Zilla Micro Habitat VS Exo Terra VS Tarantula Cribs (Arboreal edition)

[@rbalara31]

Can we take a minute to appreciate that original NES.

[@tarantulamum4322]

i still have mine and the SNES x

[@almightyshippo1197]

"Zilla Micro Habitat VS Exo Terra VS Tarantula Cribs" VS random container from store VS free-roaming my home :P

[@onelessthing]

I think one of the things that Zilla are banking on with this style of enclosure is the market in smaller and more remote towns where people can't easily pop out to the local pet store to pick up an Exo-terra. They aren't as sturdy or secure as the other options Kat looked at, but they're sturdy and secure enough to suffice for most keepers' needs, and because they pack flat, they can be shipped for much cheaper than if they came pre-assembled with the pieces bonded together, which is ideal if you live somewhere more rural/remote where getting something pre-assembled shipped to your home is prohibitively expensive.

[@TheCmDragon]

Yep here in Canada that's the case. I don't really like exo terras and my poeci is doing great in my zilla. It's a little bit bigger than the exo terra nano tall, but where I live it's cheaper. And I prefer the ventilation style vs mesh. There are to little gaps I sealed on the bottom of the sides of the door but other than that it's perfect for my needs.

[@MrsBTeachesSci]

Thanks to your channel I am overcoming my fear of spiders. I'm even considering getting a tarantula in the future! I teach high school biology and teaching my students to respect all living critters is very important to me. Thanks for shedding a positive light on typically unloved critters. ❤

[@russemusique]

The lack of a lot of ventilation in the Zilla gives me ✨A N X I E T Y✨

[@SusanLBritt]

Same

[@dattand2085]

Exo Terra all the way, the others are too flimsy for me. Replacing the mesh on the lid is also not a problem once you figured it out, super easy super clean looking!

[@Sqwizgaar]

Could you explain how you replace it? Im super curious how you mean :)

[@CD480]

Glass is also nicer to clean, don't have to worry much about scratching.

[@CD480]

@@Sqwizgaar T's can get their claws stuck in the mesh, so most people replace or cover the wire mesh with plexi glass. The mesh is easily removed and you can attach the plexi to the underside of the existing frame, or just replace the top lid entirely. (don't forget to drill some ventilation holes though). Or you can buy a "Tinkerframe" screen replacement.

[@dylanmccoy3090]

I siliconed all the edges and it made it sturdier and helps so you can put a tad bit more substrate in them especially the terrestrial one

[@paigelavay6486]

Hey Tarantula kat I absolutely love your videos!!!!! They're so educational and fun!!! Were you by any chance in the monnet lowe's when the sirens went off yesterday?!?! I really really really thought I saw you in the brake room were everyone was gathering to get to safety!!!!! If it's too personal you don't have to answer;) but I'd sooo love to know if I saw you!!!!!!! Your one of my favorite KZbinrs!!!!

[@paigelavay6486]

Btw I have no idea were you live.... So if my guess of seeing you is way off then....🤷lol

[@izzyded9207]

Ooo...I'd been wondering about all the different varieties of arboreal tanks. Planning on getting a C. versicolor in the next couple of months and want to setup the tank well before I get it.

[@edgufler1122]

I think all three of them are very nice, but my favorite is the Tarantula Cribs. Enjoyed the video very much it was fun to watch.

[@critterlovermaria506]

I love the Zilla small arboreal and terrestrial enclosures for large slings and small juveniles, but for the money for the large Zilla enclosures I would just spend a little more (or less depending on sales) for the ExoTerra or Tarantula Cribs.

[@darklegend90]

Depending on where you purchase the Zilla ones also effects price, i got my large arboreal for 33$, and i like the added benefit that if its not in use i can dismantle it for easy storage. But it does boil down to preferences of course =)

[@wheezyvettech8781]

For my Zilla arboreal enclosure, I applied silicone along the inside to keep it stable. I love Exo Terra though, especially because of the two openings. Also, glass is easier to clean for messy babies like Avics. Just use a razor blade. Nice video! I always enjoy your content. Thanks for being wonderful 😊

[@crazyTlady]

Yass i love when u compare things love your videos keep it up

[@jennafibich6159]

This literally popped up at the perfect time! I was JUST asking about this!

