Isopod & Springtail Accessories (9)

Since starting keeping isopod back in 2021, I have kept isopods in a variety of different environments and enclosures with variants of ventilation, heat and size. One of the things that interests me so much about keeping isopods is that there is no single way to keep isopods and the success you have with your colonies can vary so much due to a number of factors. I have tried tubs with no additional heating, holes cut out with organza glued over the top, drilling holes into the tubs, using a soldering iron to burn holes into the tubs. Each of there coming with there own individual benefits and disadvantages. Tom Marsh, the person who got me into keeping isopods as a hobby to begin with, then got me to try his 3d printed vents. Here are the specifications LARGE 56mm diameter 10mm depth , 8mm is the screw 44mm inside screw diameter Recommend 48mm hole saw SMALL 32mm diameter 10mm depth ,8mm is the screw 25mm inside screw diameter Recommend 28mm hole saw I was not too sure about these to begin with, thinking they wouldn’t make much of a difference from my soldering iron made vents but I was very wrong. I noticed much more stable humidity in my enclosures as well as a lot less isopods teleporting into other tubs, due to the increase in ventilation food seemed to also not go off as quickly and my isopods seemed generally to do better. These vents are VERY easy to install, you can get the drill pieces to fit them from amazon as referenced in the above links. When you are drilling your tubs, I recommend laying the tubs on the side and press something on the overside to stop the drill bit going through suddenly and cracking your tub. I also find not pushing too much on the drill and let the drill do the work slowly also helps. Unfortunately I have personally cracked a few tubs whilst drilling the holes out but since applying these methods my success rate of not cracking tubs has increased massively. Once the hole is cut out, I simply pull away and loose plastic and then screw the vent to the tub from the inside. The amount of ventilation can varies between species however most of my 11l tubs have one vent on the left at the front and one on the right at the back. On my 17l and 32l tubs I usually have 2 on the left and 2 on the right. I also find most species of isopod like to somehow high jump onto the vents and hide inside them too, which as an added bonus makes monitoring your colony even easier. Tom can do these in a variety of colours too so reach out to him if you want anything specific.

Shredded rotten wood is a foundational substrate component and food source for detritivore invertebrates. This naturally decayed hardwood provides essential nutrition for isopods, springtails, millipedes, and roaches while creating a biologically active environment that supports healthy colonies. Organically sourced from Southern England woodlands and frozen to eliminate unwanted pests, this is ready-to-use decaying wood in convenient shredded form. Product Details Contents: 1 litre shredded rotten wood Source: Organically sourced from Southern England woodlands Wood type: Hardwood broadleaf mix—primarily birch and oak, may include other broadleaf species Processing: Frozen to -18°C for minimum 48 hours to eliminate unwanted pests Important: Contains NO pine or softwood (softwoods contain harmful resins) Price: £3.50 Why Rotten Wood Matters Decaying wood isn't just a nice addition to invertebrate enclosures—it's essential. For detritivores (animals that feed on dead organic matter), rotting wood serves multiple critical functions: As food: The decomposition process breaks down tough cellulose, making nutrients accessible Rotting wood becomes colonised by beneficial microorganisms that aid digestion White rot fungus exposes cellulose and floods the wood with nitrogen-rich biocompounds Provides long-term, slow-release nutrition as animals gradually consume it As habitat: Creates hiding spots and shelter Retains moisture, supporting humid microhabitats Provides burrowing substrate Mimics natural forest floor conditions For substrate health: Supports beneficial microbial communities Contributes to nutrient cycling within enclosures Helps maintain moisture levels Adds organic matter that breaks down over time Benefits by Species Isopods Decaying wood is a dietary staple for all isopod species. As detritivores, isopods rely on rotting wood alongside leaf litter as their primary food source. The wood should be soft enough to break apart easily—properly decayed wood crumbles when handled. Isopods consume the softened wood fibres and the microorganisms colonising them, extracting nutrients that support growth, moulting, and