{"title":"Foods for Reptiles, Turtles \u0026 Fish","description":"\u003ch1\u003eFoods for Reptiles, Turtles \u0026amp; Fish\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA lot of what sits on our food shelf was a fish, reptile or turtle food long before invert keepers picked it up, and some customers buy it for exactly those animals. This page gathers the foods that suit reptiles, aquatic turtles and terrapins, and aquarium and pond fish: dried insects, whole dried fish and shrimp, freeze-dried daphnia, flakes, wafers, floating sticks and gel diets you mix at home. For reptiles and turtles they are extras and treats on top of a complete diet; for fish, the flakes and wafers can carry more of the everyday feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReptiles\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInsect-eating lizards that will take food that isn't moving, bearded dragons among them, often eat \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/dried-calciworms-for-inverts\"\u003edried calciworms\u003c\/a\u003e as an extra. Black soldier fly larvae (\u003cem\u003eHermetia illucens\u003c\/em\u003e) carry many times the calcium of mealworms, and a few minutes in warm water softens them. If your reptile eats live insects, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003eRepashy Bug Burger\u003c\/a\u003e feeds and waters crickets, roaches and mealworms from one tub, so they are well fed when they go in. For live help inside the vivarium, see our guide to a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/bearded-dragon-clean-up-crew\"\u003eclean-up crew for bearded dragons\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTurtles and terrapins\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA complete turtle pellet is the everyday food, with greens for the species that eat plants. On top of that, whole dried shrimp, daphnia, silkworm pupae, calciworms and dried fish such as sprats and anchovies are the treats most aquatic turtles take eagerly. Break the larger pieces up for young animals, and keep treats to a small share of what goes into the water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium and pond fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFlakes and floating sticks feed at the surface; sinking wafers and Repashy Bottom Scratcher reach corydoras, plecos, loaches and freshwater shrimp on the bottom; daphnia and freeze-dried peas add variety. Feed what your fish clear in a couple of minutes and lift out anything left.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGuides\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo guides go further: \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/articles-not-isopod-related\/what-is-daphnia\"\u003ewhat daphnia is and which animals eat it\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/articles-not-isopod-related\/calciworms-vs-mealworms\"\u003ecalciworms against mealworms\u003c\/a\u003e, with the calcium numbers behind the comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuestions keepers ask\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan turtles eat dried shrimp?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, as a treat. Whole dried shrimp are a favourite with most aquatic turtles and terrapins, but they are not a complete diet, so keep a turtle pellet as the staple and offer shrimp on top.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre dried calciworms good for reptiles?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey are a useful extra for reptiles that accept dried food: unlike mealworms, black soldier fly larvae have a positive calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. Most insect-eating reptiles still prefer live prey, so treat them as a supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I feed these foods to chickens?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. UK feed rules restrict the animal protein farmed birds can be given, and that includes backyard hens, so we do not sell our dried insects, shrimp or fish for poultry.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan garden birds have calciworms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, in small amounts from a dish or bird table. Soak them in spring and summer, when adults may carry them to chicks, and clear any left by dusk: hedgehog rescues advise against calciworms and mealworms for hedgehogs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rest of our food shelf, chosen for isopods, millipedes, springtails and roaches, is in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/foods-and-supplements\"\u003einvertebrate food and supplements\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"pond-sticks-mix-1l","title":"Pond Sticks Mix 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eA high-quality blend of ultralight floating sticks made from wheat, soya, wheat germ, spirulina, and paprika - packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals that isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches absolutely love.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePond sticks are a staple food in the invert hobby, and for good reason. They're easy to break up and scatter across your enclosure, absorb moisture quickly to create a soft texture your inverts can readily feed on, and they won't mould as fast as fresh foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy These Sticks?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProtein-rich (18%)\u003c\/strong\u003e to support growth and breeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpirulina \u0026amp; paprika\u003c\/strong\u003e provide extra nutrients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWheat germ\u003c\/strong\u003e for easy digestibility\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eContains essential vitamins, minerals, and trace elements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUltralight formula breaks down and softens quickly when misted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA varied mix of stick types for a more balanced diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSimply scatter a few sticks into your enclosure and lightly mist them. Replace any uneaten food after a couple of days to keep things fresh. Great as a regular part of a varied diet alongside leaf litter, vegetables, and other protein sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePond sticks are a versatile protein source that works across the hobby - ideal for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e, millipedes, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e alike. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for leaf litter, calcium sources, and the other components of a complete invert diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Pond Fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFloating pond sticks are a standard food for goldfish and koi, and that is where these came from. Feed what the fish clear in a few minutes, and less as the water cools in autumn. More pond and aquarium foods are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g of sticks. Ultralight sticks take up more room than they weigh, so a pack this size runs to a lot of feeds once you break them small.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56925249077630,"sku":null,"price":1.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/pond-sticks-mix-100g-5647303.jpg?v=1771068437"},{"product_id":"insect-granules-100g","title":"Insect Granules 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003ePremium, high-protein granules built around mealworm meal and herring meal - an excellent supplementary protein source for isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith a massive 44% crude protein content, these small 1mm granules are ideal for supporting growth, breeding, and overall colony health. The insect-based formula uses mealworm meal as its primary ingredient, making it a natural and highly digestible protein source that your inverts will readily feed on.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy These Granules?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e44% protein\u003c\/strong\u003e - one of the highest protein contents you'll find in a supplementary invert food\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMealworm \u0026amp; herring meal based\u003c\/strong\u003e - a far more natural protein source than generic fillers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnriched with betaine, beta-glucan, and amino acids\u003c\/strong\u003e to support health and vitality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKelp \u0026amp; brewer's yeast\u003c\/strong\u003e provide additional vitamins and minerals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEssential vitamins A, D3, E, and C plus trace elements including iron, zinc, and manganese\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSmall 1mm granule size - easy to scatter and readily eaten by inverts of all sizes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eScatter a small amount into your enclosure. The granules will soften when misted, making them easy for your colony to feed on. Remove any uneaten food after a couple of days. Best used as part of a varied diet alongside leaf litter, vegetables, and other food sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur article on \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-insects-to-your-isopods\"\u003efeeding insects and protein to your isopods\u003c\/a\u003e covers where meal-based insect foods like this sit in the protein rotation and how often each species wants them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e, millipedes, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e - a protein boost that supports breeding and growth across the hobby. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for leaf litter, calcium sources, and the other components of a complete invert diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSmall fish take these too. At 1mm they suit tropical community fish and young fish, and insects make up a large part of what many small fish eat in the wild. Feed what they clear in a couple of minutes. The rest of our fish, turtle and reptile foods are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNutritional Analysis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrude protein 44% | Crude fat 2% | Crude fibre 6.5% | Moisture 8%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMealworm meal, herring meal, whole wheat, hydrolysed fish protein, corn, potatoes, brewer's yeast, kelp.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g of 1mm granules. Granules this fine spread thinly, so a light scattering covers an enclosure and the pot goes further than its weight suggests.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56925381329278,"sku":null,"price":3.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/insect-granules-100g-3681887.jpg?v=1771444757"},{"product_id":"spirulina-forte-flakes-100g","title":"Spirulina Forte Flakes 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003ePremium flakes with a minimum of 30% \u003cem\u003eSpirulina platensis\u003c\/em\u003e algae - a nutrient-dense superfood supplement for isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpirulina is widely regarded as one of the best supplements you can offer your invert colony. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that support immune health, promote growth, and help keep your inverts in top condition. These flakes deliver all of that in an easy-to-use format with an impressive 47% crude protein content.