[@TheCmDragon]

I love Zillas micro habs here in Canada because tarantula cribs doesn't ship here and if it did shipping costs would be hella high. And amac boxes are hella expensive to ship too. 😭 Also the exo terra nanos are more expensive here

[@gbhil-yo]

I tried that Zilla large arboreal enclosure and plan to replace all my Exo terras with them. They're clearer, easier to clean, have a much smaller footprint and there's no way any invert is going to break out unless it fits through the hundred or so small gaps that give it amazing ventilation. Amazon has them for $30 so they're cheaper, too. Also, those aren't rubber bands they're silicone so keep them away from UV light if you have them on a shelf with something that needs it.

[@MYCATMIMI66]

Awesome video！Big fan of your channel.

[@robsrave8156]

Love this video. I had a comparison fight in my head with these choices and ultimately went with the Tarantula Cribs and I’m so glad that I did. The quality and shape of the medium arboreal treehouse I have is so nice, love the ventilation and the fact you can see everything, it makes my spider such a great display animal vs the exoterra shown in the video, that has parts of the enclosure that aren’t clear like the other ones. I also love that Tarantula cribs are pre assembled when they are shipped. The packaging and the way they send it is so professional. I find the idea that Zilla makes you assemble it yourself and the rubber band thing and charges you 40? Good grief! Tarantula Cribs for the win when it comes to spiders. From what I’ve heard the exoterra lid also is prone to having tarantulas getting stuck up there cause it’s partly mesh and that’s lame-o sauce.

[@gregorypetersen1181]

Great channel, still trying to convince my wife to let me get my first tarantula....

[@MrJoJoH95]

Watch some videos with her. Show her that they're not scary at all. I used to be terrified of spiders. Now I have a T. albopilosum, and I have a B. Auratum and a T. vagans being shipped sometime in the next week. My girlfriend wasn't ok with the idea at first but after I got my first one she realized that she forgets it's there unless she sees me working with it. Plus my stepdaughter loves them so I'm guessing she notices the fact that its another thing for us to bond over.

[@michaelsMW2movies]

@@MrJoJoH95 Or simply stop asking for permission and start asking for forgiveness... Worked out great for me! Wife filed for divorce and I now have more space for my Tarantula's. :D

[@blessedx3338]

@@michaelsMW2movies 😂🤣 this one made me giggle a bit.

[@frankieromantv7653]

Love yah you crack me up always make me smile enjoy your channel I also plan on getting a few Tranchulas once I’ve learn how to take care of them these videos are very informative

[@djowen23]

First time watching your video's nice little variety of cages you have ... I just bought the Zilla microhabitat from Goodwill which now that I know how much they're worth did not know they're $40... I bought that that was inside a 20 gallon long aquarium with bunch of accessories that was inside with it for just $20... and I'm probably going to put my Singapore Blue tarantula and it but I have two other small cages I'm going to set up and I can't decide which caged to use good problem to have cuz I'm going to end up buying some more spiderlings... just liked & subscribed & I'll be watching more of your videos since I'm a huge fanatic of all animals especially the odd ones ... keep your good videos coming and I'll continue watching thanks for sharing friend!

[@angela_tarantulas]

I just have Exo Terras and my Ts are loving them, so do I. I like that I can create whatever the animal needs within. Also it keeps moisture pretty good, for the species which love it moist.