reproduction. Essential food source for all genera (Cubaris, Porcellio, Armadillidium, etc.) Particularly important for tropical Cubaris species from forest environments Supports healthy exoskeleton development when combined with calcium sources Provides shelter and moisture-retaining hideouts Springtails Springtails are detritivores that feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, and mould. Rotting wood provides both direct nutrition and supports the fungal growth that springtails consume. In natural habitats, fallen logs, rotting stumps, and decaying branches create ideal springtail environments—the wood retains moisture and provides substrate for egg-laying and reproduction. Supports fungal growth that springtails feed on Provides moisture-retaining microhabitat Offers shelter and egg-laying substrate Particularly beneficial for soil-dwelling springtail species (Thai Reds, Orange springtails) Millipedes Rotten wood is absolutely essential for millipede keeping—it forms a large portion of their diet. Millipedes require properly decayed hardwood that's soft enough to bite apart and digest. The wood must be "white-rotted" (pale, crumbly, with an earthy smell) rather than fresh or incompletely decayed. Without adequate rotting wood, millipedes cannot obtain the nutrition they need for growth and successful moulting. Primary food source—millipedes cannot thrive without it Must be soft and crumbly (properly decayed) Hardwood only—millipedes cannot digest softwood/conifer resins Mix throughout substrate for constant food access Supports healthy moulting cycles Roaches Many roach species, particularly wood roaches and those kept in bioactive setups, benefit from decaying wood as both food and habitat. The rotting wood provides nutrition, shelter, and contributes to the overall health of bioactive enclosures where roaches serve as cleanup crews. Food source for wood-eating species Habitat enrichment and hiding spots Supports bioactive enclosure health Contributes to naturalistic environments Why Hardwood Only This product contains only broadleaf hardwood species (birch, oak, and similar). Softwoods like pine, spruce, and other conifers are deliberately excluded because: Harmful resins: Softwoods contain resins and aromatic compounds toxic to many invertebrates Indigestible: Most millipedes and isopods cannot properly digest conifer wood Wrong decomposition: Softwood decays differently and doesn't provide the same nutritional value Properly decayed hardwood should be pale (white or light-coloured), soft, crumbly, and have an earthy smell. If wood is dark orange, very hard, or smells strongly of anything other than earth, it's either conifer wood or not properly decayed. Pest-Free Processing Wild-collected wood can harbour unwanted invertebrates, mites, and other organisms. This shredded rotten wood has been frozen to -18°C for a minimum of 48 hours—a process that eliminates: Mites Fungus gnat larvae Unwanted invertebrates Other potential pests This means you can add it directly to enclosures without worrying about introducing pest species that could harm your colonies or become nuisances. How to Use Substrate mixing: Mix shredded rotten wood throughout your substrate when setting up enclosures Combine with organic topsoil, sphagnum peat moss, leaf litter, and other substrate components Provides long-term food source as animals encounter it while burrowing Top dressing: Scatter on substrate surface alongside leaf litter Allows animals to graze as needed Easy to monitor consumption and replenish Millipede substrate: Essential component—mix generously throughout substrate Millipedes require constant access to rotting wood Replenish regularly as it's consumed Bioactive setups: Contributes to nutrient cycling Supports cleanup crew populations Breaks down over time, enriching substrate Storage Store in a cool, dry place if not using immediately Can be kept dry for extended storage Rehydrate by misting before adding to enclosures if dried out Avoid storing in sealed containers while damp (prevents mould issues) Quality Indicators Good quality rotten wood should be: Soft and crumbly: Breaks apart easily with fingers Pale coloured: White, cream, or light brown (indicates white rot) Earthy smelling: Pleasant soil-like odour, not sour or chemical Free from large hard chunks: Properly decayed throughout At £3.50 for 1 litre, this organically sourced, pest-free shredded rotten wood provides essential nutrition and habitat enrichment for your invertebrate colonies. For millipedes especially, it's not optional—it's fundamental to their survival and health. For isopods, springtails, and roaches, it supports thriving colonies and naturalistic enclosure conditions.