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Spirulina Flakes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum 30% Spirulina platensis\u003c\/strong\u003e - a blue-green algae rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e47% crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e - excellent for supporting growth, breeding, and moulting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrebiotic effect\u003c\/strong\u003e - supports healthy gut function and digestion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich in vitamins A, D3, E, and C\u003c\/strong\u003e for overall health and immune support\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlso contains cereals, fish and crustacean by-products, vegetables, yeasts, and oils for a well-rounded nutritional profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlake format is easy to crumble and scatter - softens quickly when misted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrumble a small pinch of flakes into your enclosure and give them a light mist. The flakes will soften and your inverts will readily feed on them. Remove any uneaten food after a couple of days. Works brilliantly alongside other foods like leaf litter, pond sticks, vegetables, and protein sources for a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-spirulina\"\u003efeeding isopods spirulina\u003c\/a\u003e explains what it does and does not do, colour included, and how small a pinch each week needs to be.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e, millipedes, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e - spirulina is particularly valued as a protein and mineral top-up for overall condition. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-and-supplements\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for the other components of a varied invert diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSpirulina flakes are a standard food for plant-eating aquarium fish and for goldfish, fed alongside a general flake rather than instead of one. A pinch they finish in a couple of minutes is plenty. Foods for other fish, turtles and reptiles are collected on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNutritional Analysis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrude protein 47% | Crude fat 4% | Crude fibre 3%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCereals, spirulina (min. 30%), fish and fish by-products, molluscs and crustaceans, vegetables and vegetable by-products, yeasts, oils and fats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g of flakes. Spirulina is best offered sparingly, and a weekly pinch across a shelf of tubs makes very little impression on a pot this size.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56925384671614,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/spirulina-forte-flakes-100g-8271423.jpg?v=1771444752"},{"product_id":"tropical-fish-flakes-100g","title":"Tropical Fish Flakes 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eA high-protein, multi-vitamin flake mix made with fish meal, plankton, algae, and lecithin - a fantastic all-round supplementary food for isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a blend of 7 different flake types, giving your colony a varied mix of nutrients in every serving. With 47% crude protein and a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, these flakes are great for supporting growth, breeding, and moulting across your collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy These Flakes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e47% crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e - excellent for supporting colony growth and reproduction\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e7 different flake types\u003c\/strong\u003e in the mix for a diverse nutritional profile\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlankton \u0026amp; algae\u003c\/strong\u003e provide natural vitamins and trace elements\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLecithin\u003c\/strong\u003e supports healthy digestion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePacked with vitamins\u003c\/strong\u003e - A, D3, E, C, B2, B12, and K3\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEssential minerals\u003c\/strong\u003e including calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and zinc\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to crumble and scatter, and softens on its own in a humid enclosure\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrumble a small pinch of flakes onto the substrate or a small dish and leave them dry: they take up moisture from the enclosure on their own, and wetting them first only makes them clump and mould sooner. Remove any uneaten food after a couple of days. Best used as part of a varied diet alongside leaf litter, vegetables, pond sticks, and other protein sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-fish-flakes\"\u003efeeding fish flakes to isopods\u003c\/a\u003e covers portion sizes and how often each species wants them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA reliable everyday protein source for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e, millipedes, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e alike. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for leaf litter, calcium sources, and the other components of a complete invert diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Tropical Fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a tropical fish food first, seven flake types that community fish take readily. Feed a pinch they clear in two or three minutes, once or twice a day, and net out anything left. Other foods for fish, turtles and reptiles are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNutritional Analysis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrude protein 47% | Crude fat 8% | Crude fibre 2%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFish meal, wheat flour, vegetable protein concentrate, dried yeast, plankton, algae, oils and fats, lecithin, antioxidants and colourants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g of mixed flakes. Seven flake types in a single pot, fed by the pinch, adds up to hundreds of small servings before you see the bottom.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56925387686270,"sku":null,"price":3.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/tropical-fish-flakes-100g-1965639.jpg?v=1771444748"},{"product_id":"vegetable-flakes-with-spirulina-100g","title":"Vegetable Flakes with Spirulina 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eNutritious vegetable-based flakes enriched with spirulina algae, plankton, spinach, garlic, and lecithin - a great plant-heavy supplement for isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile many invert foods focus on protein, it's just as important to offer your colony plant-based nutrition. These flakes provide exactly that, with a rich vegetable formula boosted by spirulina for immune support and a solid 40% crude protein content to keep things balanced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy These Flakes?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpirulina algae\u003c\/strong\u003e - a natural superfood that supports immune health and overall condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e40% crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e - a well-balanced level that complements higher-protein foods in a varied diet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpinach \u0026amp; garlic\u003c\/strong\u003e provide additional plant-based vitamins and nutrients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLecithin\u003c\/strong\u003e aids healthy digestion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMulti-vitamin complex\u003c\/strong\u003e - vitamins A, D3, E, and C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy to crumble and scatter - softens quickly when misted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrumble a small pinch of flakes into your enclosure and give them a light mist. They'll soften up and your inverts will readily feed on them. Remove any uneaten food after a couple of days. A great addition to a varied diet alongside leaf litter, pond sticks, protein sources, and fresh vegetables.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-spirulina\"\u003efeeding isopods spirulina\u003c\/a\u003e covers what the spirulina in these flakes brings to a colony and how sparingly to offer it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese plant-heavy flakes are a useful way to balance the protein-rich foods in your colony's diet - ideal for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e, millipedes, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-and-supplements\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for the other components of a complete invert diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlant-heavy flakes like these suit fish that graze, mollies and platies among them, as part of a mixed diet with a general flake. Feed a pinch they clear in a couple of minutes. Our other fish, turtle and reptile foods are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNutritional Analysis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrude protein 40% | Crude fat 8% | Crude fibre 2%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g of flakes. A crumbled pinch goes a long way, so one pot keeps the plant half of your feeding rotation stocked for months.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56925392339326,"sku":null,"price":3.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/vegetable-flakes-with-spirulina-100g-2648338.jpg?v=1771444751"},{"product_id":"spirulina-algae-wafers-100g","title":"Spirulina Algae Wafers 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003ePremium 15mm algae wafers enriched with \u003cem\u003eSpirulina platensis\u003c\/em\u003e, a dense, long-lasting food that isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches love to gather around and graze on over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlgae wafers are a brilliant addition to any invert enclosure. Unlike flakes that break down quickly, these solid 15mm discs hold their shape and soften gradually when misted, giving your colony something to congregate around and feed on over a longer period. They're high in fibre for easy digestibility, and the spirulina content provides a natural boost of vitamins and nutrients.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Algae Wafers?