Jumping Spider Enclosure Setup Guide
- Ajinkya Chopade
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
A good jumping spider enclosure is the most important part of keeping your spider happy and healthy. These tiny spiders are active, curious, and intelligent, so the space you create for them plays a big role in their overall well-being. Many new keepers think any small box or jar is enough, but giving the right type of enclosure makes a huge difference. A proper setup keeps your spider safe, stress-free, and active. In this guide, we will learn how to choose the right enclosure, set it up correctly, and maintain it so your jumping spider can thrive in captivity.
1. Choosing the Right Enclosure
The first step in creating a perfect jumping spider enclosure is choosing a suitable container. The enclosure does not need to be large, but it must match the spider’s natural behavior. Jumping spiders like to stay up high and enjoy having tall spaces to climb.
When selecting the enclosure, also consider ease of cleaning, sturdiness, and how well you can see inside. Good visibility helps you observe your spider without disturbing it.
Size and Shape
Size and shape matter because jumping spiders do not need huge tanks, but they do need room to move. A vertical enclosure is always better than a horizontal one because these spiders naturally climb and explore tall spaces. A taller shape also helps create layers where you can place branches, leaves, and a hide.
For adult jumping spiders:
Height: 15–20 cm (6–8 inches)
Width: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
Depth: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
For juveniles:
Height: 10–12 cm (4–5 inches)
Width: 7–10 cm (3–4 inches)
Depth: 7–10 cm (3–4 inches)
For spiderlings:
Height: 5–8 cm (2–3 inches)
Width: 3–5 cm (1.5–2 inches)
Depth: 3–5 cm (1.5–2 inches)
Important: Jumpers prefer vertical space more than horizontal space because they naturally rest and hunt from higher areas.
A very large enclosure can confuse small spiders, especially slings, and make it difficult for them to find food. A very small enclosure, on the other hand, may cause stress and restrict their natural movement. A balanced size is ideal.
Glass vs Acrylic
Most keepers choose between glass and acrylic enclosures. Both options are good, but each has advantages.
Glass is strong, scratch-resistant, and clear. It stays clean longer, but it is heavier and can break if dropped. Acrylic is lightweight, easy to drill for ventilation holes, and often clearer than glass. However, it can scratch more easily and may bend over time if it is very thin.
For most hobbyists, acrylic enclosures are perfect because they are easy to customize and safe for small spiders. They are also easier to lift and move during cleaning.
When using either material, make sure the enclosure closes securely. Jumping spiders are escape experts, so a tight-fitting lid is very important.
2. Ventilation Design
Proper ventilation is one of the most important parts of a jumping spider enclosure. These spiders need fresh air at all times because still, trapped air can become humid and unhealthy. Good airflow stops mold, reduces bad smells, and keeps the spider’s environment clean.
Cross-Ventilation
The best method for airflow is cross-ventilation. This means ventilation holes should be placed on two opposite sides of the enclosure. When fresh air comes in from one side and exits through the other, air continues to move naturally.
This prevents humidity from building up and keeps the enclosure dry enough for the spider’s comfort. Jumping spiders do not need very humid environments, so cross-ventilation helps maintain the perfect balance.
If you cannot drill holes, choose an enclosure that already has mesh panels or built-in airflow channels.
Avoiding Mold and Stagnation
Poor ventilation leads to slower growth, causing the air inside to become lifeless and damp. This encourages mold growth, attracts mites, and increases the risk of respiratory stress for the spider. Mold can grow on leaves, substrate, or wooden decor, so airflow is essential.
To avoid slower growth:
Keep humidity moderate.
Do not over-mist the enclosure.
Remove uneaten prey quickly.
Use a dry, clean substrate.
Good ventilation allows moisture to escape, keeping the enclosure fresh and odor-free.
3. Interior Setup
After selecting the right enclosure, the next step is designing the interior. The inside of a jumping spider enclosure should match the spider’s natural lifestyle. It should be safe, simple, and comfortable.
A well-designed interior includes substrate, plants, climbing materials, and hiding spaces. Each one plays a different role in creating a good home for the spider.
Substrate
Jumping spiders do not burrow, so they need only a small amount of substrate. The substrate helps absorb small amounts of moisture, keeps the enclosure stable, and makes cleaning easier.
The best choices are:
Coco fiber (clean and natural).
Paper towel (easy to replace).
Dry soil mix.
Use a thin layer—just enough to cover the bottom. A deep layer is unnecessary because jumping spiders stay above ground most of the time.
Plants
Plants make the enclosure look natural and give the spider places to explore. You can use fake plants or real plants, but most keepers use fake plants because they are easy to maintain and do not attract insects.
Plants give the spider good anchor points for web hammocks and help them feel safe. Place plants around the upper half of the enclosure to support natural climbing behavior.
Climbing Structures
Jumping spiders love climbing. Adding branches, bark, sticks, and natural pieces gives them the ability to jump, rest, and explore. Climbing structures also increase the usable space inside the enclosure without needing a larger tank.
Choose materials like:
Cork bark.
Thin branches.
Dry twigs.