We have been friends with Tim from Exotic Enclosures for a while now, at the Capital invert show we were lucky enough to be exhibiting next to him and we had a chat about stocking some of his fantastic enclosures.  This top-opening enclosures is crafted using high-grade acrylic, ensuring heightened strength and durability to create a safe haven for a range of appropriately sized reptiles and invertebrates.Key Features: High-Grade Acrylic: Elevate your pets' living experience with our enclosures, providing enhanced strength and durability for a lasting home. 360-Degree Visibility: Experience a comprehensive view of your pets' natural behaviours from every angle with our fully transparent design. Optimised Airflow Control: Enjoy controlled airflow through top and side ventilation, creating a comfortable environment for your pets. Effortless Assembly: No additional tools are needed for assembly, making setup a breeze. Protective Film: Ensure a clear view and a polished appearance by peeling off the protective film on all acrylic parts before use. Top-Opening: Easy access is facilitated through the top opening of the enclosure. Acrylic Locking Mechanism: Prioritize both aesthetics and safety with our seamless acrylic locking mechanism - using magnets to keep the sliding lid closed.   Size Small: Width 162mm, Height 100mm, Depth 216mm We will be showcasing these setups at future shows too with pods in so please come by at the next show to see these for yourself. Pictures honestly dont do them justice.

Leaf litter is the single most important food source for detritivore invertebrates. For isopods, springtails, millipedes, and roaches, dried fallen leaves aren't just substrate decoration—they're the foundation of the diet these animals evolved to consume. This mixed broadleaf litter, collected from Southern England forests and naturally aged for several months, provides essential nutrition while mimicking the forest floor conditions your invertebrates need to thrive. Product Details Contents: 1 litre dried leaf litter Source: Southern England forests, collected away from paths, roads, and dog walking areas Leaf mix: Birch, maple, and oak—a varied broadleaf blend Processing: Naturally stored for several months before sale, ensuring pest-free product Price: £3.50 Why Leaf Litter Matters In the wild, leaf litter forms the basis of the forest floor ecosystem. Fallen leaves accumulate, decay, and become colonised by microorganisms that break down the tough plant material into accessible nutrients. Detritivores—animals that feed on decaying organic matter—depend on this constant supply of decomposing leaves for survival. For captive invertebrates, leaf litter serves multiple essential functions: As food: Primary dietary staple for isopods, millipedes, and many roach species Microbial conditioning makes nutrients accessible—leaves become more palatable as they age and decay Provides slow-release, long-term nutrition as animals gradually consume it Different leaf types offer varied nutritional profiles As habitat: Creates essential hiding spots and cover Reduces stress by allowing animals to move unseen Provides shelter for moulting, breeding, and resting Mimics natural forest floor conditions For enclosure health: Helps maintain humidity by retaining moisture Supports beneficial microbial communities Breaks down over time, enriching substrate Contributes to nutrient cycling within bioactive setups The Leaf Mix This product contains a blend of three excellent broadleaf species commonly found in English woodlands: Oak Oak leaves are considered the gold standard for invertebrate keeping. They're hardy enough to last well in enclosures while remaining nutritious and palatable. Oak breaks down at a moderate rate, providing sustained nutrition over weeks rather than disappearing immediately. Most keepers consider oak leaves a must-have staple. Maple Maple leaves are softer and break down more quickly than oak, making them readily accessible to smaller or younger animals. They're eagerly consumed by most detritivore species and provide good variety alongside harder-wearing leaves. The faster decomposition rate means they contribute to substrate enrichment relatively quickly. Birch Birch leaves are thin and decompose readily, making them easy for invertebrates to consume. They're particularly useful for smaller species or as part of a varied diet. Like maple, birch breaks down faster than oak, so the mix provides both immediate food sources and longer-lasting options. Offering a variety of leaf types is better than relying on a single species. Different leaves have different decomposition rates, textures, and nutritional profiles. Animals can select what they prefer, and you're less likely to have gaps in food availability as some leaves are consumed while others remain. Benefits by Species Isopods Leaf litter is THE staple food for all isopod species. In the wild, terrestrial isopods spend their lives consuming fallen leaves, dead wood, and other decaying plant matter. Without adequate leaf litter, isopod colonies cannot sustain themselves long-term. Should form the base layer covering all substrate—you shouldn't be able to see soil beneath Isopods feed continuously, grazing on leaves throughout day and night Supports healthy moulting cycles and