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpirulina platensis (min. 6%)\u003c\/strong\u003e: supports immune health and provides natural vitamins and minerals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e34% crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e, solid protein content in a plant-heavy formula\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHigh fibre (5%)\u003c\/strong\u003e: promotes healthy digestion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich vitamin profile\u003c\/strong\u003e: vitamins A, D3, E, and C in generous quantities\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e15mm wafer format\u003c\/strong\u003e, holds together well in the enclosure, softens gradually when misted, and gives your inverts something to cluster around\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGreat for leaving in as a slow-release food source between regular feedings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlace one or two wafers into your enclosure and give them a mist. They'll soften over time and your inverts will graze on them. Replace any uneaten wafers after a couple of days. Works well as part of a varied diet alongside leaf litter, flakes, pond sticks, vegetables, and other protein sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur article on \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-algae-pellets\"\u003efeeding isopods algae pellets\u003c\/a\u003e covers this kind of spirulina-rich food in detail, from breaking pieces up for small mouths to clearing leftovers before they mould. The \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oak-algae-wafers-100g\"\u003eoak and algae wafers\u003c\/a\u003e add oak bark for wood-eating species, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pleco-wafers-100g\"\u003epleco wafers\u003c\/a\u003e carry more protein; the three are different answers to the same slow-release feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe slow-release format makes these particularly handy for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e, millipedes, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e, leave a wafer in and your colony will graze on it over several days. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-and-supplements\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for the other components of a varied invert diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor the Aquarium\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlgae wafers started as a food for plecos and other bottom-feeding fish, and they still suit them, along with freshwater shrimp and snails: a wafer that sinks and holds together overnight is what a nocturnal grazer needs. The rest of our aquarium foods sit on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNutritional Analysis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrude protein 34% | Crude fat 6% | Crude fibre 5%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g of 15mm wafers. One disc misted and left in will feed a colony over several days, so the pack empties slowly even with several tubs on the go.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56925395353982,"sku":null,"price":2.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/spirulina-algae-wafers-100g-4896109.jpg?v=1771444755"},{"product_id":"oak-algae-wafers-100g","title":"Oak \u0026 Algae Wafers","description":"\u003cp\u003eLarge, thick wafers made with oak bark, spirulina, wheat germ, herring meal, and alfalfa, a superb food for isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches, and particularly well suited to wood-eating species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes these wafers stand out is the inclusion of oak bark, which provides cellulose, an important dietary component for wood-eating invertebrates. Many isopod species naturally consume decaying wood as a key part of their diet, and these wafers deliver that in a convenient, nutrient-dense format. At 17mm x 3mm, they're chunky and dense, holding together well in the enclosure and giving your colony something substantial to graze on over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy These Wafers?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOak bark\u003c\/strong\u003e: provides cellulose, essential for wood-eating inverts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e38.3% crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e, strong protein content for growth and breeding\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpirulina\u003c\/strong\u003e: supports immune health and overall condition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWheat germ\u003c\/strong\u003e: an excellent source of fibre, fatty acids, and essential nutrients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlfalfa (lucerne)\u003c\/strong\u003e: adds plant-based nutrition and additional fibre\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich in vitamins\u003c\/strong\u003e: A, D3, E, and C in generous amounts\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge 17mm x 3mm wafer\u003c\/strong\u003e: dense and long-lasting, softens gradually when misted\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePlace one or two wafers into your enclosure and give them a mist. They'll soften over time and your inverts will gather around and graze on them. Replace any uneaten wafers after a couple of days. A fantastic complement to leaf litter, flakes, pond sticks, vegetables, and other protein sources.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor how best to offer a dense food like this, our article on \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-algae-pellets\"\u003efeeding isopods algae pellets\u003c\/a\u003e covers portioning, feeding spots and removing anything uneaten. If you want the same slow-release format without the oak bark, the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/spirulina-algae-wafers-100g\"\u003espirulina algae wafers\u003c\/a\u003e are the plant-heavy version and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pleco-wafers-100g\"\u003epleco wafers\u003c\/a\u003e the high-protein one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe oak bark content makes these particularly well suited to wood-eating \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipedes\u003c\/a\u003e, which naturally rely on decaying wood in their diet. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for leaf litter, rotting wood, and the other components of a complete invert diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Fish and Shrimp\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are aquarium wafers at heart, and plecos, other algae-grazing catfish, freshwater shrimp and snails all take them. Feed what the tank clears overnight and lift out what is left. More foods for fish, turtles and reptiles are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNutritional Analysis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrude protein 38.3% | Crude fat 3.7% | Crude fibre 3.2%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHerring meal, soya, wheat, mycoprotein, wheat germ, spirulina, alfalfa, oak bark, zeolite, minerals, rosemary extract, tocopherols, colourants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAvailable in 100g and 250g bags of 17mm x 3mm wafers. The smaller bag suits a handful of tubs and will still take months to work through, since a wafer or two at a time is all a colony needs. The 250g is for larger collections, or for anyone who has already decided these are a fixture and would sooner not reorder every few months. Sealed and kept somewhere dry and dark, the wafers hold condition for a long time, so the bigger bag is not a gamble on freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"100g","offer_id":57996729778558,"sku":null,"price":3.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"250g","offer_id":57996729811326,"sku":null,"price":6.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/oak-algae-wafers-100g-8846879.jpg?v=1771444751"},{"product_id":"dried-shrimp-100g","title":"Dried Shrimp for Turtles, Fish \u0026 Inverts 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003e100% natural sun-dried shrimp, a high-protein treat that isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches go absolutely mad for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDried shrimp are one of the best protein sources you can offer your invert colony. With up to 62% crude protein, they provide a massive nutritional boost that supports growth, breeding, and healthy moulting. They're also rich in chitin, a natural substance that aids digestion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Dried Shrimp?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUp to 62% crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e: one of the highest protein foods you can offer your colony\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% natural\u003c\/strong\u003e, whole shrimp, sun-dried using a delicate process that preserves maximum nutrients\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich in chitin\u003c\/strong\u003e: a natural fibre that helps regulate digestion\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasily absorbed proteins\u003c\/strong\u003e: your colony gets more out of every feed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA firm favourite across all species: your inverts will swarm these\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrop a few dried shrimp into your enclosure. Your inverts will find them quickly and gather around to feed. They can be offered whole or broken into smaller pieces for smaller species or mancae. Remove any uneaten shrimp after a couple of days. Best used as a protein supplement alongside leaf litter, calcium sources, flakes, vegetables, and other foods as part of a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA high-value protein treat for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e, millipedes, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e, particularly useful for fuelling breeding colonies. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for the leaf litter, calcium, and other foods that make up a complete varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-shrimp\"\u003efeeding shrimp to your isopods\u003c\/a\u003e goes deeper on frequency by species and why shrimp shells deliver a calcium bonus that insect protein cannot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Turtles, Terrapins and Fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhole dried shrimp are one of the classic treats for aquatic turtles and terrapins, and most take them eagerly. They're a treat rather than a diet, so keep a complete turtle pellet as the staple and offer shrimp on top. Larger aquarium and pond fish, cichlids and koi among them, take them too. We sell these as animal food, not for the kitchen, and not for chickens or other poultry, where UK feed rules restrict animal protein. More foods for turtles, fish and reptiles are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNutritional Analysis\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrude protein up to 62% | Crude fat 4.5% | Crude fibre 4.7%\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g of whole shrimp. You are dropping in only a few at a time, fewer still when they are broken up for smaller species, so the bag runs to a long stretch of protein feeds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57139605143934,"sku":null,"price":3.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/dried-shrimp-100g-9724967.jpg?v=1774025177"},{"product_id":"dried-large-sprats-100g","title":"Dried Large Sprats 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003e100% natural dried whole sprats, a protein-packed, omega-rich treat that makes an excellent supplementary food for isopods, millipedes, and cockroaches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDried sprats are small whole fish from the herring family, gently dehydrated to preserve their nutritional content. With an impressive 70.4% crude protein and a rich supply of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, they're one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can offer your colony. They also contain all essential amino acids for complete nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Dried Sprats?