Use of Pumice Rock: Can You Use It For Isopods?

One of the main things I enjoy about isopods aside from breeding them is trying new and different supplements and foods for the isopods I keep.

Back in November, I came across Pumice rock. Pumice is a type of extrusive volcanic rock, typically developed from volcanic regions characterized by felsic (silica-rich) igneous rocks and explosive eruptions. It is a volcanic glass called pumice, which forms from silica rich, viscous magma during a volcanic eruption. Pumice forms when dissolved gases escape from rapidly depressurizing magma, similar to how bubbles form in a carbonated drink when opened. These volcanic rocks are made when lava with a high content of gas and water come out of a volcano. Pumice and other volcanic rocks commonly form zones in the upper parts of silicic lavas. Pumice is commonly pale in color and is typically light-colored, but can also be found in various colors including white, gray, blue, cream, green, and brown. Its foamy appearance is due to the presence of gas bubbles and translucent bubble walls. The cavities in pumice can be roughly spherical, elongated, or tubular, depending on the flow of the solidifying lava. Its structure is highly vesicular, and pumice is rapidly cooled, which locks in its vesicular structure. Pumice forms so quickly that its atoms often don't have time to organize into crystals, resulting in an amorphous structure. The microstructure of pumice can display a silky or fibrous fabric, resulting from ductile elongation during solidifying lava. Minerals occur within pumice, and while crystals present are rare, small crystals of feldspar, augite, or zircon can be found. Secondary minerals introduced by percolating water can also fill the vesicles within the rock. Pumice is classified as a type of volcanic rock that differs from scoria, which has larger vesicles and is denser. Pumice can be found worldwide, particularly in regions with volcanic activity such as Italy, Turkey, and the United States. Leading producers like Italy, Turkey, and Greece mine at least a million tonnes each year.

Whilst reading I thought ‘this is great’ however I became a a little confused as I saw this rock’s most common application was actually filing dead skin from under your feet. Pumice stones have also historically been used to remove unwanted hair. Pumice is widely used as an abrasive material, in ground pumice and pumice powder form, for water filtration, chemical spill containment, cement manufacturing, in the construction and beauty industry, and even for removing unwanted hair. Ground pumice is utilized in toothpaste, polishes, and pencil erasers. It is commonly used in the manufacturing of stone-washed jeans. Pumice is valued in horticulture for growing cacti and succulents due to its ability to retain water. Pumice is also used as a natural pozzolan in concrete production and water filtration.

Finally I found a seller on eBay called reefandrock, this seller had a number of different sizes rocks and came from a seller who had a lot of marine/fish items for sale so I thought the purpose of the stones from this seller were for animals so I reached out to the seller to get some more information.

Introduction to Isopod Care

Caring for isopods means creating an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat, ensuring they thrive in captivity. This involves choosing the right substrate, maintaining proper temperature and humidity in isopod enclosures, and providing hiding spots and supplements. One material that has become increasingly popular among isopod keepers is pumice rock. As a type of volcanic rock formed during explosive eruptions, pumice offers unique benefits for isopods. Its porous and abrasive nature not only helps maintain a clean enclosure but also supports the overall health of your isopod colony. By incorporating pumice into your setup, you can create a more natural and beneficial environment for your pets.

Formation of Pumice Rock from Volcanic Eruptions

Pumice rock is born from the dramatic forces of nature during volcanic eruptions. Explosive volcanoes are the primary source of pumice, producing ejected ash and pumice during their eruptions. When a volcano erupts explosively, super-heated and highly pressurized molten rock is hurled into the air. As this molten rock cools and depressurizes rapidly, gases that were dissolved within it escape, forming countless tiny bubbles. This process occurs within the volcanic conduit, where gases exsolve from viscous magma, giving pumice its signature lightweight, foamy texture and making it highly porous.

Pumice and similar volcanic rocks are rock found worldwide, especially in areas where natural sources occur due to volcanic activity. Pumice deposits are common in regions with numerous eruptive volcanoes, such as the eastern flank of Russia near the Kamchatka Peninsula, and along the Pacific Ocean. In the Andes mountains, coalesced volcanoes—such as the Puyehue-Cordón Caulle, which consists of two coalesced volcanoes—have produced significant ash and pumice eruptions affecting large areas.