exoskeleton development Provides essential hiding spots that reduce stress All genera benefit: Porcellio, Armadillidium, Cubaris, Oniscus, and others A good rule: if you can see bare substrate through your leaf litter layer, you need more leaves. Isopods are more active and breed more reliably when they have abundant cover. Springtails Springtails are detritivores that feed on decaying organic matter, fungi, and mould. Leaf litter provides both direct nutrition and supports the fungal growth that springtails consume. In soil-based springtail cultures and bioactive setups, leaf litter is essential for sustaining populations. Supports fungal and microbial growth that springtails feed on Provides shelter and egg-laying substrate Retains moisture, maintaining the humid conditions springtails require Breaks down over time, continuously generating food sources Particularly important for tropical springtail species in soil cultures Millipedes Leaf litter forms a significant portion of the millipede diet alongside rotting wood. Millipedes consume vast quantities of decaying leaves, processing them into nutrient-rich frass that enriches soil. Without adequate leaf litter, millipedes cannot obtain the nutrition they need for growth and successful moulting. Essential food source—millipedes require constant access Works alongside rotting wood as dietary staples Aged, partially decomposed leaves are more palatable than fresh Provides shelter and maintains humidity Should be replenished regularly as it's consumed Roaches Many roach species, particularly those kept in naturalistic or bioactive setups, benefit from leaf litter as both food and habitat. Wood roaches and forest-dwelling species especially appreciate access to decaying leaves as part of their diet. Food source for detritivore species Essential habitat enrichment and hiding spots Helps maintain humidity in enclosures Contributes to naturalistic environments Supports bioactive setups where roaches serve as cleanup crews Collection and Processing This leaf litter is collected from Southern England forests, specifically from areas away from: Paths: Avoiding foot traffic contamination Roads: No vehicle pollution or runoff Dog walking areas: No animal waste contamination After collection, the leaves are stored for several months before sale. This extended storage period serves multiple purposes: Pest elimination: Any insects, mites, or other organisms present at collection do not survive months of dry storage Natural ageing: Leaves become more palatable to detritivores as they age—microbial conditioning begins even in dry storage Moisture stabilisation: Properly dried leaves store well and rehydrate easily when added to enclosures This natural approach means no artificial processing, freezing, or heat treatment is required. The leaves arrive ready to use, with months of storage ensuring they're clean and pest-free. How to Use As substrate topping: Scatter generously over substrate surface Build up layers—more is better Aim for complete substrate coverage at minimum Replenish as leaves are consumed or break down Mixed into substrate: Crush or crumble leaves and mix throughout substrate Provides food source for burrowing species Enriches substrate as it decomposes Useful for deep substrate setups For bioactive terrariums: Essential for sustaining cleanup crew populations Provides hiding spots for microfauna Contributes to naturalistic appearance Breaks down and feeds plants over time Rehydrating: Leaves can be used dry or misted before adding to enclosures Dry leaves absorb moisture from humid enclosures naturally For immediate use, light misting speeds up the process How Much to Use There's essentially no such thing as too much leaf litter for detritivore enclosures. As a minimum: Isopod bins: Complete coverage of substrate surface, ideally several centimetres deep Millipede enclosures: Thick layer alongside rotting wood Bioactive terrariums: Enough to provide cover and food for cleanup crews Springtail cultures: Scattered on soil surface as supplementary food Monitor consumption and add more before the layer becomes too thin. Animals that run low on leaf litter may become stressed, less active, or struggle to breed successfully. Storage Store in a cool, dry place Keep dry for long-term storage Avoid sealing in airtight containers while damp (prevents mould) Properly stored dry leaves last indefinitely Why Broadleaf? This product contains only broadleaf deciduous species (birch, maple, oak). Conifer needles (pine, spruce, etc.) are not suitable for most invertebrates due to: Aromatic oils and resins that can be harmful Different decomposition characteristics Lower palatability to detritivores Stick to broadleaf species for invertebrate keeping. The oak, maple, and birch blend in this product represents excellent, well-established choices that are safe and nutritious for all common detritivore species. At £3.50 for 1 litre, this carefully collected and naturally aged leaf litter provides the foundation your invertebrate colonies need. For isopods and millipedes especially, leaf litter isn't optional—it's the primary food source they require to survive and thrive. Combined with rotting wood, protein supplements, and calcium sources, quality leaf litter supports healthy, breeding colonies.

