{"product_id":"3l-braplast-plastic-tub","title":"3L Braplast Plastic Tub","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 3L Braplast tub is the workhorse enclosure of the UK invertebrate hobby — a clear plastic stackable container with a pre-vented hinged lid that's become the standard housing solution for everything from isopod colonies to springtail cultures to small reptile hatchlings. At 245mm × 185mm × 75mm, it offers a useful balance of practical floor space and visibility without taking up significant shelf real estate. Combined with its durable construction, transparent walls for easy observation, and stackable design that keeps colonies organised without compromising ventilation, the 3L Braplast is the enclosure most experienced UK keepers use for the majority of their invertebrate setups.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat makes the 3L Braplast particularly popular is the combination: appropriate size for most starter-to-mid colony invertebrates, built-in ventilation holes in the hinged lid that work without modification, hinged-middle design allowing lid opening from either end (useful for fast-moving species), and stacking compatibility that lets you build vertical colony storage in limited space. For PostPods customers building their first invertebrate setup or expanding to multiple colonies, these tubs are genuinely the practical foundation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e 245mm × 185mm × 75mm (approximately 9.6\" × 7.3\" × 3\")\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCapacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 3 litres\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear durable food-grade plastic\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLid:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hinged in the middle, opens from either end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVentilation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pre-installed ventilation holes in lid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStackability:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed to stack without obstructing vents\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Lightweight for easy handling\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCleaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e Easy to wipe clean and disinfect between colony resets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat's the 3L Braplast Best For?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 3L size hits a genuinely useful sweet spot in the invertebrate hobby. Smaller than full vivariums (which can be overkill for starter colonies), but substantially larger than tiny spiderling pots (which constrain growth). For most species and most colony sizes, 3L gives you the right amount of working space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIsopods\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 3L Braplast is appropriate for starter to mid-sized colonies across virtually every isopod species we stock. Specific suitability:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeginner Porcellio species\u003c\/strong\u003e like \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/dairy\"\u003eDairy Cow\u003c\/a\u003e, Powder Orange, or various \u003cem\u003ePorcellio scaber\u003c\/em\u003e morphs — comfortable starter housing for 10–20 individuals with room for colony growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArmadillidium species\u003c\/strong\u003e such as \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/zebra-isopods\"\u003eZebra Isopods\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/magic-potion\"\u003eMagic Potion\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/jelly-bean-isopods\"\u003eJelly Bean\u003c\/a\u003e — ideal for establishing new colonies that need observable conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEntry-level Cubaris\u003c\/strong\u003e like \u003cem\u003eC. murina\u003c\/em\u003e (Little Sea) and Penguin\/White Side — 3L provides adequate depth for the deep substrate these species need to burrow effectively (with substrate filling roughly half the tub).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Cubaris\u003c\/strong\u003e including starter colonies of \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/rubber-ducky\"\u003eRubber Ducky\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/cappuccino-isopods\"\u003eCappuccino\u003c\/a\u003e, and Pak Chong — the moderate volume helps maintain stable humidity that demanding species require.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eArdentiella species\u003c\/strong\u003e (Red Diablo, Batman, Lava, Yellow Phoenix) — useful as starter housing, though these arboreal species eventually benefit from taller terrariums providing vertical climbing space.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most isopod species, a 3L Braplast comfortably houses a starter culture of 5–20 individuals with room for natural population growth before requiring an upgrade.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpringtails\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 3L Braplast is excellent for springtail cultures across all species we stock. Springtails don't need much vertical space (they're surface-active rather than climbing-active), so the wider footprint of the 3L works particularly well for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/orange-springtails\"\u003eOrange Springtails\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eThai Red Springtails\u003c\/strong\u003e — generous floor area supports larger productive cultures\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStandard white springtails\u003c\/strong\u003e — produce harvest-able cultures quickly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLilac Springtails\u003c\/strong\u003e — secure lid prevents jumping escapes (Lilacs are jumpers unlike Orange\/Thai Red)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hinged lid design makes harvesting springtails for seeding other enclosures straightforward — open one half of the lid while the other half remains closed, scoop your sample, and close again with minimal disturbance to the rest of the culture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSmall Inverts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeyond isopods and springtails, 3L Braplasts work effectively for various small invertebrates:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eYoung \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipedes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — early instars of species like Chocolate Millipedes can be raised in 3L tubs before upgrading to larger enclosures as adults\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/collections\/cockroaches-for-sale\"\u003eroach\u003c\/a\u003e colonies\u003c\/strong\u003e — Dubia roach nymphs, Surinam roaches, and similar smaller species suit 3L housing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSmall snails\u003c\/strong\u003e — juvenile \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/collections\/other-inverts-for-sale\"\u003eland snails\u003c\/a\u003e can be housed in 3L tubs before moving to species-appropriate larger setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMantis nymphs\u003c\/strong\u003e — early instars suit 3L housing with appropriate vertical decoration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBeetle larvae\u003c\/strong\u003e — useful for raising flower beetles or rhino beetle larvae through early stages\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpider\/tarantula juveniles\u003c\/strong\u003e — popular for raising spiderlings and small tarantulas through their growing phases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy 3L Braplast Tubs Beat Generic Containers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can buy any plastic tub from a household store and use it for invertebrates. So why specifically the Braplast?