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e70.4% crude protein\u003c\/strong\u003e, an exceptionally high protein content to support growth, breeding, and moulting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e100% natural\u003c\/strong\u003e, whole dried sprats with nothing else added\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRich in Omega-3 \u0026amp; Omega-6 fatty acids\u003c\/strong\u003e: promotes overall health and vitality\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAll essential amino acids\u003c\/strong\u003e: provides complete, balanced protein\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge size\u003c\/strong\u003e: can be broken into smaller pieces or left whole for your colony to gather around and graze on over time\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBreak a sprat into smaller chunks and scatter them into your enclosure, or leave one whole and let your colony cluster around it. They're a firm favourite and you'll often find your inverts swarming them. Remove any uneaten fish after a couple of days. Best used as a protein supplement alongside leaf litter, calcium sources, flakes, vegetables, and other foods as part of a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA high-value protein treat for \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e, millipedes, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e, particularly useful for fuelling breeding colonies. For a small isopod tub, our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-anchovies-100g\"\u003edried anchovies\u003c\/a\u003e are the same whole fish at a size a colony clears before it turns. Browse our full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for the leaf litter, calcium, and other foods that make up a complete varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Turtles and Terrapins\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA whole dried fish is a natural treat for the aquatic turtles and terrapins that scavenge fish in the wild, and larger animals will take a sprat whole; break it up for smaller ones. Treat it as an extra on top of a complete turtle pellet, not a replacement for it. Not for poultry: UK feed rules limit the animal protein farmed birds can be given. Other foods for turtles, fish and reptiles are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePlease Note\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese are large whole sprats. They do have a strong fishy smell, which is completely normal and part of what makes them so attractive to your inverts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eIngredients\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100% dried whole sprats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSize\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g of whole sprats. One fish broken up occupies a tub for days, so a bag this size covers a great many feeds; sealing it between them keeps the smell in the bag.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57139609502078,"sku":null,"price":3.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/dried-large-sprats-100g-2821075.jpg?v=1774025177"},{"product_id":"ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g","title":"Ultra Tropical Fish Flakes 100g","description":"\u003ch2\u003eUltra Tropical Fish Flakes: Premium Protein Supplement for Isopods, Millipedes \u0026amp; Snails\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA super premium, insect-based, high-protein flake food originally formulated for tropical fish, and one of the best protein supplements you can offer to isopods, millipedes, snails, and other invertebrates. The rich blend of insect meal, shrimp, herring meal, and salmon oil provides the kind of dense, easily digestible protein that detritivores need for healthy growth, strong moulting, and consistent breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e100g resealable bag, a small amount goes a long way for invertebrate feeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Fish Flakes for Invertebrates?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eExperienced isopod and millipede keepers have used high-quality fish flakes as a protein source for years, and for good reason. Detritivorous invertebrates need protein for growth, moulting, and reproduction, but in the wild, they get this from a varied diet of decaying organic matter, dead insects, fungi, and biofilms. In captivity, you need to actively supplement protein, and fish flakes are one of the most efficient ways to do it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis particular blend stands out from generic fish food for several reasons:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInsect meal as the protein base.\u003c\/strong\u003e Most cheap fish flakes use generic fish meal as their protein source. This formula replaces it with insect meal, fish hydrolysate, herring meal, and brewer's yeast, all higher-quality protein sources that more closely match what invertebrates would consume in the wild. Insect meal in particular is biologically appropriate for detritivores.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e46.2% crude protein.\u003c\/strong\u003e Significantly higher than standard fish flakes. For invertebrates, this means a small amount goes a long way. You only need to offer pinches at a time, and your isopods will respond enthusiastically.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOmega-3, Omega-6, and Omega-9 fatty acids.\u003c\/strong\u003e Important for healthy moulting and shell development in isopods and shell maintenance in snails. The 0.84% Omega-3, 1% Omega-6, and 2.23% Omega-9 content provides a balanced fatty acid profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpirulina, garlic, paprika, and curcuma.\u003c\/strong\u003e Natural ingredients that add broad-spectrum nutrition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWide vitamin and amino acid range.\u003c\/strong\u003e The full nutritional spectrum (Vitamin A, D3, E, C, lysine, methionine, betaine, beta-glucan, etc.) means this isn't just a protein hit. It's a complete supplementary food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhich Invertebrates Benefit?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsopods.\u003c\/strong\u003e All species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopod collection\u003c\/a\u003e benefit from regular protein supplementation. Demanding species like premium \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cubaris-isopods\"\u003eCubaris\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/ardentiella-isopods\"\u003eArdentiella\u003c\/a\u003e particularly need consistent protein for healthy moulting and breeding, losing animals to moulting failure from protein deficiency is a real and avoidable risk in expensive colonies. Hardier species like \u003ca href=\"\/products\/porcellio-scaber-mix-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giant-orange-isopods\"\u003eGiant Orange (P. laevis)\u003c\/a\u003e show stronger breeding response with regular protein supplementation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMillipedes.\u003c\/strong\u003e Larger species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipede collection\u003c\/a\u003e. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/african-giant-chocolate-millipede-ophistreptus-guineensis\"\u003eChocolate Millipedes\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ghana-olive-millipedes-telodeinopus-aoutii\"\u003eGhana Speckled Leg\u003c\/a\u003e, and other giants, appreciate occasional protein offerings. Most millipedes are primarily detritivores, but a small amount of fish flake once a week supports growth and reproduction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSnails.\u003c\/strong\u003e Both \u003ca href=\"\/products\/rodatzi-giant-african-land-snails\"\u003eRodatzi GALS\u003c\/a\u003e and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/pink-lipped-giant-african-land-snails-lissachatina-immaculata-panthera\"\u003ePink Lipped Panthera\u003c\/a\u003e benefit from protein supplementation 1-2 times weekly. \u003ca href=\"\/products\/unicorn-snails-subulina-octona\"\u003eUnicorn Snails\u003c\/a\u003e and other small species can also be offered tiny amounts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpringtails.\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003eSpringtail cultures\u003c\/a\u003e respond strongly to protein-rich foods. Crushed flakes added to substrate boost springtail population growth significantly, useful when establishing new cultures or boosting existing ones.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockroaches.\u003c\/strong\u003e Species in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroach collection\u003c\/a\u003e are omnivorous and readily consume fish flakes as part of a varied diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Feed\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor isopods:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crush a small pinch of flakes between your fingers and scatter on the substrate or place on a small dish. A pinch is enough for a colony of 20-30 isopods. Offer 2-3 times per week. Don't overfeed, uneaten protein in humid enclosures spoils quickly and attracts mites and fruit flies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor millipedes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Place a small amount on a flat surface near where they're active. Offer once per week as a supplement to their primary leaf litter and rotting wood diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor snails:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crumble a small amount and place on the substrate or mix into a vegetable serving. Offer 1-2 times per week.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor springtails:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sprinkle a small pinch directly onto the substrate. Springtails will rapidly colonise and break down the flakes, which both feeds them and accelerates substrate microbiome development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGeneral principle:\u003c\/strong\u003e Less is more. A small pinch is enough. These flakes are dense and concentrated. Overfeeding causes mould and pest issues that can damage the entire enclosure. Better to offer small amounts more frequently than large amounts that go uneaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eStore the bag sealed and in a cool, dry place. Fish flakes can absorb moisture and develop mould if left open in humid environments. The 100g size will typically last several months for a small invertebrate collection, protein is offered in tiny amounts compared to fish feeding, so the bag goes much further.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eComposition\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInsect meal, fish hydrolysate, herring meal, brewer's yeast, wheat, wheat gluten, soya, shrimp hydrolysate, potato starch, salmon oil, garlic, shrimp, curcuma, crab eggs, carob, spirulina, carrot, paprika.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAnalytical constituents:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude protein: 46.2%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude oils and fat: 8.3%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude fibre: 1.4%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCrude ash: 5.4%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMoisture: 5.4%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKey vitamins and supplements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Vitamin A (25,700 IU\/kg), Vitamin D3 (1,500 IU\/kg), Vitamin E (100 mg\/kg), Vitamin C (450 mg\/kg), L-Lysine (500 mg\/kg), DL-Methionine (500 mg\/kg), Betaine (2,000 mg\/kg), Beta-glucan (500 mg\/kg), L-carnitine (50 mg\/kg).