The next thing you will have to purchase is something to house your new pet in. Glass aquarium tanks work fine but they are heavy and may be more difficult to work with once you add the substrate. Another suggestion is plastic tanks, usually called "Critter Keepers" (or something similar). These are relatively inexpensive, have secure snap-on lids and they have plenty of ventilation holes. They are also lightweight so if you have to move them around it will be alot easier than if you had a glass tank.

Critter Keepers like this are great because they emphasize floorspace and not height. Thatway if your tarantula decides to climb and falls, it won't be as bad as it would if the sides were taller. The secure lids will prevent escapes and these containers are stackable which is great for people with limited space.

Critter Keepers, though awesome for juvenile to adult tarantulas, are not recommended for spiderlings. Many spiderlings are small enough to escape through the airholes. Choose a Critter Keeper whose size is about 3 times larger than the tarantula in floor space. Next you have to choose a substrate, or bedding, for the bottom of the tank. Aquarium gravel is not recommended for many reasons. First and foremost, if your spider climbs to the top of the tank and falls the gravel will not be a good cushion to fall onto and the spider may risk hurting itself. Also, gravel is very heavy and will weigh down the tank substantially. Gravel will also scratch the sides of the plastic tank. Peat moss is the most widely recommended type of bedding. It is a clean, soft substrate that helps provide humidity and gives your spider a place to burrow, if it so inclines. Peat moss can be bought at any garden shop or places like Wal-Mart and Home Depot. Most places carry different size bales and you'd be surprised at how far even the smallest bale will go. Fill the Critter Keeper anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 with the peat moss. Keep in mind that peat moss is dusty so when you pour it in it may be a bit messy and you will have to wipe down the sides of the Critter Keeper. Pack it down with your hand. Then you will need a water dish (either a commercially bought dish or a bottle cap with no sharp edges - the caps that come on jars of spices are perfect). After that all you need to add is some kind of shelter and you are done. Shelters will provide the tarantula with a place to go where it feels safe. Eventually the spider will probably do some remodelling of the tank...things like webbing and digging are common. This activity is normal and when a spider does this, it means that it is comfortable in its new environment.

Water dishes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, depending on what you want your tank to look like. If you are going for a naturalistic feel the dish on the right is perfect. Regardless of what books in the past have said DO NOT put cotton fiber or sponge into the water dishes - these are a breeding ground for disease and mold that may kill your tarantula. Fresh water at all times is important.

There are a variety of hides available that will work fine. The addition of fake plants will add to the pleasing look of your vivarium. When buying plants always buy silk (or cloth) plants...some plastic plants have sharp edges and may hurt the spider if it were to fall onto it.