Answer
Choose the opening that lets you service the enclosure without destroying the spider's retreat or putting your hand into its normal bolt path.
Front opening
Front doors are useful for arboreals because the roof can remain webbed and the water dish can be serviced low down. The door must close securely and should not cut through the main retreat.
Top opening
Top access is simple for many terrestrial tubs, provided fall height is low and the spider is not forced directly under your hand every time the lid opens.
Fossorial species
With deep substrate, plan the door above the substrate line and away from the burrow mouth. A fast fossorial should not have a straight open route out of the enclosure during routine watering.
Before buying
- Where will the retreat be?
- Can the water dish be reached safely?
- Will webbing block the door?
- Does opening create an escape route?
- Can it be closed quickly with one hand?