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Tub Terraruim Guide

Here's a guide to ensure your tubs meet the essential needs of invertebrates, including isopods, millipedes, and snails, while also maintaining appearence for display within the home. It's important to create an environment that caters to their specific requirements. Always remember to conduct individual research for your particular type of pet to guarantee their well-being and comfort. I do not reccomend this type of enclosure for line breeding, or bulking numbers. Happy keeping!

The Basics

Welcome to my comprehensive guide on establishing an optimal environment for healthy isopods.

A well-designed enclosure should provide adequate moisture, proper ventilation, and ample hiding spots to closely resemble their natural habitat.

It is essential to incorporate decaying leaves, as invertebrates are detritivores and rely on these materials for their diet.

This guide is based on my personal experience and is intended to assist fellow keepers in setting up or evaluating their enclosures effectively.

What You Need

Creating a suitable environment is crucial for maintaining healthy isopods. A proper enclosure should provide moisture, ventilation, and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat.

Edible Plants: Edible plants (Weeds!) serve as excellent snacks for invertebrates. I have observed that both my Armidillidium vulgare (isopods) and milipedes particularly enjoy consuming fresh greens. Occasionally, they consume the entire plant, other times they selectively nibble on the leaves, allowing the stems to regenerate. I have cultivated a garden of weeds specifically for their benefit as sometimes ill need to replenish their tubs.

Succulents: Succulents (Peperomia Rotundifolia pictured) are an excellent choice for your enclosure, as they are typically safe and not likely to be consumed most invertebrates. In addition to adding aesthetic value, they provide resting and climbing spots that enhance environmental enrichment. Be mindful you need succulents that can handle moist soil, some like very dry soil so keep that in mind.

Leaf Litter: Leaf litter is essential for any enclosure. It adds crucial hiding spots for your inhabitants and serves as a primary food source for isopods. While it may create a slightly messy appearance, it's important to keep this natural element in place by regularly refreshing the supply. Don't underestimate the benefits of leaf litter in maintaining a healthy and balanced habitat and diet.

Rocks: Rocks are essential for improving habitat of your tub by increasing climbing space and mitigating the risk of overcrowding. Their naturally occurring pockmarks and holes serve as effective hiding spots for both mancae and adult isopods. Furthermore, rocks assist in moisture retention beneath them, creating an optimal environment for isopods, as moisture is crucial for their survival. Putting rocks into your setup not only enhances the living conditions but also adds aesthetic value to the habitat.

Climbing/Hiding Spots: Climbing areas, in contrast to rocks that retain moisture, are designed primarily to increase surface area. Although they may not occupy the largest ground footprint, they offer a variety of intricate climbing spaces. Mancae, which are known for their tendency to hide and burrow, find these environments particularly suitable for exploration and habitat.

Hardwood Sticks: Hardwood sticks serve as a beneficial addition to the diet of isopods. Whether they are dead, alive, or dried, these sticks are typically accepted by these organisms. Providing a diverse range of food options ensures that you meet the various dietary preferences and requirements of isopods. Such variety can contribute to a healthy and thriving isopod population.

Rotting Wood: Isopods significantly benefit from rotting or punk wood, which serves as an essential element of their diet. These creatures actively burrow into the soft, decayed wood, which is abundant in moisture. Misting the wood regularly not only enhances its attractiveness but also maintains its quality for the isopods. By offering this in a habitat, you contribute to their overall health and well-being.

Shells: Isopods exhibit a notable attraction to shells commonly found on beaches, which may be attributed to their classification as crustaceans. The hollow interiors of sea snail shells offer substantial hiding spaces and habitat opportunities for these organisms. Furthermore, certain isopod species may consume thinner shells to acquire necessary calcium. This behavior underscores the intriguing relationship between isopods and their coastal ecosystems.

Ornaments: Ornaments may serve as optional enhancements to enclosures, providing aesthetic appeal and themes. Although they contribute to the surface area, it is important to recognize that offer no significant benefits to the isopods themselves. Ultimately, it's about a visually appealing environment for observers.

Soil/Substrate: When selecting substrate for your invertebrates, it crucial to remember that soil provides essential nutrients and a safe environment for burrowing and breeding. Be cautious when sourcing substrate from plant stores, as many products may contain pesticides that could be harmful or even fatal to your colonies. Always prioritize safety and quality to ensure a thriving habitat for your inverts.

The Set-Up

When selecting your tub or enclosure, it is important to ensure ventilation at one end to establish a dry zone, which is crucial for the health of your invertebrates. This design allows them to move freely between the wet(back) and dry(front) areas according to their needs. Additionally, the custom vents pictured here are available in our store, offered in both white and black.

The Base

To establish an effective tub terrarium, begin with a fine layer of substrate, followed by a layer of dead leaves. The decomposition of these leaves will release vital nutrients beneficial for your invertebrates. When it comes time to refresh the terrarium, remove the old substrate and incorporate it and the composted leaves with new substrate, repeating this process as needed. Make sure you line the bottom with new leaves before pouring the refreshed substrate back in. Additionally, incorporating a small amount of sphagnum moss at the wet(back) end can be helpful, although moisture levels have not posed an issue in my experience with these tubs.

Substrate

When adding substrate to the tub, create a slope by keeping it shallow at the front deeper at the back. This setup will help maintain a moisture gradient—keeping the front drier and the back wetter—while also enhancing visibility for observing your inverts and their intriguing behaviors. Remember good quality substrate is highly important for the wellbeing of your colony and premade mixes will be available in my store.

Planting and Placement

When creating your tub, focus on establishing pockets and concealed areas. Arrange your succulents between wood and stones to keep them securely in place and minimize disruption, as larger objects tend to stop isopods and other invertebrates from digging them back up. Disperse edible plants (weeds) throughout the setup, bearing in mind that their main purpose is as a food source, and they may be consumed before they can be uprooted anyway.

Decor and Leaf litter

Put in the hardwood sticks, rocks and your leaf litter. I have not put all of my leaf litter in, in this image, so you can see my decor placement.

Once everything is done give the enclosure a mist of water all over. The shallow end will dry first then you can just mist the back and plants as nessesary.

You can add a small piece of cuttlefish, and a small piece of charcoal as they seem to also enjoy this. Both available in my store.

Done and Enjoy!

Common Issues & Troubleshooting

Mold Growth: Reduce excess moisture and improve ventilation. Remove moldy food immediately.
Mite Infestations: While some mites are harmless, an overabundance may indicate overfeeding or poor hygiene. Reduce excess food and improve airflow.
Escaping Isopods: Ensure ventilation holes are small enough to prevent escape, especially for smaller species. Check for gaps in the enclosure lid.
Dying Isopods: If multiple isopods are dying suddenly, check moisture levels, food sources, and temperature conditions. Poor-quality substrate or pesticides in leaf litter can also be a factor.