Complete Scorpion Setup Checklist

Complete Scorpion Setup Checklist

Use this checklist to build and test the complete enclosure before your scorpion arrives. You won't need every item below — heating, misting, substrate, and some monitoring equipment depend on the species you choose.

For species-specific care, see the Scorpion Care Guide and individual species guides. For help choosing a species, see Which Scorpion Is Right for You?

The Checklist

  • ☐ Enclosure
  • ☐ Substrate (type depends on species — see below)
  • ☐ Thermostat (if supplemental heating is required)
  • ☐ Heat source (if supplemental heating is required)
  • ☐ Thermometer
  • ☐ Hygrometer
  • ☐ Water dish
  • ☐ Hide(s)
  • ☐ Feeding tongs
  • ☐ Feeder insects
  • ☐ Spray bottle (tropical species only)

Enclosure

  • Secure terrestrial enclosure with tight-fitting lid — scorpions can exploit gaps, silicone seams, and furnishings to escape
  • Floor space prioritized over height — scorpions are terrestrial burrowers, not climbers
  • Front-opening preferred for tropical species; well-ventilated enclosure for desert species
  • Size guide:
    • Small species (Large-Clawed): 5–10 gallon equivalent
    • Medium/large tropical species (Emperor, Asian Forest, etc.): 10–20 gallon equivalent
    • Very large species (Dictator): scale up to individual adult size

→ Best Tarantula & Invertebrate Enclosures | Scorpion Enclosure Size Guide

Substrate

Tropical Forest Species

  • Coconut fiber (coir) or coco-based mix — moisture-retentive and burrowable
  • Optional additions: organic topsoil, sphagnum moss
  • Depth: several inches; 4–6+ inches is a practical target for most adults
  • Substrate should be damp enough to hold a burrow but not waterlogged

→ Best Coconut Fiber Substrate

Desert / Semi-Arid Species

  • Play sand, reptile sand, or sand/topsoil mix — dry and compactable
  • Depth: several inches; 4–6+ inches is a practical target for most adults
  • Surface should be dry; a slightly damp deeper layer can provide a moisture gradient for semi-arid species

→ Best Tarantula & Invertebrate Substrate

Heating

  • Many homes maintain adequate temperatures without supplemental heating — verify before purchasing equipment
  • If supplemental heat is needed: low-wattage heat mat on the side of the enclosure (not underneath — scorpions burrow and can overheat from below)
  • Desert species may benefit from a warm-side gradient via heat mat or low-wattage heat lamp
  • Thermostat required for any heat source
  • Thermometer to verify temperatures independently of the heat source

→ Best Reptile Thermostats | Best Invertebrate Thermometers

Humidity Monitoring

  • Hygrometer — place at substrate level for accurate readings
  • Tropical species: maintain humid conditions through damp substrate and water access
  • Desert species: maintain dry conditions; hygrometer useful for confirming low ambient humidity

Water Dish

  • Shallow dish at all times — sized appropriately for the species
  • Small bottle caps or jar lids for juveniles and small species
  • Shallow reptile dish for large adults
  • Keep clean and refill regularly

→ Best Invertebrate Water Dishes

Hides

  • At least one surface hide in addition to allowing burrowing
  • Cork bark flats, half-logs, flat rocks — sized appropriately for the species
  • Tropical species often prefer to burrow; desert species may use surface hides more

→ Best Cork Bark for Invertebrates | Best Invertebrate Hides

Feeding Equipment

  • Feeding tongs — for offering prey and removing uneaten items without reaching into the enclosure
  • Appropriately sized live or pre-killed feeder insects (crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms)
  • Feeder insect housing if maintaining a colony

→ Best Feeding Tongs

Misting Equipment (Tropical Species Only)

  • Small spray bottle for periodic misting of one side of the enclosure
  • Mist one side only — maintain a humidity gradient rather than saturating the entire enclosure

Before You Bring Your Scorpion Home

  • Enclosure fully set up and at correct temperature for at least 24–48 hours before the animal arrives
  • Substrate at correct moisture level
  • Water dish filled and in place
  • Hide(s) positioned
  • First feeder insects sourced
  • Reptile-experienced veterinarian identified — find one before you need one
  • Species-specific care guide reviewed: Scorpion Care Guide

Species Guides

Gear Guides