Invert Heat Packs are single-use warming packs designed for shipping live invertebrates during cold weather. They provide over 40 hours of heat, helping to keep isopods, springtails, and other invertebrates at safe temperatures during transit when ambient temperatures drop. What It Is A 40+ hour heat pack—the same type used by invertebrate suppliers across the UK for shipping tarantulas, isopods, mantids, and other temperature-sensitive animals. The pack activates when exposed to air and generates steady warmth for the duration of most next-day delivery timescales. The ones we personally use and sell are from the UKs largest Invert seller (to my knowledge) The Spider Shop. So this product is used by them thousands of times per year directly as well as the backbone to winter shipping to probably hundreds of other invert hobbiests/businesses. When You Need One Heat packs are recommended during colder months, typically October through March in the UK, when overnight temperatures can drop low enough to harm invertebrates in transit. Add a heat pack to your order when: Overnight temperatures at your location or the sender's location fall below 5°C You're ordering tropical species that are particularly cold-sensitive Weather forecasts suggest cold snaps during the delivery window You want extra peace of mind during marginal conditions You probably don't need one when: Summer months with reliably warm overnight temperatures Ordering hardy temperate species during mild weather Local collection rather than postal delivery Important Guidelines Temperature limits: Heat packs may stop generating heat if exposed to freezing conditions (below 0°C). Even with a heat pack, avoid shipping when overnight temperatures are forecast below 5°C. The pack helps but isn't magic—it can't overcome genuinely freezing conditions. Use one per box: A single heat pack is sufficient for standard shipping boxes. Using multiple packs risks overheating the animals, which can be just as harmful as cold. Never place animals in direct contact: The heat pack should be wrapped or positioned so animals aren't sitting directly on or against it. Direct contact can cause heat stress or burns. Typically, suppliers wrap the heat pack in newspaper or place it in a separate section of the packaging. Check both locations: Weather can vary significantly between the sender's location and yours. Check forecasts for both postcodes before ordering in borderline conditions. Consider other factors: Bank holidays, postal strikes, severe weather warnings, or anything that might delay delivery increases cold exposure risk. If conditions look questionable, delay the order. How PostPods Uses Heat Packs PostPods ships Monday to Thursday using Royal Mail next-day service. During cold months, we add a heat pack to your order helps protect your isopods during the overnight and delivery period. The pack is activated and placed in the shipping box before dispatch. Cost and Value At £1.49, heat packs are inexpensive insurance. Given that we (as a hobby) often post inverts in the post, adding one during winter months makes straightforward sense as it protects our animals on the way to their new homes.  Limitations Heat packs are helpful but have limits: They work best above freezing—below 0°C they may fail They can't compensate for extended delays in freezing conditions They require proper positioning (not touching animals directly) They're single-use and cannot be reactivated Who Should Buy These Recommended for: Any winter orders (October–March) Tropical species orders year-round in colder regions Customers in Scotland, northern England, or other areas with colder overnight temperatures Anyone who wants peace of mind during marginal weather Optional for: Summer orders in mild conditions Hardy European species during moderate weather Very short transit times in warm conditions

Cuttlebone is the essential calcium supplement for isopods and millipedes. This natural internal shell from cuttlefish provides the calcium these invertebrates need to build and maintain healthy exoskeletons, support successful moulting, and sustain breeding colonies. Our cuttlebone is hand-collected from the southern coasts of the UK and washed in RO/RI water before packing. Product Details Contents: 100g cuttlebone pieces Source: Hand-collected from UK southern coastlines Preparation: Washed in RO/RI (reverse osmosis/deionised) water Composition: Approximately 85-90% calcium carbonate with trace minerals Price: £3.50 Before Use Important: Although our cuttlebone has been washed in RO/RI water, we recommend soaking it in boiling water for 20 minutes before adding it to your