Ejected ash and pumice can be transported by ocean currents, and pumice can float for years, potentially forming huge floating islands known as pumice rafts. These pumice rafts have been observed drifting across the Pacific Ocean after major eruptions and can carry marine organisms across long distances. Pumice deposits can often be traced to where the rock reached distant coastlines after eruptions. The unique formation and distribution process of pumice rock is what makes it so useful in a variety of applications, including isopod care.

Properties and Composition of Pumice Rock

Pumice rock is a fascinating igneous rock, primarily composed of volcanic glass with a highly vesicular, or bubble-filled, texture. Its light color and airy structure are the result of rapid cooling and gas expansion during its formation. The abrasive surface of pumice makes it well-known for removing dead skin in beauty routines, but its usefulness doesn’t stop there. The porous nature of pumice rock allows it to absorb and retain moisture, which is especially helpful in maintaining the right humidity levels in isopod enclosures. Because it is lightweight and full of tiny holes, pumice can also provide microhabitats for beneficial microorganisms, further supporting a healthy environment for your isopods and helping to prevent common isopod health issues.

Benefits of Pumice Rock for Isopods

Adding pumice rock to your isopod enclosure can offer a range of benefits. First, it serves as a natural source of calcium, which is essential for isopod exoskeleton development, much like using limestone for isopods as an additional calcium supplement. The abrasive texture of pumice rock can help isopods gently remove dead skin and other debris from their bodies, promoting healthy molting and reducing the risk of disease. Its porous structure helps regulate humidity by absorbing and slowly releasing moisture, creating a stable microclimate that is vital for isopod health. Pumice rock also provides additional surfaces for isopods to explore, burrow, and hide, making their environment more enriching. As a natural and sustainable material, pumice is a safe and eco-friendly choice for isopod care.

Substrate Options for Isopods

Choosing the right substrate is one of the most important steps in creating a thriving environment for your isopods. While there are many options available, pumice stands out as a particularly effective choice thanks to its origins and unique properties. Formed during explosive volcanic eruptions, pumice is a volcanic rock with a foamy appearance and a texture that’s both lightweight and highly porous. This volcanic glass, created when molten rock cools rapidly, results in a substrate that’s not only visually appealing but also highly functional, and you can explore more useful isopod care articles to compare different substrate options.

The porous nature of pumice allows for excellent airflow and moisture retention within the enclosure—two factors that are essential for keeping isopods healthy. Isopods require a consistently humid environment, and pumice helps maintain this balance by absorbing and slowly releasing water. Its mild abrasive quality also means that as isopods move across the substrate, it can gently help with removing dead skin, supporting natural molting processes without harming sensitive areas, which mirrors their adaptations described in broader guides to isopod biology and care.

Another advantage of using pumice as a substrate is its ability to discourage the growth of mold and bacteria. Thanks to its high surface area and absorbent qualities, pumice makes it difficult for unwanted organisms to take hold, which is especially important for isopods that are sensitive to poor air quality and can be prone to respiratory issues. This makes pumice a practical and hygienic choice for keepers who want to minimize maintenance and maximize the health of their colony, especially when combined with the simple setups recommended in beginner guides to isopod keeping.

From an environmental perspective, pumice is a sustainable option. It is naturally sourced from volcanically active regions, with leading producers like Italy, Turkey, and Greece mining millions of tonnes each year. The use of pumice supports responsible pumice mining production and helps reduce waste, making it an environmentally responsible substrate for your pets, particularly for newcomers who want to avoid the common mistakes highlighted in beginner perspectives on isopod keeping.

Aesthetically, pumice brings a unique look to any isopod enclosure. Its commonly pale color and silky or fibrous fabric, reminiscent of volcanic glass, add a natural touch that can enhance the visual appeal of your setup. Pumice can be used on its own or mixed with other substrates such as soil or sand to create a more varied and stimulating environment for your isopods.

In summary, pumice offers a rare combination of practicality, sustainability, and beauty as a substrate for isopods. Its foamy appearance, mild abrasive texture, and porous structure make it an excellent choice for both new and experienced keepers looking to provide the best possible habitat for their isopods. If you’re considering a new substrate, pumice is definitely worth a try.