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFatty acids:\u003c\/strong\u003e Omega-3 (0.84%), Omega-6 (1%), Omega-9 (2.23%).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTrace minerals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Iron (85 mg\/kg), Iodine (0.6 mg\/kg), Copper (4 mg\/kg), Manganese (17 mg\/kg), Zinc (23 mg\/kg).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Aquarium Fish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore any isopod ate one, these were tropical fish flakes, and they still work as one: a pinch your fish clear in a couple of minutes is the right amount. More fish, turtle and reptile foods are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor a complete invertebrate diet:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuttlebone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e: essential calcium for moulting and shell health\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/malawi-light-limestone-for-inverts\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMalawi Limestone\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e: passive calcium and habitat enrichment\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/flake-soil\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlake Soil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e: fermented hardwood substrate for fibre and detritivore nutrition\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/kinshi-made-with-lions-mane-mushroom\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKinshi\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e: mushroom mycelium for tropical species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMagnolia Leaves\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e: primary leaf litter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBamboo Leaf Litter\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e: structural leaf cover\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"\/products\/asian-leaf-mix\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAsian Leaf Mix\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e: premium native leaves for tropical species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOur guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-fish-flakes\"\u003efeeding fish flakes to isopods\u003c\/a\u003e covers how much and how often, and for more on building balanced invertebrate diets, see our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/setting-up-selecting-your-first-isopods\"\u003esetting up guide\u003c\/a\u003e. Browse the full \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for everything else needed to keep your invertebrates thriving.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57337652740478,"sku":null,"price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g-1320724.jpg?v=1777659560"},{"product_id":"dried-daphnia-100g","title":"Dried Daphnia 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eThese are whole animals, freeze-dried, and nothing else. Not a formulated recipe pressed into flakes but the daphnia themselves with the structure intact, which is the reason they work as well as they do in an invertebrate enclosure. Freeze-drying also removes the one real drawback of live food: there is no parasite or pathogen risk to introduce alongside the meal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe numbers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFifty per cent crude protein, ten per cent oils and fats, seven per cent fibre and eighteen per cent ash. The fibre figure is chitin from the shells, and the ash covers the mineral fraction of the whole animal. For an animal that rebuilds its cuticle every few weeks, protein and chitin arriving together in one mouthful is a sensible thing to offer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWorth noting against the obvious comparison: this is higher in protein than our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/ultra-tropical-fish-flakes-100g\"\u003efish flakes\u003c\/a\u003e, at fifty per cent against forty-six, and considerably higher in fibre. The flakes are the denser, chewier option; daphnia is the lighter one that gets broken down faster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho takes it\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIsopods across the board, and the larger \u003ca href=\"\/products\/giant-orange-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/a\u003e in particular, since fast-growing species get through the most. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003eMillipedes\u003c\/a\u003e take it readily. Snails will clear it. Springtails work over whatever falls into the litter, which gives the fines at the bottom of the bag a useful second life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOutside the invert world, daphnia was a fish food long before it was an isopod one. Most aquarium fish take it, from small community species to goldfish, and keepers use it as a light extra between meals of flake or pellet: feed a pinch the fish clear in a couple of minutes. Young aquatic turtles and terrapins take it too, as a treat on top of a complete pellet. Freeze-dried daphnia weighs next to nothing, so 100g is a great deal of it and one bag goes a long way for a tank or two. More foods for fish, turtles and reptiles are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA pinch will do. Not a spoonful. Put it on bark or a jar lid instead of directly onto wet substrate, twice a week at most, and clear whatever remains next day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDo not overfeed this one. Dried daphnia sitting in a warm humid enclosure will take up moisture and grow mould inside a day. The rule that works is small amounts cleared within twelve to twenty-four hours, never large portions left to sit. If you are seeing fuzz regularly, the colony is telling you it wants less.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCalcium\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDaphnia shells are thin, so treat this as a protein and chitin food rather than a calcium source. For calcium, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003ecuttlebone\u003c\/a\u003e should simply live in the enclosure, and treat the daphnia as the supplement it is.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eResealed, cool and dark. Humidity and warmth are what spoil it, so a cupboard, not the shelf beside the enclosure, and press the air out of the bag before sealing. Stored that way it holds its condition for a long time, and 100g typically lasts a small collection six months or more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat to pair it with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003eMagnolia leaves\u003c\/a\u003e and rotted wood remain the foundation of the diet, with everything here sitting on top of that.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor fish, turtles and inverts alike, our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/articles-not-isopod-related\/what-is-daphnia\"\u003ewhat daphnia is and how to feed it\u003c\/a\u003e covers soaking, portions and storage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDry goods travel alongside everything else in the order, overnight and tracked, leaving us early in the week.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57337667682686,"sku":null,"price":4.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/dried-daphnia-100g-5584689.jpg?v=1777659558"},{"product_id":"dried-silkworm-pupae-100g","title":"Dried Silkworm Pupae 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eA dried silkworm pupa is a whole animal. Brown, oblong, roughly the size of a large coffee bean, and recognisably the thing it was before the water came out of it. Being a whole animal is the point of them and not a drawback. A milled or formulated protein hands over the protein and very little else, while an intact organism arrives with its chitin shell wrapped around a fat-rich interior, which is far closer to the shape of food a detritivore evolved to break down. Ours arrive in bulk and we pack them into a resealable bag.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe analysis is where they separate from the other protein foods we stock. Crude protein sits at 48%, crude fat at 27%, crude fibre at 8% and ash at 13%. The fat figure is the one worth looking at, since little else on our feeding shelf comes near it. Gravid females and fast-growing juveniles need energy, not only amino acids. The 8% fibre is largely chitin, the same compound the animals eating it build their own shells from, and it is the part a powdered feed cannot give them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProtein-hungry species are the obvious users. Large \u003cem\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003ePorcellionides\u003c\/em\u003e go through pupae readily, and both are prone to turning on their own soft moulting animals when protein runs short. Millipedes benefit for the reason any large-bodied animal does, since they have a great deal of body to build and leaf litter alone is slow going. Roaches swarm them within minutes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOffer them sparingly and broken up. One or two whole pupae will do for twenty or thirty isopods, or crush a pupa between your fingers and scatter the pieces so smaller animals can get at the inside. Once a week is enough for most colonies, twice while conditioning for breeding. The fat that makes them useful also makes them the quickest of the dry foods to spoil, so put out only what will be eaten inside a day and lift out anything left the following morning. A dense springtail population in the same enclosure will graze the crumbs and the soft mould on them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSilkworm pupae were a koi food long before they were an invert one, and pond fish still take them eagerly. Aquatic turtles and terrapins treat them the same way. With 27% fat they are an occasional extra for any of them, never the main meal, and being dried insects they can't legally go to chickens or other poultry in the UK. The foods that suit fish, turtles and reptiles are gathered on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRotation beats repetition. These sit at the rich end of a feeding week, not in the middle of it, with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/freeze-dried-peas\"\u003efreeze-dried peas\u003c\/a\u003e covering the plant protein and fibre side and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003eRepashy Bug Burger\u003c\/a\u003e carrying the soft, wet part of the week. None of it stands in for calcium, which wants to be permanently available, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/cuttlebone-100g\"\u003ecuttlebone\u003c\/a\u003e worked through the substrate is the simplest way to handle that. Store the bag sealed somewhere cool and dry, since dried pupae draw moisture from humid air and will mould in the packet. Our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/what-do-isopods-eat\"\u003ewhat isopods eat\u003c\/a\u003e puts the whole diet in order, and the rest is in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-and-supplements\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57337731187070,"sku":null,"price":3.