How to Set Up Your Spider Enclosure When Your Bundle Arrives

Your new spider enclosure bundle has arrived! Now it’s time to turn all those accessories into a fun, functional home for your jumping spider.

Whether you’ve chosen a decorated enclosure, an accessory pack or a bioactive setup, getting everything arranged correctly is an important part of creating a safe and stimulating environment for your spider.

Our bundles can include a variety of accessories, from magnetic hides and climbing shelves to ropes, moss, substrate and plants. The exact contents will depend on the bundle you’ve chosen, but the basic setup process is similar.

Follow our step-by-step guide to get your enclosure ready for its new resident.

Step 1: Unpack and check your accessories

Carefully unpack your bundle and lay all the accessories out so you can see what you have.

Depending on your chosen bundle, you may receive:

- Magnetic hides and decorative accessories

- Climbing shelves and platforms

- Ropes and climbing features

- Moss and substrate

- Artificial or live plants

- Other decorative features

Check each item for any damage sustained during delivery. If your bundle includes loose moss, substrate or plants, keep these separate while you plan your layout.

Top tip: Before attaching anything, take a moment to visualise where each accessory will go. It’s much easier to plan your layout before everything is in place!

Step 2: Prepare your enclosure

Before adding your decorations, make sure your enclosure is clean, dry and ready to use.

If you have purchased a new enclosure, check that all ventilation openings are clear and that the doors or access panels work correctly.

If your bundle includes substrate, add it to the bottom of the enclosure as directed for your particular setup. Keep the substrate layer suitable for your species and enclosure design, and avoid blocking ventilation or access points.

For bioactive bundles, follow any specific substrate and planting instructions supplied with your kit.

Step 3: Position your magnetic accessories

Many of our accessories come with magnets, making it easy to arrange hides, shelves and decorative features inside your enclosure.

Position each accessory where you would like it to sit, then carefully bring the corresponding magnetic pieces together through the enclosure wall.

Move the magnets into position gradually, keeping your fingers clear of the contact point to avoid trapping them. Make sure the accessory is sitting flat and securely against the enclosure wall.

Important: Check that each magnetic accessory is properly secured before leaving it in place. Avoid positioning heavy decorations where they could fall onto your spider, and make sure the magnets cannot detach or expose your spider to loose parts.

If an accessory does not sit securely, reposition it rather than forcing it into place.

Step 4: Add hides, shelves and climbing features

Jumping spiders benefit from an enclosure that provides places to explore, climb and rest.

Arrange your hides, shelves and ropes to create a variety of useful spaces without overcrowding the enclosure.

Consider the following when planning your layout:

- Hides: Position suitable hiding places where your spider can retreat and build its silk retreat.

- Shelves and platforms: Create useful resting and observation points at different heights.

- Ropes: Use climbing features to provide routes between different parts of the enclosure.

- Open space: Leave enough room for your spider to move around, hunt and navigate comfortably.

Think about how your spider will travel around its new home. Accessories should complement one another rather than leave isolated platforms or awkward gaps.

Avoid placing hard or heavy decorations where a spider could take a long fall onto them. Keep the enclosure suitable for your particular species and life stage.

Step 5: Add moss and decorative details

If your bundle includes moss, use it to add texture and natural-looking details to your setup.

Small amounts can be positioned around suitable decorative features or used to enhance the appearance of the enclosure. Avoid packing moss tightly into ventilation openings or placing it where it could interfere with doors and access points.

Only use moss and other materials supplied for, or confirmed safe for, your spider's enclosure. Avoid introducing outdoor materials that may contain pesticides, parasites or other contaminants.

Take a step back and check the overall arrangement. Your decorations should look great while still leaving your spider plenty of usable space.

Step 6: Setting up a bioactive bundle

If you've chosen one of our bioactive bundles, your setup may also include substrate and plants.

Bioactive enclosures need a little extra attention to make sure the environment is suitable for both the spider and the living components.

Add the appropriate substrate. Follow the instructions provided with your bundle and make sure the substrate is suitable for your spider species.

Position your plants. Arrange plants so they provide cover and visual interest without blocking ventilation or access.

Secure your decorations. Make sure hides, shelves and other accessories remain stable once the substrate and plants are in place.

Check moisture levels. Follow the care requirements for your spider and the specific plants in your enclosure. Avoid assuming that a bioactive setup should remain constantly wet.

Inspect the finished setup. Check that nothing can fall, that your spider can move freely and that ventilation remains unobstructed.

Remember that a bioactive enclosure is not automatically self-maintaining. Plants and substrate still need appropriate care, and the enclosure must be monitored to ensure conditions remain suitable for your spider.

Step 7: Give everything a final safety check

Before introducing your jumping spider, take a few minutes to inspect the finished enclosure.

Check that:

- All magnetic accessories are securely attached.

- Hides, shelves and ropes cannot easily fall or shift.

- No sharp edges, loose components or exposed magnets pose a risk.

- Ventilation openings are clear.

- Doors and access panels open and close properly.

- Your spider has suitable hiding places and room to move.

- The temperature, humidity and overall environment are appropriate for your species.

If your enclosure contains live plants or other bioactive components, make sure they are established appropriately and that the setup is ready for its intended inhabitant.

Step 8: Introduce your spider

Once everything is secure and the enclosure is ready, you can introduce your spider according to the guidance for your species and age.

Give your new arrival time to explore and settle in. Every spider is different, so don't worry if yours immediately disappears into a hide or spends some time investigating its new surroundings.

Avoid repeatedly rearranging the enclosure once your spider has settled, particularly if it is building a silk retreat or preparing to moult.

Observe how your spider uses the space. You can make small adjustments later if necessary, provided you do so safely and minimise disturbance.

Your spider's new home is ready!

Setting up your spider enclosure is all about finding the right balance between creativity, functionality and safety.

With magnetic accessories, climbing features, hides and decorative details, you can create a unique environment that looks fantastic while giving your jumping spider plenty of opportunities to explore.

Whether you've chosen a simple accessory bundle or a fully planted bioactive setup, take your time, secure everything properly and enjoy building your spider's new home.

Ready to create your own setup? Explore our jumping spider enclosures and accessory bundles to find the perfect combination for your next enclosure.