[@memorialled_zeppelin-warew1346]

This is one of the reason why ive designed my own enclosures. And with friends build them together. At the monent we only use them ourselves and given away a few to friends in the hobby. We maybe starting to sell them online in the next 6mths. Since weve had alot of people requesting we do. But we will see how it all goes. I love my jumping spiders i now have 4. And we may also have some babies soon... Cross fingers. Thanks for the video. . Chriss 🇬🇧

[@kitsune0rei]

Jumping spiders are like a gateway drug ;)

[@pr0gengoo96]

Thx i was stuck on the front assembly for a sec and now I see what goes where...since I threw the instruction AND the box 🤣

[@beritblackie3168]

Always a pleasure to watch your clips and learn more. 👍😊

[@annesmith708]

Exo Terra with a CM Terrarium lid for arboreals and TarantulaCribs for everything else. I can't say enough good things about TarantulaCribs. They're a fabulous company in product, service, and speed of delivery. And, I found out about them thanks to you!

[@dustiemarks3794]

I have several of the Microhabitats in both sizes my only complaint is they bow over time. Every time I feed I have to flip the door over because it is caving in. Other than that they are pretty nice enclosures

[@kk292_]

I prefer the zilla enclosures but that’s just because they’re cheaper in my area 😂 they’re $36 for the large one and I can usually get a couple more dollars off when I make Petco look at their online store. The tiny exoterras are only available at one reptile shop in my area and they’re $48 for the square nano one. TL;DR it all depends on availability and price and personal preference

[@ronaldmcdonald4839]

Also did anybody notice the mushroom stool thing 👀 I want it

[@jamescummings6455]

Love this video. Very helpful. I prefer tarantula cribs as well.

[@bigblade15]

My friend got me one of these for my birthday it was in the mark-down bin. I've been wanting to get a jumping spider "the only arachnid my landlord will let me have" it's good to know this will work for a jumper. Now I just need to buy one lol

[@jeffreydame8487]

I know it isn't a super popular opinion. I do like the Zilla Enclosures. I think the rubber band thing does seem scary, but I also have dealt with Retail Fixtures in a busy environment that are actually made the same "Puzzle" fit and rubber bands and survived that environment for years. I added more cross ventilation air holes to the side of mine just for the sake of well being. I also like the fact the the Zilla Ones are stackable both in the Arboreal and the terrestrial form and gives a cleaner look for a display area in my living space.

[@katherine1304]

i just got my first arboreal and this is perfect! i’ve been wondering which permanent adult enclosure to get for it when it’s big enough!

[@MOONOVERMIAMI]

hello great video information Kat

[@tarantulakat]

thank you!

[@gadgetjand]

I own this enclosure, so far it’s been great! I have my Avicularia Avicularia in it. It’s only 2 3/4 inches, so it has tons of room to grow and move. I do like the idea of being able to take it apart to store it, if I decide not to use it. I’ve also considered putting more vent holes, only because I have an Avicularia, they seem to like more air. But all in all it’s a good enclosure.

[@tarantulakat]

I will say it probably is easy to clean since you can take it apart too

[@gadgetjand]

@@tarantulakat very true. I would recommend to use a micro fiber cloth though... wouldn’t want to scratch the acrylic. So far the only negative quality I’ve found is sometimes water will leak out the sides (where the walls and base meet) when I water. But it’s not a lot, just a few drops or so, I just put a dish towel under it.

[@debbiemcclure2874]

I believe I would go with the tarantula crib enclosure. I too think they be much sturdier. Tyfs God bless you

[@stitchinstella2425]

I'd prefer the Tarantula cribs if I had to choose one, will def use your code when the time comes!

[@nucchik]

I have the large terrestrial. Top warps. If you slip up and don’t get the lid in all the grooves…you have an escapee!

[@wild2dbone]

Very informative Kat been wanting to try those out from my local Petco

[@venomousvixen7153]

I have 3 Poecilotheria vittata a regalis and a versicolor in the large arboreal zilla enclosures have not had an issue with any of them. The terrestrial on the other hand I bought one for my P. sazimai and that was not a fun time being as bolty as she is, not being able to close the lid fast enough, her running in right up the side and out of the top on the opposite side of the enclosure.