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDesigned for the hobby.\u003c\/strong\u003e Braplast tubs were developed specifically for housing small animals and invertebrates — the dimensions, ventilation, and stacking design reflect real keeper needs rather than generic storage requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePre-installed ventilation.\u003c\/strong\u003e The hinged lid comes with ventilation holes built in. You don't need to drill, melt, or modify anything to get appropriate airflow — open the package, add substrate, you're ready to keep invertebrates. For keepers who don't enjoy DIY enclosure modification, this is genuinely valuable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHinged-middle lid design.\u003c\/strong\u003e The lid opens from either end, which matters more than you'd think for daily care. You can offer food or do spot maintenance without exposing the entire colony to ambient room conditions. For fast-moving species (spiderlings, certain roaches, active isopods like Red Edge or Ardentiella), partial lid opening means you're not chasing escapees during routine maintenance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStackable without compromising ventilation.\u003c\/strong\u003e The stacking design has been engineered so that stacked tubs don't block each other's vents. For keepers building multi-colony setups, this is essential — you can have 5–10 colonies in a single shelf footprint without ventilation problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eClear plastic for observation.\u003c\/strong\u003e The transparent walls let you observe colonies without lifting lids and disturbing animals. Particularly valuable for shy species (most premium Cubaris, Ardentiella mancae, springtails) where minimising disturbance directly affects colony health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDurable and reusable.\u003c\/strong\u003e Quality plastic that doesn't crack or warp with normal use. Wipe clean and reuse between colony resets — no single-use waste like cardboard nursery containers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStandard hobby size.\u003c\/strong\u003e The 245×185×75mm footprint is widely-used enough that you can buy compatible vents, mesh inserts, and accessories from third-party sellers if you want to modify your setup. The hobby standardisation matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Modify Your 3L Braplast for Specific Species\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile the built-in ventilation works for most species out of the box, some setups benefit from modification:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor preventing small invert escapes:\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard ventilation holes in Braplast lids are large enough that smaller species (springtail mancae, juvenile isopods, tiny Cubaris mancae, certain mites) can escape through them. Our \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/3l-braplast-plastic-tub-vents\"\u003e3L Braplast Vent Plugs\u003c\/a\u003e in black are specifically designed to fit into these ventilation holes, reducing their effective size and preventing escapes while preserving airflow. Custom 3D-printed from high-quality plastic by our friend Tim at Exotic Enclosures, these are genuinely essential for keeping prolific colonies of small species like Orange Springtails, Lilac Springtails, Ardentiella mancae, and juvenile Cubaris. Drop them into the existing vent holes — no drilling or modification required.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor high-humidity species (premium Cubaris, Ardentiella, tropical snails):\u003c\/strong\u003e Cover ventilation holes with masking tape strips to reduce airflow and retain humidity. Remove tape gradually if humidity stays too high. Alternatively, the \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/3l-braplast-plastic-tub-vents\"\u003event plugs\u003c\/a\u003e reduce airflow somewhat while still allowing some air exchange — useful for tropical species that need controlled rather than restricted ventilation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor Mediterranean\/drier species (Spanish Porcellio, Greek Shield, Crystal Pineapple):\u003c\/strong\u003e Drill additional ventilation holes on opposite sides of the tub for cross-ventilation. Cover all openings with fine mesh to prevent escapes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor climbing species (Ardentiella, certain spiders):\u003c\/strong\u003e Verify the lid seals securely. Cover any gaps with fine mesh — some climbing species can squeeze through smaller spaces than you'd expect, particularly mancae and juveniles. The \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/3l-braplast-plastic-tub-vents\"\u003event plugs\u003c\/a\u003e are particularly useful here since Ardentiella mancae can climb effectively and escape through standard vent hole sizes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor springtails:\u003c\/strong\u003e Many keepers actually cover most ventilation holes with electrical tape to maintain high humidity. Open the lid briefly every few days for air exchange rather than relying on constant ventilation. Counter-intuitive but effective. The \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/3l-braplast-plastic-tub-vents\"\u003event plugs\u003c\/a\u003e are particularly valuable for springtail cultures — they prevent the tiniest springtails from escaping through standard vent holes while still allowing some controlled airflow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBuilding a Multi-Tub Colony Storage System\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 3L Braplast really shines when you have multiple colonies. A common keeper progression:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStarting out:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1–2 tubs for first species (perhaps an Armadillidium plus springtail culture)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrowing collection:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5–10 tubs across multiple isopod species, springtail cultures, and supporting species\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerious hobbyist setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e 20+ tubs on dedicated shelving, organised by species, with the stacking design keeping the physical footprint manageable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe stackability and consistent dimensions mean your colony storage system stays organised even as it grows. Label each tub clearly (species name, date established, last maintenance) and you can manage substantial collections with reasonable time investment.