Lids, doors and gaps
Make sure Aphonopelma moderatum cannot lift a lid, push through a loose door or use a gap that was designed for a larger animal. Recheck security after every rehouse.
Small Rio Grande Gold Tarantulas can exploit openings an adult could never use. If the carapace could fit through a gap, treat it as a possible escape route.
Ventilation openings
Ventilation for Aphonopelma moderatum should provide airflow without creating escape-sized holes or sharp edges. Mesh, drilled plastic and vents all need to remain firmly fixed.
Security and ventilation should work together in a Rio Grande Gold Tarantula enclosure; neither should be sacrificed to make the other easier.
Door position and routine access
Place the water dish and normal feeding area where the Aphonopelma moderatum enclosure does not need to be opened farther than necessary.
Before opening a Rio Grande Gold Tarantula enclosure, locate the spider first. A spider behind cork, webbing or a burrow entrance can be much closer to the opening than it appears.
Stable decor
Keep heavy cork, rocks and other decor secure in the Aphonopelma moderatum enclosure so digging cannot undermine them.
With Rio Grande Gold Tarantulas, normal burrowing or webbing should not be able to turn a secure enclosure into an unstable one.
Final check after maintenance
After feeding, watering or cleaning Aphonopelma moderatum, confirm that every latch, lid and ventilation panel is fully closed before leaving the enclosure.
Make one final check around the Rio Grande Gold Tarantula enclosure for trapped substrate, tools or cables that could stop a door or lid sealing properly.