Bee_C wrote: Thanks! And then, do i keep it moist for Curly Sue? Or leave it - let it dry out? Im asking because the videos I've seen, the subtrate looks very dry and loose...

The Curly is native the Honduras, Nicaragua and the northern parts of Costa Rica. I've never been to these places but my gut tells me these are fairly tropical areas. Semi moist substrate (again, it must not drip water when squeezed) should do.
Also, the albopilosum is a very hardy specie so dont fret too much

As far as what Reptile City says... Peat is perfectly fine, potting soil is not really recommended. if you want to be safe, throw the peat into the microwave for a few seconds to sterilize it. if you are using a peat brick, the boiling water will also do some sterilizing.

You'll have plenty knowledge in no time! you're asking good questions BEFORE you even have the T which is really admirable. Curly-Sue is in good hands

Aaah you guys rock \m/-_-\m/

Knowledge is power indeed! I have a very big heart for any creature, I'd be devastated if she werent comfortable and became ill or stressed or even worse died!

Ok, so sterilized, moist peat it is then.

How often would I need to change her subtrate? I mean, before it becomes icky or infected? No one likes a smelly, dirty loo

PS: If i dont hear from you guys before Sunday, have an awesome Christmas! Ima get my housing sorted today

When your moist substrate is drying up, you only need to keep about a third of it moist from then on. That works for most species when they are still small.

Like this you'll just need to take out any food waste and just rehouse when your sling is outgrowing the little tub. You shouldn't have problems with mould and mites if you don't keep the substrate too moist. No sterilization needed, either

Bee C,
I am situated around Durban.
Otherwise I can post it no problem.

BC, pm me your details and pay the R60 postage and I'll send you a B.boehmei sling for free. It is Christmas after all.

Sorry to be a stick in the mud but why not go for something a little different as a start T? Curlys are nice and all but a bit drab (Still awesome though) and Chilean Roses are also a bit meh, apart from the Red form which I still want so bad but can't find Otherwise you could also go for something like a Acanthoscurria geniculata (Giant White Knee), they can be quite agro when large but by the time it get's big youll already have dozens more.

Nearly all of the Brachypelma species are great for beginners and look much nicer that curlies, like the Mexican Red Knee or Fireleg. But I think if you're a little brave or adventorous, then why not go for a Hysterocrates gigas (Cameroon Red Baboon) or a Poecilotheria regalis (Indian Ornamental) The ornamentals make awesome display tarantulas, are generally docile enough, just damn fast. Ceratogyrus's first T was a baboon and he's been keeping tarantulas for longer than any of us so why can't baboons or ornamentals be considered beginners T's.

Most seem Biased towards Curlies, Mexican Red Rumps and Chilean Roses as beginner
but I think if you do all the proper research you could keep any T as your first T (Apart from T. blondi perhaps)