Compost used as substrate?

[HitokiriSessha]

Am recieving my first tarantula tomorrow, but have only been able to directly buy vermiculite at the moment as none of the stores i've visited sell unsterilized peat or potting soil/topsoil.

Would cacti compost, which is a mixture of peat and sand work?

If not, is it acceptable to keep a CurlyHair Tarantula on just vermiculite until I find something more suitable?

Thanks

[spidlet]

Alright Mate and welcome to the hobby

Vermiculite is fine for keeping all your spiders on, I have used it by itself for over 10 years now and would use nothing else. Even for breeding I use it.

It is sterile and an excellent retainer of water, so I believe that there is nothing better.

I know this is a very controversal subject and people have their own opinions
but use vermiculite with no worries at all, you will never lose a spider because of it.

Good luck

[Lee Jenks]

You can always treat peat yourself. Stick it in the oven on a high heat for about 20 mins. The steam thats generated should kill off any nasties lurking in there. Also this is handy for lowering the moisture content of the substarte which some tarantulas may need. Its always easier to add water than it is to take away. Personally I mix vermiculite with dried peat. Though I am trying some species with just vermiculite.

[Ray Hale]

I agree with Lee but prefer to microwave the mixture rather than oven bake it. ( I think Angela may have a problem with me using her oven )