enclosures. This extra step ensures any residual salt or debris from the marine environment is removed, giving you peace of mind when introducing it to your invertebrate colonies. Why Calcium Matters Calcium is one of the most critical nutrients for isopods and millipedes. Both groups rely on calcium to: Build exoskeletons: Isopods have calcified exoskeletons that require significant calcium to form and maintain Support moulting: The moulting process—when invertebrates shed their old exoskeleton to grow—is perhaps the most critical moment in their lives. Adequate calcium ensures successful moults Enable reproduction: Breeding females have higher calcium demands; calcium-deficient colonies struggle to reproduce Prevent deformities: Without sufficient calcium, exoskeletons become thin, brittle, and prone to deformities Without a reliable calcium source, isopod cultures decline over time, with increased failed moults, weak animals, poor breeding, and eventual colony collapse. Millipedes face similar problems—their segmented exoskeletons require calcium for proper development and maintenance. Why Cuttlebone? Cuttlebone is the internal shell structure of the cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), a cephalopod related to squid and octopus. It's been used as a calcium supplement in the pet industry for decades, originally for birds but now widely recognised as ideal for invertebrates. Advantages of cuttlebone: Soft and accessible: Unlike limestone or eggshells, cuttlebone is soft enough for isopods and millipedes to easily scrape and consume Self-service feeding: Animals graze as needed, regulating their own calcium intake Slow release: Provides sustained calcium availability over time Additional minerals: Contains trace amounts of magnesium, zinc, and iron alongside calcium Natural and unprocessed: No chemical additives or artificial processing Won't mess up enclosures: Unlike calcium powders that can clump, wash away, or cause mould, cuttlebone remains stable Isopods love it: Many keepers report isopods swarming fresh cuttlebone when it's added to enclosures Isopods consume cuttlebone more quickly than harder calcium sources because of its softer texture. After isopods have been grazing on cuttlebone for a while, it develops worn indentations from their mandibles—evidence they're actively using it. How to Use Preparation: Soak cuttlebone in boiling water for 20 minutes Allow to cool and dry Add to enclosure Placement options: Whole pieces: Place directly in the enclosure—position with the harder shell side down for durability Broken pieces: Break into smaller chunks and distribute around the enclosure Partially buried: Slightly bury pieces in substrate so isopods can graze as needed Mixed into substrate: Crush or break into small pieces and mix throughout substrate when setting up enclosures Positioning tip: Place cuttlebone in a drier area of the enclosure where possible. This keeps it more durable and hygienic for longer. Replacement: Monitor consumption and replace when pieces are consumed or become too degraded. Some species—particularly giant Spanish Porcellio and Armadillidium—can strip cuttlebone rapidly, while others consume it more gradually. Suitable For Isopods (all species): Armadillidium species (particularly calcium-hungry) Porcellio species (giant Spanish species consume heavily) Cubaris species Porcellionides, Oniscus, and all other genera Millipedes: All millipede species benefit from calcium supplementation Supports healthy exoskeleton development and moulting Essential for breeding colonies Other invertebrates: Land snails Hermit crabs Other calcium-requiring invertebrates sharing enclosures Important Notes Do not use calcium powder on isopods: Powdered calcium can stick to isopods and dry them out, potentially causing death. Cuttlebone allows self-regulated consumption without this risk Always available: Calcium should be accessible at all times, not offered occasionally Fresh cuttlebone smell: Being derived from a marine animal, cuttlebone may have a slight fishy smell when first unpacked—this is normal and isopods are attracted to it Not a sole food source: Cuttlebone supplements the diet but doesn't replace leaf litter, decaying wood, and other foods Storage Store in a cool, dry place Shelf-stable for extended periods No special storage requirements At £3.50 for 100g, this hand-collected UK cuttlebone provides excellent value as an essential calcium source for your isopod and millipede colonies. Calcium supplementation isn't optional for healthy invertebrate keeping—it's fundamental. Cuttlebone makes providing it simple, natural, and effective.