantly murky no matter how much I change it. The pod is now covered in dark stuff as well. Is it still ok to use as a water dish or should I replace it? Honestly I dont see why it wont work as it's similar to how it works in the wild, but I would love your two cents on the matter.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

I SEE ALLLLL! Hahaha. Sorry, it was a long day at work, and I'm a bit punchy. I kept mine in there because they attract the springtails, but I have added a glass water dish as well. Of course, that one ends up with springtails in it, too, but it's easier to clean. I do continue to add a bit of water to the pods though because the cleaner insects like it. I hope that helps!

[@shelbyramin1376]

It makes me feel better hearing you say that because I was gonna do the same thing. I found these really beautiful looking glass candle holders at hobby lobby that are perfectly sized for the enclosure.

[@shelbyramin1376]

And no worries, my house flooded today so it actually felt good to laugh.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

@@shelbyramin1376 Oh no...that's terrible! I'm so sorry!

[@shelbyramin1376]

It's not that bad actually, but your joke made me feel better regardless.

[@freaknifethrower8218]

Finally!

[@goldpieceleo]

I watch a video about OBT in the wild. I found out they are arboreal, they in the holes in the trees.

[@TomsBigSpiders]

They're a very opportunistic species. I've seen them in burrows, in rock crevices on ledges, in dirt embankments, and in trees. I keep mine semi-arboreal, and she just webs up and hides behind the cork bark. :)

[@goldpieceleo]

@@TomsBigSpiders nice

[@BriDia3]

There's a female at a local pet shop for sale. The owner showed another customer how she tore a chopstick out of his hand as he came close to her with it. I felt so bad for her as I wondered how often he demonstrates this. I really want to get her, if for nothing but to rescue her, but I'm also scared of her. She is intimidating! I don't even want to imagine how a rehouse would be... Any advice??? Also is this your Starbursts forever enclosure or will you go bigger?

[@TomsBigSpiders]

Yikes! Leave the darned thing alone! I hope that you grab her just to spare her from those fools. I have my two adult females in these, and they are doing fine. That said, you could go larger if you put some foliage in for cover.