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/dried-silkworm-pupae-100g-4574521.jpg?v=1777659556"},{"product_id":"repashy-superfoods-bug-burger","title":"Repashy SuperFoods Bug Burger","description":"\u003cp\u003eRepashy SuperFoods Bug Burger is a calcium-fortified gel premix, made in the USA by Repashy Ventures, and it does two jobs well. First, it works as a complete diet for feeder insects such as crickets, roaches and mealworms, feeding and hydrating them in one go so you can drop the separate water dish along with the mould and drowning that tend to come with it. Second, it is a useful supplementary food for isopods, millipedes and the other detritivore cleanup crews that quietly keep a bioactive setup ticking over. It was designed with feeders in mind, but that second use has made it a firm favourite with invert keepers too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThat makes it a handy tub to keep on the shelf whether you are running a feeder colony or looking after a display setup. If you breed insects to feed reptiles or amphibians, Bug Burger simplifies the daily routine and keeps the nutrition consistent. If your interest is inverts, it slots in alongside the leaf litter and rotting wood your \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e and millipedes live on, giving them a steady top-up of calcium and protein between the fresh scraps you offer. That extra calcium is welcome in a busy colony, where regular moulting keeps demand high. It is not meant to replace their primary diet, but it earns its place as a regular extra.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePreparing it is simple. It comes as a dry powder premix: add hot water, stir to a firm gel, and let it set. A little powder makes a large batch, so a tub goes a long way. Cut the set gel into cubes for a feeder colony, or drop small pieces into an isopod tub. Feeders will strip a cube quickly, so check it every couple of days; a tub of inverts works through it far more slowly. For cleanup crews it is one of the easiest ways to give consistent calcium and protein without daily fresh-food prep, and you should lift any leftovers before they spoil. If you want the detail on rates and how it fits an isopod colony, we have a full write-up in our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/repashy-bug-burger-for-isopods\"\u003eBug Burger for isopods guide\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you keep isopods as your main focus, you might pair it with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003eRepashy Morning Wood\u003c\/a\u003e, which is built around detritivore needs, or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-grub-pie\"\u003eRepashy Grub Pie\u003c\/a\u003e for a higher-protein option; you will find both alongside the rest of our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-and-supplements\"\u003eaccessories\u003c\/a\u003e. Because the mix stores as a dry powder, a sealed tub keeps cool and dry for a long time, so you can mix up small amounts whenever you need them and leave the rest on the shelf until the next batch.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eReptile keepers use it for exactly what it was made for. Crickets, locusts, roaches and mealworms eat it and drink from it, so they are fed and watered when they go into the vivarium, and a day or two on it before feeding off is what gut loading means in practice. It is an everyday diet rather than a last-day calcium load, so keep dusting with calcium the way your reptile's care sheet says. Everything we stock for reptiles, turtles and fish is gathered on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Repashy","offers":[{"title":"84g","offer_id":57362038653310,"sku":null,"price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"170g","offer_id":57362099208574,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"340g","offer_id":57362038686078,"sku":null,"price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger-7092423.jpg?v=1777918809"},{"product_id":"freeze-dried-peas","title":"Freeze-Dried Garden Peas","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ingredient list on these runs to one line: garden peas. Nothing is added, nothing comes out except the water, and there are no binders, preservatives, colourings or fillers in the bag. That matters more for detritivores than it does for most animals, because isopods, millipedes and springtails are working through a diet of leaf litter and rotting wood, and richer or more complex foods tend to sit uneaten, draw in mites and go over before anything has finished with them. I buy these in and bag them here, and nothing else happens to them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFreeze-drying pulls the water out at low temperature instead of cooking it off, which keeps the nutritional profile close to that of the fresh vegetable while leaving something that stores dry on a shelf. Fresh pea in a humid tub moulds inside a day; these sit out without turning, which is the practical gain. Peas run around 23% protein, which is high for a vegetable, and they bring useful fibre along with it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eProtein counts for more in a detritivore enclosure than the leaf-litter picture suggests, and where it runs short the animals find it in each other. Large \u003cem\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/em\u003e in particular will start on their own freshly moulted individuals before the new shell has hardened if there is nothing else going. Plant protein covers that gap without the spoilage that animal protein brings to a wet enclosure, so peas and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-silkworm-pupae-100g\"\u003edried silkworm pupae\u003c\/a\u003e tend to get used on different days, not in place of one another.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eCrush one or two to powder between fingertips and sprinkle the dust on the dry side of the enclosure. The fine particles give a colony more surface to graze and the response is usually quick. Left whole, a pea is light enough for an adult isopod to drag back under a piece of bark, and you will catch animals on their backs turning one as they eat through it. Either way they soften as they take up humidity from the enclosure, so nothing needs soaking first. Springtail cultures take the dust well, and roaches and millipedes take them crushed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThey are a supplement and not the foundation. Leaf litter is the foundation, and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003emagnolia leaves\u003c\/a\u003e are what I lay over most of our tubs because they hold their shape for months when damp. Offer peas once or twice a week in small amounts and pull anything still sitting there after two days, since overfeeding is what brings mites and fruit flies in. Keep the bag sealed in a cool dry cupboard. Leave it open in a steamy kitchen and you will be prising a solid block apart instead of shaking loose peas out. There is more in our guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-freeze-dried-fruit-and-vegetables\"\u003efeeding freeze-dried fruit and vegetables\u003c\/a\u003e, a wider look at \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/what-do-isopods-eat\"\u003ewhat isopods eat\u003c\/a\u003e, and the rest of the feeding range in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-and-supplements\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFish keepers use peas too. Softened in water with the skins pinched off, peas are a long-standing food for goldfish and other plant-eating fish, and a short soak brings these back. Other foods for fish, turtles and reptiles are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"50g","offer_id":57362103107966,"sku":null,"price":2.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":57362103140734,"sku":null,"price":4.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/freeze-dried-garden-peas-natural-plant-protein-for-isopods-millipedes-detritivores-8602034.jpg?v=1778269155"},{"product_id":"repashy-bottom-scratcher","title":"Repashy SuperFoods Bottom Scratcher - Invertivore Gel Premix","description":"\u003cp\u003eStart with the important part: this is an aquarium food, and for most people reading a PostPods page it is the wrong product. If you keep terrestrial isopods, \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-morning-wood\"\u003eMorning Wood\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-bug-burger\"\u003eBug Burger\u003c\/a\u003e is what you want. Bottom Scratcher is here for the aquatic side of the shelf, and it is very good at that job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat it is for\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInvertivorous fish, meaning the species that in the wild eat insects, snails, small shrimp and aquatic larvae rather than other fish. Corydoras, plecos, loaches, puffers and gobies. Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp. Dwarf crayfish. It sinks slowly and holds together on the bottom, which is where all of those animals feed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy it is unusual\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost every commercial fish food leans on fish meal for its protein. This one contains none at all. Every protein and fat in the formula comes from invertebrate sources, the four largest being krill meal, black soldier fly larvae meal, mussel meal and squid meal, with some forty supporting ingredients behind them including brewer's yeast, seaweed, kelp and rose hips.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe argument for that is simple. A corydoras does not encounter ground fish in a river. Matching the protein to what the animal actually evolved to eat is more likely to support breeding and long-term condition than simply keeping it alive on something convenient. A practical side effect: no fish meal means no fishy smell during preparation, which anyone who has made up a gel food will appreciate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe analysis runs 45% protein, 10% fat and 12% fibre.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eMaking it up\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBring water to a rolling boil and pour it into a heatproof bowl. Add powder immediately at one part powder to two or three parts water, whisking hard as it goes in. Two parts gives a firmer gel that holds longer on the bottom; three gives a softer one that breaks up faster for shrimp. Pour into a shallow tray and leave to set, which takes under an hour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThere is a second format worth knowing. Set the gel thin, then dry the sheet at around 65°C until it is firm right through and leathery. Dried through, it keeps for months in a sealed tub. Under-dried and sealed, it will mould, so err on the side of longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSealed and dry, the powder holds for a year. Made-up gel keeps about a fortnight refrigerated. Feed small amounts that get cleared, not large ones that sit, in an aquarium as much as anywhere else.