Desert terrarium

Hi folks,

I'm new to keeping scorpions (getting my 1st one soon) and was wondering if anyone had any tips on setting up a desert terrarium for a Hadrurus arizonensis. Specifically how I can best go about building a burrow so that it won't collapse. I want to build it at the edge of the tank i have got for viewing.

I am planning to use a clay/sand mix for the substrate but is it perhaps worth using a ready made hide under the substrate just to avoid collapses?

The other thought I had was to layer the substrate as I do it so do a couple of inches, then build a trench in and use some wood or slate or something to make a roof for the burrow and then continue the substrate over the top leaving an entrance tunnel?

I will be starting setting it up next week so any help would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Jake

Hi Jake.

In my experiences with H. Arizonensis, they are quite content to make their own burrows, but if you want yours to have a viewing burrow, then you're more or less on the right track in your thinking already.

Before building your set up, I would recommend experimenting with your clay/sand ratios until you find the right consistancy. My most successful attempts were about 70% to 80% sand/20% to 30% clay. Of course this all depends on the type and quality sand/clay you're using. If you mix it properly, there really isn't any need for a ready made hide or roof structure.

Lay it down wet, in layers like you said. You just have to think 3 dimensionally as you're doing it, scooping out the shape of the burrow in each successive layer. H. arizonensis tend to burrow deeply so you're going to want to have a minimum of 5 inches or so of substrate.

Allow it to dry out completely before introducing your scorp and it would be a good idea to make the burrow entrance underneath a rock or piece of dry bark.

Hope this was helpful. Good luck!

That's really helpfull thanks.

I'll probably build a viewing burrow and if the little fella digs his own one I'll just have to hope he uses mine sometimes.

Am I right in thinking that the sand/clay mix will go to the consistency of sandstone?

The 80% sand and 20% clay mixture worked out very well for me. I also wet mine, patted it down, and let it dry under a heat lamp for a couple weeks. I felt the same way as you about the burrow/hide. I wanted mine to burrow against the glass as well. All I did was make a small indent in the substrate along the glass before it dried and the next morning after I introduced him to the enclosure, there was a burrow the length of the tank all the way down to the bottom right up against the glass. Since then every burrow mine has made has been against the glass.

I'll give it a go and see what happens

20/80 is what a lot of people seem to say, i'll try first and see how it goes

Any other good ideas for a desert set up? I want it to be a really good display tank

I'm not experienced with this species but from what I have read in numerous resources is what JMason19 said. Wet the substrate down when you are putting it in and allow to dry a bit before adding your scorps this should help allow them to build a solid burrow.

How is excavating sand for these guys to burrow in? I have read that is good but have only used it for my set ups I have awaiting my P. Trans which are not known burrowers.

Opps my mistake. I dont use the excavator clay. I use the excavator sand, about a 80/20 mix. Thank you iitomodach1, I never wouldve noticed my mistake lol. So yes, the excavator sand works very well in my experience.

No problem So what percentage is the excavator sand? And the other percentage is normal sand? I used 100% excavator sand for the P. Trans enclosures I have set up but as I said earlier I'm still waiting on them to show up.

I used about 20% excavator sand and 80% sand. I wouldve used just 100% excavator but it was like 20$ for 10lbs when I could just get a 50lb bag of sand at Lowes for like 40$. But yeah 80/20 sand/excavator is working just fine for me.

Awesome, thanks for the clarification. Yeah that stuff was expensive! I'm thinking your sand may have been a little high too. If you have a home depot (which I normally hate) near you, go look at playground sand. I'm thinking it is a lot cheaper. I use playground sand and coco fiber for my Hottentotta's and H. Spinigerus enclosures. It may at least be worth a price comparison.

playsand works well and its cheap you just have to wet it pack it and dry it out
but it does work

Just bought playsand from Argos, £2.99 for a 15kg bag

Nice