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePair With These Setup Essentials\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo turn a 3L Braplast into a complete colony setup, you'll need:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSubstrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/flake-soil-1l\"\u003eFlake soil\u003c\/a\u003e mixed with organic topsoil works for most species. Fills approximately one-third to one-half of the tub depending on species needs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf litter:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/large-magnolia-leaves-for-isopods\"\u003eMagnolia leaves\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/bamboo-leaf-litter\"\u003ebamboo leaf litter\u003c\/a\u003e for cover and grazing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCalcium sources:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cuttlebone pieces, crushed limestone, or eggshells distributed throughout substrate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHides:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cork bark pieces sized appropriately for your species — multiple pieces for social behaviour.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFood supplements:\u003c\/strong\u003e Browse our \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for protein supplements (fish flakes, daphnia, freeze-dried peas) and other essentials.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpringtail culture:\u003c\/strong\u003e Add a \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/collections\/springtails-for-sale\"\u003espringtail culture\u003c\/a\u003e to any isopod or invertebrate setup for mould prevention.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhen to Upgrade Beyond 3L\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 3L Braplast suits most starter-to-mid colonies, but some situations call for larger housing:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEstablished prolific colonies\u003c\/strong\u003e — when your \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/giant-orange-isopods\"\u003eGiant Orange\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/dairy\"\u003eDairy Cow\u003c\/a\u003e, or \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/products\/granulatum-orange\"\u003eNaranjito Granulatum\u003c\/a\u003e colony has grown to hundreds of individuals, upgrade to 5L or larger tubs (or split into multiple 3L tubs).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdult \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/collections\/millipedes-for-sale\"\u003emillipedes\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e — full-grown millipedes need significantly more space than the 3L Braplast offers. The 3L works for early juveniles only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLarge adult tarantulas\u003c\/strong\u003e — beyond juvenile sizes, most tarantula species need larger species-specific housing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eLong-term Ardentiella display setups\u003c\/strong\u003e — taller glass terrariums let you build vertical climbing habitat that 3L tubs can't accommodate.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBioactive vivariums with plants\u003c\/strong\u003e — full bioactive setups with live plants need taller, deeper enclosures than 3L tubs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor most keepers, the 3L Braplast remains the everyday workhorse — your premium Cubaris breeding setups, your bioactive cleanup crew cultures, your starter colonies all live happily in 3L tubs. Larger enclosures are upgrades for specific situations rather than universal improvements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho Should Buy 3L Braplast Tubs?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone starting their first isopod or invertebrate collection\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEstablished keepers expanding to multiple colonies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpringtail culture maintenance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBreeding setups for premium species needing stable conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBuyers wanting hobby-standard equipment with built-in ventilation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMulti-species keepers benefiting from stackable consistent housing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAnyone tired of modifying generic containers for invertebrate use\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNot ideal for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay-focused vivariums (use glass terrariums for showcase setups)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarge adult millipedes or full-grown tarantulas (need bigger enclosures)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBioactive setups with live plants (need taller, deeper housing)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAquatic setups\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOrder Multiple for Multi-Colony Setups\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost keepers find they want more than one. The 3L Braplast quickly becomes your standard colony housing as your collection grows. Consider ordering multiples at once if you're planning to expand your collection, building a springtail culture system, or setting up dedicated breeding tubs for different species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse our \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/collections\/accessories\"\u003eaccessories collection\u003c\/a\u003e for everything else you need to build a complete invertebrate setup, or our \u003ca href=\"..\/..\/..\/..\/..\/collections\/isopods-for-sale\"\u003eisopods collection\u003c\/a\u003e to find species suited to your new tubs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Braplastic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57428086751614,"sku":null,"price":2.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"url":"https:\/\/postpods.co.uk\/products\/3l-braplast-plastic-tub","provider":"Isopods For Sale UK | PostPods","version":"1.0","type":"link"}