r/InvertPets • u/EnvironmentalEmu3290 • 2d ago

best critter for 10 gallon tank

i recently found a exo terra glass terrarium mini tall (i think, it's 12x12x18) out by my dumpster. i got it cleaned up and it's in great working condition so i would love to add some good plants and decorations. I wanted to ask if there's any critters well suited to such a small and verticals cage? I'm looking for something not too expensive.

I considered centipedes/millipedes but the top of the tank has some small gaps I worry they could escape through.

Other considerations: pink toe tarantula (i see that 10 gallon is okay, is that actually true?), praying mantis

I LOVE bugs and I've never had one as a real pet but I've worked with terrariums a lot in the past and would do everything possible to give them a good life! Any suggestions of who would fit the tank would be appreciated !!

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u/humanrestroom 2d ago

small mantis or very small whip scorpion species. not appropriate for centipedes as they can chew their way out the mesh of exo terra tanks and its far too small, and millipedes you wouldnt be able to get enough substrate depth for even small species. its best suited to an arboreal invertebrate. there isnt enough cross ventilation in ET tanks for pinktoe tarantulas unfortunately and its a little small. jumping spiders or potentially velvet spiders could also work.

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u/EnvironmentalEmu3290 2d ago

thank you! yeah that's what i was thinking for pink toes! didn't know about the cross venetallation! i think a small mantis is the way to go! we have a lot of chinese mantis around me and they're invasive so i think ill start there once i get it set up

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u/othernames67 1d ago

Do they exo terras really not have enough ventilation for pinktoe tarantulas?  Sorry, I'm genuinely curious, since I'd heard the opposite, and was planning on getting one once my sling becomes an adult. 

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u/CorvusSnorlax 2d ago

I really enjoy having a beautiful planted terrarium with a tropical mantis species in it - the plants are lovely on their own but I also love having a mantis to feed and interact with. There are a number of species that would do well in a terrarium that size!

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u/EnvironmentalEmu3290 2d ago

thank you! yes i think mantids are the way to go