The Beginner's Guide to Isopod Keeping: Tips for Success

In my last blog I explored how I made mistakes that led to trouble in my colonies, so with a beginner’s perspective here is my guide to successful isopod keeping.

Keeping isopods has grown in popularity among hobbyists due to their fascinating behaviours, ease of care, and the vital role they play in decomposing organic matter in the ecosystem. As detritivores, isopods help to break down waste, making them a wonderful addition to any terrarium or bioactive setup. For me personally I keep my isopod colonies as pets which is just as fulfilling as any other way of keeping them. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know as a beginner isopod keeper, from setting up their habitat to understanding their behaviour and needs.

I asked members of my community for their go to pro tip, that they’d tell any beginners starting out, here’s my favourites:

“Stock up on tonnes of leaf litter”

“Get the substrate right and rest is easy”

“Get one species and then cancel the internet”

“Make room for more tubs. Once you have some you’re bound to want more”

“Keep it simple”

“Don’t over think it, they are really not that hard to care for… Avoid bright light, don’t get them wet and never feed them after midnight!”

The main consensus is, keep it simple and be prepared to get addicted to these cute little crustaceans

Choosing Your Isopod Species

Before diving into isopod keeping, it's crucial to select a suitable species. With over 5,000 species of isopods worldwide, some are more beginner-friendly than others. Popular choices for new keepers include:

• Porcellio laevis: Known for their hardiness and adaptability, they come in various colours, including white, grey, and brown. They thrive in diverse conditions, making them perfect for beginners.
• Armadillidiidae: These are recognizable for their ability to roll into a ball when threatened. They are also easy to care for and readily breed in the right conditions.
• Cubaris sp.: While more exotic, species like Cubaris murina are popular due to their vibrant colours and unique appearances. They require slightly more specific care but can be rewarding as part of your collection.

Before deciding, research the specific care requirements for each species to ensure you can meet their needs.

Setting Up the Habitat

A proper habitat setup is critical for the health and wellbeing of your isopods. Here’s how to create the ideal home:

Container Choice

There are many different options out there, from glass or plastic terrariums to Really Useful Boxes (RUBs) and other such plastic tubs that provide ample space for your isopods to explore. Ensure the container has a secure lid and adequate ventilation. You can also use mesh lids to allow for airflow while preventing escapes.

Substrate

The substrate plays an integral role in your isopod habitat. A mixture of organic potting soil, sphagnum moss, and leaf litter works well:

• Organic Potting Soil: Provides essential nutrients and holds moisture.
• Sphagnum Moss: Aids in maintaining humidity and provides an excellent surface for beneficial bacteria to thrive.
• Leaf Litter: Provides hiding spots and food source as it breaks down. Use leaves from safe trees like oak, maple, or beech.

Aim for a substrate depth of 3-4 inches to allow for burrowing behaviours. You can also add clean rocks or pieces of bark to create additional hiding places.

Maintain the Habitat

Maintaining a clean and stable habitat for your isopods is essential for their health and well-being. Here's how to effectively manage their environment:

Moisture Regulation

Keeping the substrate moist is vital for isopod survival. However, too much moisture can lead to mould growth and unwanted bacteria, so follow these guidelines:

• Misting: Mist the enclosure lightly every few days, depending on the humidity levels in your area. Use a spray bottle to apply water, ensuring an even distribution without flooding the substrate.
• Humidity Monitoring: Invest in a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels. Isopods thrive at around 70-80% humidity. If the levels drop, adjust your misting routine accordingly.
• Drainage: Add a drainage layer at the bottom of the enclosure using materials like gravel or coconut coir. This prevents excess water from pooling at the base and maintains appropriate moisture levels in the substrate above.

Cleaning and Waste Management

A clean environment is crucial to prevent disease and maintain a balanced ecosystem inside the enclosure. Follow these steps:

• Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect the habitat for any signs of mould or waste buildup. Isopods naturally produce waste, and while this is part of the ecosystem, excessive waste can lead to problems.
• Removing Leftover Food: Uneaten food should be removed within two days to prevent mould growth. This proactive approach helps maintain hygiene in the habitat.
• Substrate Replacement: Over time, the substrate will become degraded. Consider replacing it partially every 3-6 months or remove and replace it entirely as needed. Prioritize using a mix of old and new substrate to preserve beneficial microorganisms.

Environmental Enrichment

Adding various materials not only boosts the aesthetic appeal but also provides enrichment for the isopods:

• Hiding Places: Incorporate pieces of bark, rocks, or coconut shells. These structures mimic their natural environment, providing places to hide and explore.
• Moss and Plants: Live or dried moss can enhance humidity and provide hiding spots while adding a natural look to the habitat. Some isopod keepers introduce non-toxic plants that can thrive in humid conditions, contributing to the ecosystem.

