| Desert terrarium | |
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Jake the snake Pandinus
Number of posts : 8 Age : 35 Location : UK - Swindon Registration date : 2010-11-06
| Subject: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 8:05 am | |
| 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 | |
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Kristopher Centruroides
Number of posts : 186 Age : 48 Location : Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Registration date : 2010-10-29
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 8:28 am | |
| 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! | |
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Jake the snake Pandinus
Number of posts : 8 Age : 35 Location : UK - Swindon Registration date : 2010-11-06
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 8:44 am | |
| 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? | |
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JMason19 Hadogenes
Number of posts : 65 Age : 31 Location : Southwest Michigan Registration date : 2009-06-03
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 11:28 am | |
| 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. | |
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Jake the snake Pandinus
Number of posts : 8 Age : 35 Location : UK - Swindon Registration date : 2010-11-06
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 12:19 pm | |
| 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 | |
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iitomodachi1 Tityus
Number of posts : 881 Age : 48 Location : Wisconsin, United States Registration date : 2010-08-01
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 3:19 pm | |
| 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.
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JMason19 Hadogenes
Number of posts : 65 Age : 31 Location : Southwest Michigan Registration date : 2009-06-03
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 8:10 pm | |
| 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. | |
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iitomodachi1 Tityus
Number of posts : 881 Age : 48 Location : Wisconsin, United States Registration date : 2010-08-01
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 8:45 pm | |
| 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. | |
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JMason19 Hadogenes
Number of posts : 65 Age : 31 Location : Southwest Michigan Registration date : 2009-06-03
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 9:28 pm | |
| 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. | |
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iitomodachi1 Tityus
Number of posts : 881 Age : 48 Location : Wisconsin, United States Registration date : 2010-08-01
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/6/2010, 11:28 pm | |
| 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. | |
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TELOW Centruroides
Number of posts : 205 Age : 42 Location : USA Registration date : 2008-12-17
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/7/2010, 3:30 pm | |
| playsand works well and its cheap you just have to wet it pack it and dry it out but it does work | |
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Jake the snake Pandinus
Number of posts : 8 Age : 35 Location : UK - Swindon Registration date : 2010-11-06
| Subject: Re: Desert terrarium 11/9/2010, 5:08 am | |
| Just bought playsand from Argos, £2.99 for a 15kg bag
Nice | |
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