So i've been wondering if anyone has taken a look at the effect of glass vs press wood lids for tarantula enclosures.

I recently bought a new small tank for my Avic and got a press wood lip for the top (where the air holes are) and was wondering what type of effect it has on a tarantula.

Wood to me when wet tends to smell somewhat or at least have a different smell, obviously not very effective on humans and with it being so small we wouldn't pick up on it however, if there is a slight smell from the water on the lid and it begins to change the air smell inside the enclosure even without us smelling on noticing it because its so small, would that not effect the tarantula given its small size and with it being inside the enclosure constantly.

Any thoughts?

As long as the wood is non toxic, it shouldn't be a problem.
I have wooden lids (Just normal chip board) on some of my enclosures and have bred some pokies in them (Which require super high humidity) with very little ventilation (One plastic vent in the centre of the lid).
I have had the spiders in these for 3+ years already and no problems that I have seen.

I hate the wooden lids. They smell (like you said) and they don't retain moisture as well as the glass lids. BUT the glass lids tend to chip and break.

I'd rather move to a perspex type of enclosure when your T's get bigger - some of the members on the forum make quite cool enclosures with perspex, with the right ventilation, etc. Just ask around!

Just a thought (for other cheapskates like me that like to spend more on tarantulas and less on enclosures). Go to Westpack in Beyers Naude (there is one in Alberton too). They have lots of plastic containers, different sizes, shapes, etc). We bought 4 "arboreal enclosures" (actually cylindric Pasta containers, lol) for R25 each. They already have ventilation on top, but you can add extra ventilation holes on the side if you have the right tools. We are buying a lot of our enclosures there. Not as pretty as the glass ones, but much more effective (you can control the ventilation better!) - and no funny smells or chipping!

EDIT: Just to add: I have no idea what the effect of wooden lids are on T's - I just don't like'em

I think both types of lids has there own Pro's and con's.
Hardy, long lasting, durability, strength, cost wise, easy to make the list goes.
As for it affecting Tarantulas in a negative way who really knows?
I don't think it does or would, it is the same as me sticking a piece of drift wood, a stick, bark, stones or anything out of the garden or from the pet shop, it will have a smell to it, the same as a spider living in a tree trunk or in a burrow in a moist location the forest floor.

But if your lids are sealed properly then you won't have a smell coming off of them.


I have been using wooden lids for the past 5 years and have not had any issues.
As long as you seal the lid from moisture.

I make my own lids, I have bench saw, a router and a hole saw. And vents cost R1.50 to R5.00 depending where I buy them. and a packet of 50 screws cost R18.90.
Know it is even easier to make lids know, you can go to timber city buy a sheet of wood give them the sizes you wont cut and they cut and they will even route the lip for you.
You just drill vent holes and stick laminate down.
Then you go for Super wood which is even stronger than than pressed board and can handle a bit more moisture!

The only Issue I have with glass is the fact that it can break and crack with out warning.
I have this fear of a piece of glass cracking and falling on top of my spider.
Ok, there is way to prevent that from happening, Disifix

Glass is cheaper than wood but to make the holes in the glass becomes a bit tricky. or you can get the glass shop to cut the holes for you.
The vents you can buy at builders that clip into the hole and your ready to go.