Smooth pieces of wood.
Make sure everything is clean and safe. Do not use sharp or dirty items. Place the climbing pieces in a way that allows easy movement and stable resting areas.
Hide Options
Even though jumping spiders are bold and curious, they still need a place to rest and feel secure. A hide gives them comfort and reduces stress.
Good hide options include:
Leaf clusters.
Small domes.
Plant pockets.
Overlapping branches.
Spiders usually build a hammock web inside their hide or near the top of the enclosure. A proper retreat helps them molt safely and rest during the night.
4. Temperature & Humidity
Most jumping spiders thrive at temperatures between 22°C and 28°C. They can survive lower or higher temperatures for short periods, but extreme changes can cause stress.
Humidity should be kept low to moderate, usually around 40% to 60%. These spiders do not need high humidity because they come from warm, dry regions. Too much moisture can cause mold or attract mites.
You can mist one corner lightly once or twice a week, but never make the entire enclosure wet.
Tools (Hygrometer/Thermometer)
To monitor conditions, it is helpful to use a small thermometer and a hygrometer. These tools show the real-time temperature and humidity inside the enclosure.
Choose small digital tools so they fit easily inside or stick to the outer wall. Monitoring helps you catch problems early, such as overheating or moisture buildup.
Why Jumping Spiders Need Bright Light?
Jumping spiders use their eyes more than any other type of spider. They rely on light to move, jump, focus on prey, and recognize objects. Without good lighting, they may become inactive or stressed.
Natural sunlight in the room is usually enough, as long as the enclosure does not get direct heat, which can be dangerous. If the room is dim, you can use an LED light placed safely above the enclosure. Avoid heat lamps because they can overheat the spider.
A regular 12-hour light cycle works well.
5. Cleaning & Maintenance
Keeping the enclosure clean is essential for your spider’s health. Good maintenance prevents mold, mites, and bad smells. It also keeps the spider comfortable and reduces stress.
Cleaning should be done gently so you do not disturb the spider too often.
Spot cleaning means removing small bits of waste or uneaten prey. Do this regularly. Jumping spiders do not make messy webs, so spot cleaning is easy.
Remove leftover insects within a day. Clean water droplets or dirt when needed. Keeping the enclosure tidy stops bacteria from growing.
Deep cleaning should be done once every few weeks or whenever the enclosure looks dirty. During deep cleaning, move the spider to a safe temporary container.
Replace substrate.
Wash the enclosure with mild warm water.
Dry everything completely.
Clean plants and climbing structures.
Avoid using chemicals, soaps, or strong cleaners because they can harm the spider. After cleaning, place the spider back in the enclosure gently.
A well-planned jumping spider enclosure helps your spider stay happy, healthy, and active. When you choose the right size, design good ventilation, add safe decor, maintain proper temperature, and provide bright light, you create a space where your spider can truly thrive.
Jumping spiders are small, but they are full of personality. A thoughtful enclosure setup supports their natural behavior, reduces stress, and allows you to enjoy watching them explore, hunt, and jump. With the right care and simple maintenance, your jumping spider will live a long and healthy life in captivity.
FAQs: Jumping Spider Enclosure Setup
1. What size enclosure is best for a jumping spider?
A small but tall enclosure works best. Most adult jumping spiders do well in an enclosure around 4×4×6 inches or 6×6×10 inches. Vertical space is important because they love climbing and staying higher up. A very large enclosure can confuse them, while a very tiny one can stress them.
2. Do jumping spiders need ventilation?
Yes, they need good cross-ventilation. Fresh air helps prevent mold, mites, and damp air inside the enclosure. Vent holes on two opposite sides are ideal. Poor airflow can lead to health issues and a dirty, humid environment.
3. What should I put inside the enclosure?
Keep the setup simple. Use a thin layer of dry substrate, some fake plants, small branches, and a hide where the spider can rest or molt. These items make climbing easier and give the spider places to explore and build hammocks.
4. What temperature and humidity do jumping spiders need?
Room temperature between 22°C and 28°C is comfortable for most species. Humidity can stay around 40%–60%. They do not need high humidity. Too much moisture can cause mold, so keep the enclosure dry and only mist lightly.
5. Do jumping spiders need special lighting?
They do not need heat lamps, but they need bright light because they are daytime hunters with strong vision. Normal room light or a soft LED above the enclosure is enough. Just avoid direct sunlight since it can overheat the enclosure quickly.
6. How often should I clean the enclosure?
Do small cleaning often by removing uneaten insects and any waste you see. A deep clean every few weeks keeps the enclosure safe. Replace the substrate, wash decor with plain water, and make sure everything is completely dry before setting it back up.
At Promeal, we know how important it is to give your pets a healthy and varied diet. That’s why we create high-quality, natural pet food to keep them happy and healthy.
Our speciality is premium live and dried insect-based feeds like mealworms, superworms, crickets, roaches, waxworms, and hornworms. These insects are grown on an organic diet, making them a nutritious and tasty treat for your pets.
Check out our "Shop" section to find the perfect food for your pets!
Comments