Cleaning Pumice Rock Stones Before Adding Them with Your Isopods

Before introducing pumice rock into your isopod enclosure, it’s important to ensure the stones are clean and free from contaminants. The best way to do this is by rinsing the pumice rock thoroughly in warm water to remove any dust or debris that may have accumulated during shipping or handling. Avoid using any soaps or chemical cleaners, as these can be harmful to your isopods. Once the pumice rock is clean and completely dry, it’s ready to be placed in the enclosure. Regularly checking and cleaning the pumice stones will help maintain a healthy environment for your isopods, ensuring they continue to benefit from this unique volcanic rock and complementing other basics covered in beginner isopod care guides.

Cleaning Pumice Stones Before Adding Them I With Your Isopods

The seller was very fast to respond to my first query which was do these rocks need cleaning prior to use as I read that they should be boiled prior to use. To my surprise the seller advised me that they did not need to be washed/boiled due to the way he prepares the rock for sale. This is what he told me he goes with the rock

• Verified and certified by Xray minerals LTD to make sure they are safe to be cleaned before they are then sterilised

• Jet cleaned and steam sterilised using RODI filtered water

• Heat-cured and air dried

He did advise me that there may be some dust from the rocks breaking down a bit during transit so advised of doing a small rinse off.

I received my box of rocks a few days after ordering and to my surprise along with the 1kg of pumice rock I ordered from him he sent me a number of different sized rocks as well as some powdered pumice rock too.

One thing reefandrock did tell me about the rock is that it can be broken down easily by wrapping some of the rocks inside a dishcloth then hitting them a couple of times with a hammer however I have never actually needed to break up any of the rocks, I have tried all sizes from reefandrock by now and 5kg later I am still looking at ordering more within the next few weeks.

The seller also kindly sent me a large bag of calcium rock powder which is 98.7% purity (made of calcium carbonate aragonite), I will give you a review on this once I have had it for a few months like I did with the Pumice stone.

Throughout the months of me experimenting with this rock, I started off by adding them to 3 types  of isopod, Panda Kings, Diary Cows and Gestrois. These 3 species are very hardy and have been in my collection since 2021 and as with most new things I prefer to try more hardy pods to begin with, which is a common recommendation in many beginners guides to isopods as pets.

As I saw a few months later, the isopods were still doing great and the population seemed to of boomed/grown quicker than previously, I started to add these rocks to every enclosure I have regardless of the species. From Merulanella to Porcellio - each type of isopod currently in my collection has some rock, some tubs depending on size even have more than one.

I have noticed that the Cubaris species do hang about on the rock more than some of the other pods but I have found the rock to not be a common place to find them on - as much as cork bark is for example.

Something that interests me also however with this is that when I added powdered rock into the same tubs this did seem to disappear quicker. Although the rocks do seem to get smaller over time, I believe that the powder is preferred by them. This is something one day the curious thinker in myself may explore more closely by trying to give the same weight of the rock in powder and solid form to the same amount of pods to see if it does decrease sooner - but that's another experiment for another day.

I was speaking to reefandrock the other day and asked how he got into selling such a thing which is ironic that someone who's hobby is selling tropical woodlice would question why someone sells rock which is cleaned and prepared with such high standards.

Reefandrock said that he started his brand/business due to knowing that ‘Mother Nature knows best' and he found a serious lack of ethics and integrity within the marine industry and misleading claims about product types, origins and composition. On top of this, reefandrock also cared about the environmental damage that harvesting causes and also the working conditions in order to attain such products.

Refundrock felt too many animals suffered because ‘natural and genuine' products were not what they said they were and as a result, they are not beneficial or safe for livestock.

To begin with, he was just sourcing what he needed for his own projects and confused on stuff that really was ‘genuine, natural, sustainable, high-quality with proof of origins to ensure authenticity and composition.

Here is a link to his ebay page if you are interested in trying pumice rocks for your isopods too—if you're also considering buying isopods online, check out his ebay shop: https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?item=256624911438&rt=nc&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211&_ssn=reefandrock