[@growmiezhomiez8760]

Hi I’m new sub! Just ordered my Aphonopelma hentzi(Texas brown) and a Lasiadora parahybana(salmon pink birdeater). I like the look of the tarantula cribs enclosure. The Zilla enclosures seem cool, but I DO NOT like the rubber bands thing... seems like a breaking/failing point to me. Idk if they will last. Hanks for all the great info and the “kat10” code!

[@paigelavay6486]

Aww cool!! I had a texas brown but it died last year from what I'm pretty sure was parasitic infection:(

[@neonlights_12]

As a note to anyone getting the large or small arboreal Zilla habitat, DO NOT ATTACH THE LOCKING HANDLE AFTER ASSEMBLY as shown in Figure 3 at 4:20, I did as shown and the pressure snapped the acrylic panel in half! Make sure you put the handle on BEFORE rubber-banding the top to the rest of the enclosure!

[@wendigos_eat_people7177]

@@Aeternum_Gaming I just bought small one . I had no trouble putting the handle on. Just place your thumbs under the plastic to support it and push down the handle with your other fingers.

[@jessiegardman2984]

The one in the middle with two ways to open the enclosure. It seems to be the most save and very stable.

[@jezzarte3587]

Don't know about the enclosures but I love to watch your fluffy pink spider pillow at the back

[@abbypierce4196]

Off topic but your hair looks really pretty here 💗🥰

[@liquidfluidity8061]

I'm an Exo guy but would love to see some American made Euro style enclosures. Also, How about TRex enclosures? I haven't seen too many of them yet and would love a review

[@craigbaynon8356]

To make the enclosure more sturdy, a possible idea would be to glue it with acrylic glue. Be warned though, it can be messy if applying direct from the tube. Try squeezing into a dish, then apply with a small stick. Such as a cotton bud with the end cut off. Just an idea.. try several methods on cardboard or the like.

[@kitsune0rei]

So... the not micro micro Zilla habitat lol. I don't have any of the Zilla ones. I kinda thought about it, but I'm glad I didn't. I mostly have jumping spiders, and I've heard bad experiences with those (mainly escapes through gaps.) I also feel the upscaled enclosure is really lacking in ventilation. The Exo Terra seems kind of pricey for the size, but it is nice and sturdy. I have a larger size one for my Childrens python and it's been great! I've been doing a lot of DiY for my jumping spider enclosures. If I was getting a premade one, I think I'd still get something like the Big Phat Phids ones instead of the Zilla, they're like the same price. If you have extra money to put in, Feral Creations has really good inserts for the BPPhids ones too.

[@KittyKitKatLove]

I have the zilla arboreal enclosure, it is a lot more fragile, I have a mature male pink toe and its fine for him but because its not as sturdy I wouldn't put my P. Irminia in it because it is a more bolty tarantula. I don't have one but would prefer the tarantula cribs over the zilla enclosures partially because of how sturdy they are and how clear they are like you mentioned and it is possible to stack those if you wanted to though maybe not the arboreal enclosures

[@mrhosk2818]

I bought the Anpress Acrylic Reptile Terrarium on Amazon for 18.68 and is exactly like the smaller arboreal enclosure, my only problem with it is that the opening is at the top but is ok because my Antilles doesn’t web at the top of the enclosure. The assembly is the same and it has larger cross ventilation

[@SenSenChan]

Is it me or did she forget to attach two rubberbands in the back on one corner? Couldnt stop looking at it lol

[@nikkic0509]

I like the front door and the height of it, but rubber bands also dry rot over time. I would almost want to put Gorilla Glue on them.

[@bebop4307]

Do the zilla micro habitats have a bunch of juvenile jumping spider sized gaps in them? I watched another review on the small enclosure and they were very disappointed with all of the holes. Everyone in the comments were saying their spider escaped soon after homing them in the zilla micro habitat.

[@ronaldmcdonald4839]

Me hearing 40 dollars in the intro:GURL- I can crack that with my pinky-

[@juliealexander7948]

I think you missed putting the rubber bands on the left back (back facing you) xD

[@shannon3361]

Do you think the ventilation is enough? The Tcribs has way more ventilation. Do you think the Zilla large has enough? Thanks!