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe rest of the range\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor anything terrestrial, the two products named in the opening paragraph are where to look. Both are built for detritivores; this one and \u003ca href=\"\/products\/repashy-superfoods-soilent-green\"\u003eSoilent Green\u003c\/a\u003e are aquatic foods that happen to share a shelf with them. The rest of the feeding kit is in \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you keep fish as well as inverts, this belongs with the wafers, flakes and daphnia on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePowders go out with the rest of what you have bought, tracked and overnight, posted Monday to Thursday.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Repashy","offers":[{"title":"85g","offer_id":57436317057406,"sku":null,"price":15.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"170g","offer_id":57436317090174,"sku":null,"price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"340g","offer_id":57436317122942,"sku":null,"price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/repashy-superfoods-bottom-scratcher-invertivore-gel-premix-6874124.webp?v=1779202687"},{"product_id":"dried-calciworms-for-inverts","title":"Dried Calciworms (Black Soldier Fly Larvae)","description":"\u003cp\u003eCalciworms - also known as soldier fly larvae - are the dried larvae of the black soldier fly (\u003cem\u003eHermetia illucens\u003c\/em\u003e), and they're one of the most useful supplementary foods you can keep on the shelf for invertebrates. What sets them apart from mealworms and other dried feeders is calcium - gram for gram they carry many times more of it, along with around 40% protein. That combination of high protein and high calcium in a single food is unusual, and it's exactly what a lot of our animals need to grow, moult, and breed well.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAt a Glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWhat it is:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dried black soldier fly larvae (\u003cem\u003eHermetia illucens\u003c\/em\u003e)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest for:\u003c\/strong\u003e Protein and calcium supplementation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eKey nutrition:\u003c\/strong\u003e ~40% protein, naturally very high in calcium\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium to phosphorus:\u003c\/strong\u003e Positive ratio - rare among feeder insects\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFeed to:\u003c\/strong\u003e Isopods, millipedes, cockroaches, beetle larvae, springtails, and beyond the inverts, reptiles, turtles, fish and garden birds\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHow often:\u003c\/strong\u003e As an occasional supplement, not a staple\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStorage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cool, dry, and sealed - keeps for months\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 50g, 100g, 250g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Calciworms For Invertebrates?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost keepers reach for a protein food like fish flake or dried shrimp now and then, and rightly so - but the majority of feeder insects have an inverted calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, meaning they actually work against calcium levels rather than for them. Calciworms are the exception. They carry a positive calcium-to-phosphorus ratio, so they top up protein and calcium at the same time, which matters enormously for any invertebrate that has to rebuild a shell or exoskeleton every time it moults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn my experience, a varied diet is the single biggest driver of breeding, and consistent breeding is the clearest sign that a colony has settled. Calciworms are one of the ingredients I rotate through to keep that variety up. They sit alongside the rest of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/accessories\"\u003edrygoods and accessories range\u003c\/a\u003e rather than replacing leaf litter and rotting wood, which should always form the bulk of what your animals eat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Different Animals\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIsopods.\u003c\/strong\u003e This is where calciworms earn their place. Protein-hungry species like our best-selling \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dairy-cow-isopods\"\u003eDairy Cow isopods\u003c\/a\u003e (\u003cem\u003ePorcellio laevis\u003c\/em\u003e) have a high protein requirement, and an underfed \u003cem\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/em\u003e colony will start nibbling tankmates or each other - so a regular protein source is important, not just a nicety. The whole \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/porcellio-isopods\"\u003ePorcellio genus\u003c\/a\u003e benefits. For the calcium-hungry side of the hobby - \u003cem\u003eArmadillidium\u003c\/em\u003e morphs like \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/magic-potion-isopods\"\u003eMagic Potion\u003c\/a\u003e with their thick, mineral-heavy shells, and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/cubaris-isopods\"\u003eCubaris species\u003c\/a\u003e such as the Panda King - calciworms double up as a protein treat and a calcium source in one.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMillipedes.\u003c\/strong\u003e A millipede's long, many-segmented exoskeleton is calcium-hungry, and calcium supports healthy moulting across the board. Crushed calciworms scattered on the substrate are readily taken by most of our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipedes\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCockroaches and beetle larvae.\u003c\/strong\u003e Growing grubs and our \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003ecockroaches\u003c\/a\u003e put protein to work quickly, and calciworms are an easy, mess-free way to deliver it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpringtails.\u003c\/strong\u003e They won't tackle a whole larva, but \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003espringtails\u003c\/a\u003e will happily graze on softened, rehydrated pieces alongside the microfauna already breaking them down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReptiles.\u003c\/strong\u003e Insect-eating lizards that will take food that isn't moving, bearded dragons among them, often eat calciworms as an extra alongside live insects, and the calcium is as welcome in a growing reptile as in a moulting isopod. A few minutes in warm water softens them and puts some moisture back.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTurtles, terrapins and fish.\u003c\/strong\u003e Aquatic turtles and terrapins take them as a treat, as do larger pond and aquarium fish such as koi. Keep them as an extra on top of a complete pellet rather than the main food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGarden birds.\u003c\/strong\u003e Robins, blackbirds and tits will take them from a dish or bird table. Offer small amounts, soak them in spring and summer when adults may carry them to chicks, and clear anything left by dusk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot for chickens or hedgehogs.\u003c\/strong\u003e UK feed rules don't allow dried insects to be fed to farmed birds, and that includes backyard hens. Hedgehog rescues advise against calciworms as well as mealworms, so please leave them out of hedgehog feeding. Everything on our shelf that suits reptiles, turtles and fish is gathered in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Feed Them\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI feed calciworms in small amounts on the drier side of the enclosure, where they won't spoil as fast. For smaller species and mancae, crush or crumble them so the pieces are manageable; for larger \u003cem\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/em\u003e and millipedes you can offer them whole or lightly broken up. If you want them taken faster, a quick soak in a little water softens them and releases more scent, which tends to bring animals up out of the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe golden rule with any dried food is not to overdo it. Offer a little, let the colony work through it over a day or two, and remove anything left uneaten before it draws mould. As a supplement fed a couple of times a week alongside a good base of leaf litter and rotting wood, calciworms slot neatly into a varied diet without any risk of overfeeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStorage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKept somewhere cool, dry, and sealed, dried calciworms last for months without any special handling - no refrigeration needed. Reseal the bag after each use to keep them dry and to preserve the scent that makes them appealing in the first place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur guide to \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-insects-to-your-isopods\"\u003efeeding insects and protein to your isopods\u003c\/a\u003e singles out black soldier fly larvae as naturally higher in calcium than other commonly available feeders.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat are calciworms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCalciworms are the dried larvae of the black soldier fly (\u003cem\u003eHermetia illucens\u003c\/em\u003e). They're also sold as soldier fly larvae, black soldier fly larvae, BSFL, calcium worms, or soldier grubs - all the same thing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAre calciworms good for isopods?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They're an excellent supplementary food for isopods, providing both the protein that species like \u003cem\u003ePorcellio laevis\u003c\/em\u003e need and the calcium that all isopods need for healthy moulting. Feed them as an occasional supplement rather than a staple, keeping leaf litter and rotting wood as the base of the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo calciworms have more calcium than mealworms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, considerably more - calciworms carry many times the calcium of mealworms, and unlike most feeder insects they have a positive calcium-to-phosphorus ratio. That's the main reason to choose them over mealworms as a supplement for moulting invertebrates. Our \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/articles-not-isopod-related\/calciworms-vs-mealworms\"\u003ecalciworms against mealworms\u003c\/a\u003e comparison sets out the numbers and which animals each suits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow often should I feed calciworms to invertebrates?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs a supplement rather than a staple - a small amount a couple of times a week works well for most colonies. Leaf litter and decaying wood should still make up the bulk of the diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I feed dried calciworms to millipedes?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Millipedes benefit from the calcium for their long exoskeleton and moulting. Crush or crumble the larvae and scatter them on the substrate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo calciworms need to be soaked before feeding?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot necessarily - most invertebrates take them dry. Soaking softens them and releases more scent, which can help if you want them eaten faster or if you're feeding smaller species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow do I store dried calciworms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep them cool, dry, and sealed. They'll last for months with no refrigeration. Just reseal the bag after each use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan reptiles eat dried calciworms?