Example Tank Arrangement

Details of my own tank

Tank Dimensions: 40cm x 20cm x 20cm.

Substrate Preparation, Tank Security, Decorations

I decided to use Seramis Clay Granules because of their beneficial property for absorbing water, thus helping to maintain humidity. When filling the tank with the substrate, I packed down each layer to form a firm fill.

The initial layer (Layer 1) was deposited mainly to protect the tank glass from any damage. Layers 3 & 5 were lightly misted with a fine water spray. Layer 5 has a variable depth, ranging from about 55mm at one end of the tank to 25mm at the opposite end, and also varying in depth from front to back - this provides a more natural surface appearance.

The tank was left to stand for 4 weeks - this was to allow any fungal growths or moulds present in the compost to be detected (fortunately there were none, but several seeds germinated and were removed).

Lid: this is secured with two very strong elastic bands. So far the inhabitants have shown no signs of climbing up the glass walls (which I ensure are kept clean). However, I have noticed that baby scorpions can - and do - climb the soft silicone sealant at the corners!

Hideaways: plentiful - I have used small rocks placed across one another to form several shelters.

Heating: ordinary background room heating, usually maintained at around 18-20 degrees Celsius. In winter I sometimes employ a small heatmat placed underneath the tank at one end.

Location

The tank was placed on top of a layer of polystyrene sheeting to help reduce vibrations transmitted from the floor.

Inhabitants (August 2001)

The tank was used to house a collection of Euscorpius flavicaudis - around 14 specimens.
Details: 3 large males (30-40mm), 5 medium males (20-30mm), 4 small males (10-20mm), 2 medium females. One tiny juvenile (< 10mm long) was isolated in a separate container for its own safety!

Keep a track of My Own Collection.

Note: as of spring 2004 the tank is no longer in use because all of the scorpions have died.