[@richardstewart7263]

So if you have multiple tarantula Cribbs enclosures stacked next to each other on a shelf and the doors slide open, wouldn't that make it difficult during feeding, watering and cleaning. Vs the other types that open outward. I've also noticed that tarantulas that need more moisture. The Zilla dries out to quickly and the moisture warps the plastic. I do like the magnetic locks on the T Cribbs enclosures but I prefer my Dreamco plastics enclosures most, they look pretty much identical to the T Cribbs but door on hinges open outward

[@D4RKSNIFFLES.]

The satisfaction of kat pleeling the thing off🥺😍 soo cool

[@xNatex01]

I also have the zilla microhabitats, I was able to pick up the large arboreal for $25 bucks! I also got the smaller one for $20

[@Anvynn]

Imo the only advantage that zilla enclosure has is that you can disassemble it when not in use. But I think it should be way cheaper as it is a lil ugly! It's just a few pieces of plastic held together with rubber bands 😅 The crib one is my favourite too, because it's just simplistic and the doors don't reach the top. Some species (like jumping spiders) like to make their nests in the top corners so there's no risk of ruining their homes! But I guess that makes it more difficult to clean or just reach inside the enclosure

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

Awesome review and video!! Will this Zilla habitat be suitable for an adult pink toe tarantula?? Thanks.

[@Milkingtarantulas]

Exo Terra is crème de la crème of all enclosures.

[@cassandralucas9255]

I have the large terrestrial one for my Arizona Blonde - been working pretty well! But she does get spooked when I open the lid, so I have the same issue

[@TheBlubunni]

My thoughts with the rubber bands is that they would deteriorate with time thus becoming weak and snapping. 🙂

[@casitube22]

Arent they actually silicone bands? Does silicone dry and rot like rubber bands?

[@TheBlubunni]

@@casitube22 I didn't realise they are silicone. Thank you for responding.

[@casitube22]

@@TheBlubunni Sure. I wasn't 100% certain that they were silicone but from what I could see,it looked like it.

[@coldcountess]

Kat, by watching different keepers, I can appreciate the beauty of Tarantulas, but I'm not keen on having them in my home ! Thank you for helping me work on my fear of spiders.

[@justachillpigeon3269]

Did you buy the Zilla one from a independent store? I got the exact same one from Petco for about 30$ (i think it mightve been 28 actually) but then again they had a thing going on for 30% (i think it was a while ago) off when you did curbside pick up. but yeah if it did cost 40$ alone i wouldnt have bought it all lol. Also its very sturdy if you dont plan on moving the whole enclosure often

[@tarantulakat]

Yeah I did, could be why

[@Colins_Critters72]

Definitely Exo Terra's for me as well. Very sturdy, no scratching. Having said that I like the view ability of tarantula cribs but not available in the UK

[@santoroaquatics5038]

22 comment awesome video today kat you are the best I always enjoy your amazing content 💯💪👍

[@tyeemeraldwilliams3697]

Hi Kat how are the spiders today😊 I love the updates on them

[@FariborzKoh777]

Hi Kat. What’s the size/dimensions of that Tarantula Cribs?

[@frankieromantv7653]

You could always glue together the sides instead of using the rubber bands

[@rosalocalinda]

Great video thanks.

[@arupian666]

Classic Universal Monsters posters, original NES & tarantulas... what a great gal, where can I find me one ???

[@jedin3756]

I have not a tarantula but I think it is interesting to see other persons hobbies. But since I do build plastic-models... Can you not glue the plastic instead of using rubber bands and that way get a very strong enclosing? Let it dry for some days and it can't be dangerous to the animals.

[@nikoplangger]

That pealing of really satisfiaing...

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great video.

[@richardmosebar8395]

I saw you use a soldering iron to make holes in plastic boxes. So I bought one from Amazon and put side holes in all my different sized critter keepers, so I'm going to stick with them.