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes, as an extra. Lizards that accept food that isn't moving, bearded dragons among them, often take them, and the positive calcium-to-phosphorus ratio suits growing animals. Soak them briefly first, and keep live insects as the main diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I feed dried calciworms to chickens?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. In the UK, dried insects can't legally be fed to farmed birds, and that includes backyard hens.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"50g","offer_id":57674016293246,"sku":null,"price":1.75,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"100g","offer_id":57674016326014,"sku":null,"price":3.25,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"250g","offer_id":57674016358782,"sku":null,"price":6.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/dried-calciworms-for-inverts-7775279.jpg?v=1783908562"},{"product_id":"pleco-wafers-100g","title":"Pleco Wafers 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe wafers are 16mm across, which is wider than most of the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods\u003c\/a\u003e that will end up sitting on one. It matters more than it sounds. A wafer that holds its shape when damp does not disappear into the substrate overnight, so a colony can work at the same piece for two or three days and anything left over lifts out clean.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese started life as a sinking food for bottom-feeding fish, which is where the density and the shape come from. Knowing that explains what they do well in an invertebrate enclosure and where the sensible limits sit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is in them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHerring meal and soya carry the protein. Wheat and potato bind the wafer and give it the slow-softening texture. Then the plant matter: spirulina, mycoprotein, alfalfa and spinach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe additive list is longer than most foods aimed at this hobby. Vitamins A, D3, E and C, a mineral premix covering iron, zinc, copper, manganese and iodine, then lysine, betaine, beta-glucan, L-carnitine and omega-3 oils.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComposition runs to 47.4% crude protein, 4% oils and fats, 3% fibre, 7.9% ash and 8% moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey also contain colourants. Those are in the formula for the aquarium market and do nothing for a woodlouse. I would sooner print that than trim the ingredient list down to the flattering parts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProtein is a frequency question\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eForty-seven per cent is high, and the hobby tends to react to that number in one of two unhelpful ways: treat the food as dangerous, or tip it in daily because the isopods clearly like it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNeither is right. Protein does not poison a colony. What it does is sit uneaten if you put too much in, and uneaten protein in a warm damp box is how you end up with a grain mite bloom or a fungus gnat problem. The fix is portion size and interval, not avoidance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaf litter and decaying wood stay the base of the enclosure. The wafers go on top of that as a supplement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow I feed them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn my shelves a mixed \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/porcellio-isopods\"\u003e\u003cem\u003ePorcellio\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e tub gets a broken quarter-wafer once or twice a week, put down on a piece of bark or an upturned bottle cap so it stays off the wet substrate. Anything untouched after two days comes out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eCubaris\u003c\/em\u003e take less and take it slower. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003eSpringtails\u003c\/a\u003e will find a wafer within hours and graze the surface of it, which is useful if you are running them as a cleanup crew, though it does mean the isopods get less of the wafer than you would assume.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDampening one before it goes in speeds the whole thing up. Dry, it takes a colony a while to start. A brief dip softens the edges and it gets found faster.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeed less in the winter, or whenever a tub is cooler and the animals have slowed down. At 21 to 26°C a colony works through a quarter-wafer briskly. Below that they will not, and the leftovers are the problem.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat else takes them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003eMillipedes\u003c\/a\u003e will eat them, with less enthusiasm than isopods, and they want calcium and rotting wood more. Darkling beetle larvae and roach colonies clear them fast. The original audience still holds too, so if you keep plecos, corydoras, loaches, shrimp or crayfish alongside the invertebrate shelf, the wafers do the job they were designed for.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur guide to \u003ca href=\"\/blogs\/isopods-useful-articles\/feeding-isopods-algae-pellets\"\u003efeeding isopods algae pellets\u003c\/a\u003e covers this kind of sinking fish food in more depth, from breaking pieces up and using a feeding spot to lifting out anything left uneaten. The two other wafers on the shelf sit either side of this one: the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/spirulina-algae-wafers-100g\"\u003espirulina algae wafers\u003c\/a\u003e are the lighter, plant-heavy option at 34% protein, and the \u003ca href=\"\/products\/oak-algae-wafers-100g\"\u003eoak and algae wafers\u003c\/a\u003e add oak bark for the wood-eaters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor fish, put in what the tank will clear overnight and lift out the rest in the morning. The other aquarium foods we stock are on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStorage\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep the bag sealed, dry and out of direct sun. Moisture is the thing to watch, because a wafer that takes up damp in the packet will go mouldy in the packet. 100g is a long run of feeds for a shelf of isopod tubs, so this is being stored for months, not weeks.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57780572717438,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/pleco-wafers-100g-9979871.jpg?v=1785622642"},{"product_id":"dried-anchovies-100g","title":"Dried Anchovies for Turtles \u0026 Inverts 100g","description":"\u003cp\u003eBreak one in half first. A whole fish runs 3 to 5cm, which is more food than a small colony will clear while it is still fresh, and the broken edge gives them a way in. Dried skin is tougher than it looks and an intact anchovy can sit for a day or two while the colony works around the outside of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is in the bag is fish and nothing else. No binder, no colourant, no vitamin premix, no preservative. The animal with the water taken out of it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThe figure to look at is the ash\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAsh on a feed label is what survives after everything organic has burned away, so it stands for the mineral content. These come in at 15.8%, and in a whole small fish most of that is skeleton. Protein is 70.4%, oils and fats 4.3%, fibre under 0.2% and moisture under 12%.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRead in that order it changes what the food is for. Plenty of things will deliver protein to an invertebrate colony. Far fewer deliver protein and calcium through the same door, and that is what a whole fish does.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy calcium is worth targeting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eIsopods\u003c\/a\u003e reclaim what they can from their own cuticle at each moult, which is why you see them eating the shed halves. It is not enough on a substrate made of leaf and rotten wood, and a colony short of calcium moults badly and breeds slowly. Cuttlebone and crushed limestone are the standard fixes and I still keep both in every tub.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis sits alongside them, not instead of them. The difference is that a mineral block waits to be found, and a fish gets eaten with some urgency.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePortions, and knowing when to take it out\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHalf a fish suits an established tub. A quarter for a young culture or a small species. \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/armadillidium-isopods\"\u003eArmadillidium\u003c\/a\u003e will cover one within a few hours if the colony is dense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFish spoils in a way plant food does not. In a warm humid box the flesh softens and starts to smell, and that is the point at which flies find it. My rule is simple: if a piece smells of anything at all, it has been in too long. Nothing should be sitting there on day three.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat else will take one\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003eMillipedes\u003c\/a\u003e want calcium more than almost anything else on their shelf and will work at a fragment steadily. Roaches and darkling larvae strip one fast. Springtails graze the surface without making much impression on it. For those bigger feeders, and for a millipede shelf, our \u003ca href=\"\/products\/dried-large-sprats-100g\"\u003edried sprats\u003c\/a\u003e are the same whole-fish idea at a much larger size; the anchovy is the one an isopod tub can finish before it turns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOff the invert shelf, a whole anchovy is the right shape of food for a turtle: fish, bones and all. Aquatic turtles and terrapins take them as a treat on top of a complete pellet; break them up for young animals. We sell these as animal food rather than for the kitchen, and they are not for hens or other poultry. The foods that suit turtles, fish and reptiles are gathered on \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish\"\u003efoods for reptiles, turtles and fish\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eKeeping them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSealed, dry and dark. The risk with a dried fish is not damp so much as the oil going rancid, and warmth and daylight are what drive that. A cupboard is fine. The bag should smell clean and faintly of the sea when you open it, and if it ever smells sharp instead, that batch has turned.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"PostPods","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57780578091390,"sku":null,"price":3.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0759\/0707\/2294\/files\/dried-anchovies-100g-8649714.jpg?v=1785622644"}],"url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/collections\/foods-for-reptiles-turtles-and-fish.oembed","provider":"PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}