Isopods Care
Tropical Isopods Care Guide
Basic Information
Isopods are a fun, terrestrial crustacean that can liven up any terrarium or make a great standalone pet. They come in a wide array of colors and sizes, and are very low maintenance, making them a great beginner pet for all ages. Isopods breed relatively easily and cost relatively little to care for, as they will eat just about anything and don’t require much for their setups. This guide will cover requirements for tropical isopods.
Bioactive Setup
Including isopods in your bioactive setups is very beneficial. They are a great clean-up crew, keeping the environment healthy for other inhabitants and helping maintain the substrate quality. However, it is essential to note that the different species of isopods have varying environmental requirements, so it is advisable to research which isopod is best suited for your bioactive setup. Also consider that some isopod species are terrestrial, so other inhabitants may consume them, seeing isopods as a food source.
Health
A few common health issues in isopods relate to humidity. Too low humidity can cause dehydration, as isopods need moisture to hydrate and breathe properly. Too high humidity, with excessive wetness in the substrate, can lead to drowning. Improper humidity levels can cause molting issues, which can result in loss of limbs and even death.
Enclosures
Keeping isopods does not require a large amount of space. Using a plastic container or a small acrylic enclosure with proper ventilation is a readily available, easy, and low-cost option, typically found at most stores. You can also easily DIY your enclosure set up provided you add holes for proper ventilation. If your colony starts to grow significantly, you can upgrade to a small aquarium tank or small terrarium. Fill about quarter of the enclosure with the selected substrate and add hiding spots, such as cork bark, moss, and egg flat pieces. Additionally, ensure the enclosure has a secure lid to prevent any unauthorized entry by anything that could get in.
**Keep only one species of isopod in an enclosure.
Heating/Lighting
Isopods need no additional lighting as they prefer dark environments.
In terms of heating, tropical isopod species require a temperature range of approximately 70-85°F to be maintained at all times. These isopods are more sensitive to cold, so their enclosure needs to be either in a place with a maintained temperature in the stated range or have a heat source, such as a heat mat, placed underneath towards one end of the enclosure. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature in the enclosure.
Substrate
When choosing a substrate for your isopods, keep in mind that they will consume a significant portion of the ingredients in the substrate. You should choose something that has a mix of coco fiber, leaf litter, and decayed wood with added calcium mixed in. A bioblend specifically designed for isopods and millipedes is recommended, as it contains all the necessary components and meets the required humidity levels. If there is no leaf litter in the mix, sprinkle some on top for added nutrition and hiding spots.
Humidity
Humidity requirements for isopods are very dependent on the species you are getting. For tropical isopod species, a higher humidity is required. Therefore, aim for a humidity range of around 60-90%, depending on the species you obtain, as some species can tolerate much higher or lower humidity levels. The enclosure containing isopods should be misted either daily or every other day to ensure they have hydration and can breathe. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity.
**The substrate should be drier on one side of the enclosure and more moist on the other to create a humidity gradient. **
Water
Isopods need no additional water source. As long as you keep part of the substrate moist at all times, isopods will obtain their hydration from that part of the humidity gradient, as well as from the small droplets of water left by misting. They will also get their hydration from any food they eat that contains moisture. Including a water dish may increase risk of drowning.
Food
The ingredients included in the substrate, along with the additional leaf litter supplied, will be the primary source of food for isopods. You can also feed vegetables, including squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes, occasionally. Dried shrimp is recommended as a protein supplement to replace the dead animal material that they would normally feed on in the wild. Items rich in calcium are also recommended, including oyster shells. There are also some premade isopod foods available in the market. Remove any uneaten food after a short while to prevent it from spoiling and causing mold.
Arid Isopods Care Guide
Basic Information
Isopods are a fun, terrestrial crustacean that can liven up any terrarium or make a great standalone pet. They come in a wide array of colors and sizes, and are very low maintenance, making them a great beginner pet for all ages. Isopods breed relatively easily and cost relatively little to care for, as they will eat just about anything and don’t require much for their setups. This guide will cover requirements for arid isopods.
Bioactive Setup
Including isopods in your bioactive setups is very beneficial. They are a great clean-up crew, keeping the environment healthy for other inhabitants and helping maintain the substrate quality. However, it is essential to note that the different species of isopods have varying environmental requirements, so it is advisable to research which isopod is best suited for your bioactive setup. Also consider that some isopod species are terrestrial, so other inhabitants may consume them, seeing isopods as a food source.
Health
A few common health issues in isopods relate to humidity. Too low humidity can cause dehydration, as isopods need moisture to hydrate and breathe properly. Too high humidity, with excessive wetness in the substrate, can lead to drowning. Improper humidity levels can cause molting issues, which can result in loss of limbs and even death.
Enclosures
Keeping isopods does not require a large amount of space. Using a plastic container or a small acrylic enclosure with proper ventilation is a readily available, easy, and low-cost option, typically found at most stores. You can also easily DIY your enclosure set up provided you add holes for proper ventilation. If your colony starts to grow significantly, you can upgrade to a small aquarium tank or small terrarium. Fill about half of the enclosure with the selected substrate and add hiding spots, such as cork bark, moss, and egg flat pieces. Additionally, ensure the enclosure has a secure lid to prevent any unauthorized entry by anything that could get in.
**Keep only one species of isopod in an enclosure.
Heating/Lighting
Isopods need no additional lighting as they prefer dark environments.
In terms of heating, arid isopods can be kept in a range of around 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit and are more tolerant to lower temperatures. However, they still prefer warmer climates to colder climates. Generally, they will do well in whatever temperature your home is kept. However, if you’d like to supply a heat source, use a heat mat underneath towards one end of the enclosure. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature in the enclosure.
Substrate
When choosing a substrate for your isopods, keep in mind that they will consume a significant portion of the ingredients in the substrate. You should choose something that has a mix of coco fiber, leaf litter, and decayed wood with added calcium mixed in. A bioblend specifically designed for isopods and millipedes is recommended, as it contains all the necessary components and meets the required humidity levels. If there is no leaf litter in the mix, sprinkle some on top for added nutrition and hiding spots. The substrate should be cleaned periodically and completely replaced every few months.
Humidity
Humidity requirements for isopods are very dependent on the species you are getting. For arid isopod species, they’ll tolerate a lower range of humidity, but it's still just as important. You should aim for a humidity range of around 20-60%, depending on the species you obtain, as some species can tolerate much higher or lower humidity levels. The enclosure containing isopods should be misted either daily or every other day to ensure they have hydration and can breathe. Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity.
**The substrate should be drier on one side of the enclosure and more moist on the other to create a humidity gradient. **
Water
Isopods need no additional water source. As long as you keep part of the substrate moist at all times, isopods will obtain their hydration from that part of the humidity gradient, as well as from the small droplets of water left by misting. They will also get their hydration from any food they eat that contains moisture. Including a water dish may increase risk of drowning.
Food
The ingredients included in the substrate, along with the additional leaf litter supplied, will be the primary source of food for isopods. You can also feed vegetables, including squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes, occasionally. Dried shrimp is recommended as a protein supplement to replace the dead animal material that they would normally feed on in the wild. Items rich in calcium are also recommended, including oyster shells. There are also some premade isopod foods available in the market. Remove any uneaten food after a short while to prevent it from spoiling and causing mold.
Have another question? Contact Us