[@kforknasty]

just bought my first T, a juvy brachy boehmei and since I dont plan on getting many more (as of now) I splurged and bought the large terrestrial zilla micro. I know it doesnt need that much space and would have been plenty comfortable in the smaller one I wanted my lil guy (maybe) to have plenty of space, and also save some money on a rehousing down the line. My question is is it bad to have a T in an enclosure slightly too large? Theres plenty of substrate to prevent a high fall and though he doesnt move around much he does mysteriously flash from one side to the other lol.

[@SusanLBritt]

Would the exxo terra work well for small jumping spiders but not slings ?? Hope that makes sense

[@anjedoll3276]

I haven’t gotten a tarantula cribs arboreal enclosure yet I do have the terrestrial ones, and I do love the tarantula cribs but for my Poeciletheria ornata I got an exo terra mini tall

[@nickvliet4614]

Just from what I've seen the taratula crib one definitely seems to be the best, the rubber bands on the zilla one scare me and exo terra has the mesh, plus I love the white background since most tarantulas are dark colours

[@arachnescorner3113]

Kat I bought 3 for my carabeana versi’s so you think I could hot glue the edges to make it more secure?!?

[@melissadanielle629]

In canada (at least where I live) you can never find any local places with cool T enclosures unless you want to pay at least $50 shipping 🙁 ☹️ great video though! And if you can find one it's over $100 for a tiny enclosure

[@frankieroman5314]

For $40 bucks I think it's a pretty good deal I'm just now considering getting a few Tranchulas Just wanna have everything ready before I decided to get a few of them!

[@11chago11]

Gotta watch those zilla enclosures they tend to warp on the top corners with humidity and or heat

[@tarantulakat]

oh wow

[@fatworthlessangel]

You can get similar ones of the zilla enclosures on Amazon for much cheaper 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@mellsc766]

which one of these would you suggest for a jumping spider?

[@wesleydonikowski3477]

just got an avicularia avicularia. i was too hasty and got an enclosure with mesh only on top. what dimensions is yours in? i need one ASAP!

[@frankieromantv7653]

I was thinking of using sealant to glue acrylic glass together not sure any them bands!

[@springmillexotics7871]

It's say Exo Terra at the moment, but i only have the cube from Tarantula Cribs. While i do like it, they are kind of pricey. Well crafted definitely, but for the $, Exo Terra is my current go to.

[@akatsukimadgirls123]

Hey This is just a thought what about creating one Enclosure but has all 3 of your preferences? This is just an idea outside of the Box

[@rawrimreptar08]

I do wish the Tarantula Cribs had a top opening too

[@kakarikiIck]

Kats comedy DIY!

[@anitalangford6975]

The Exoterra looks the sturdiest.

[@justinthomas2703]

I would like to see your opinion on the terrestrial larger zilla enclosure! I do have my Curly Hair (Hairy Potter) housed in the large zilla enclosure and it's pretty big, I'm pretty sure it's big enough to be his permanent enclosure but i would love to hear your opinion if it is big enough to be a permanent adult enclosure.

[@marissasites7958]

Please updates on the cute baby jumping spiders? Just wanted to thank you so much for your amazing content, i have went from a total arachnophobiac to actually concidering getting a turantuala soon! So thanks again, i just loveee your channel! 🖤🖤🖤

[@georgiacarlson9923]

Id be afraid of a rubber band breaking with a tarantula in the enclosure

[@tylerfenton4983]

Got the lrg zilla arboreal habitat for my new juvenile pink toe I saved from a pet store,had to get her because she had almost no ventilation grrr

[@vincentmurphy8154]

There is a really cute tarantula teddy by Aurora and I wonder if you could do a video about ordering it and giving your thoughts on it?

[@vincentmurphy8154]

Btw where did you get your pink spider pillow?

[@dorabrooks76]

@@vincentmurphy8154 Her friend crochets and sells them through Instagram (user name Squiddiepop). If I remember correctly, she offers a couple different sizes and (imo) fair prices. I want one, too! Lol Cheers!