Temperature

The ideal temperature for most isopods ranges between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). A stable environment free from drastic temperature fluctuations will help keep your isopods healthy. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or placing their enclosure near heat sources, as excessive heat can increase stress levels.

Lighting

Most isopods do not require special lighting. A natural light cycle is sufficient. Maintain a typical day-night cycle by placing them in a room with natural light or using standard fluorescent lighting. Just be sure not to create hotspots that can overheat the enclosure.

Nutrition: Feeding Your Isopods

Feeding your isopods is straightforward, as they are detritivores. Here are some important feeding tips:

Main Diet

• Leaf Litter: The foundation of their diet. As leaves break down, isopods consume the decaying material, which provides nutrients.
• Vegetables: Supplement with small pieces of vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or cucumbers. Ensure they are chopped into small sizes to prevent mould. I tend to grate up any vegetables I give to my colonies.
• Commercial Isopod Food: There are prepared foods available specifically for isopods. These can be used to enhance their diet and keep them healthy.
• Fish Food Flakes: Crushed fish food flakes can also serve as an additional food source, providing essential carbohydrates and proteins.
• Avoid citrus fruits, which can be harmful.

Feeding Schedule

Feed your isopods every few days, observing how much they consume to determine quantity. Remove any uneaten food after a few days to prevent mould and bacteria buildup. Aim to create a balance

Breeding and Colony Care

Isopods are generally prolific breeders, and understanding their breeding needs is vital for fostering a healthy colony.

Breeding Conditions

To encourage breeding, focus on creating a comfortable environment:

• Healthy Habitat: A well-maintained enclosure with adequate humidity and food leads to better breeding success. Young isopods rebound quickly when conditions are optimal.
• Age and Maturity: Ensure that your isopods have reached maturity, which can take several months. Most species take about six months to become sexually mature.
• Mating: In some species they are sexually dimorphic and you may be able to tell the sex from the size of them, in some species males also have a longer, more slender endopods/uropods. They engage in courtship behaviour, and successful mating will lead to the females carrying eggs.

Egg Development

Once mated, females will carry fertilized eggs in a specialized pouch called a "brood pouch." Here’s what to expect:

• Incubation: Isopod eggs typically take about 3-8 weeks to hatch, depending on species and environmental conditions. During this time, it's crucial to maintain optimal humidity and temperature.
• Juveniles: Upon hatching, juvenile isopods emerge fully formed but miniature versions of the adults. Juveniles can often be identified easily as they move about searching for food.
• Population Management: As your colony grows, remember to monitor population levels to avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to stress and competition for resources. If you notice space constraints, consider transferring some isopods to a new enclosure.

Enhancing Your Isopod Experience with Springtails

In summary, keeping isopods can be a rewarding and educational experience for beginners and seasoned hobbyists alike. These fascinating creatures are not only easy to care for; they play a crucial role in nutrient cycling and waste decomposition within their habitat. By establishing a suitable environment, providing proper nutrition, maintaining good hygiene, and monitoring their health, you can successfully cultivate a thriving isopod colony.

Additionally, consider introducing springtails (Collembola) into your isopod habitat. Springtails are tiny, wingless arthropods that are often regarded as excellent companions for isopods in bioactive setups. Here are a few reasons why adding springtails can enhance your isopod care experience:

1. Biological Control: Springtails help break down organic matter and excess food more efficiently. This not only prevents mould growth but also contributes to a cleaner habitat overall.
2. Food Source: While isopods primarily feed on decaying plant material, springtails can serve as a supplemental food source for larger isopods. They are small enough that juvenile isopods can also take advantage of them, providing a diverse diet for your colony.
3. Stable Environment: The presence of springtails can help maintain humidity levels in the substrate due to their moisture-loving nature. They thrive in similar humidity conditions to isopods, making them an ideal cohabitant.
4. Cultural Enrichment: Springtails add another layer of biodiversity to your enclosure, creating a more dynamic environment that mimics a natural ecosystem. Observing the interactions between isopods and springtails can be both enjoyable and informative.

To introduce springtails, simply add a small population to your isopod enclosure after ensuring that conditions are suitable for both species. They reproduce quickly, establishing a balance that will benefit your overall habitat.

In conclusion, starting your journey as an isopod keeper opens a world of wonder and discovery. By adhering to the tips outlined in this guide and considering the addition of springtails, you will create a flourishing ecosystem that not only benefits the isopods but also enhances your enjoyment of this captivating hobby. Embrace the learning experience, engage with fellow hobbyists, and watch as your mini ecosystem thrives! Happy keeping!

By Kezia Hopkinson