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I got it off of Amazon 12PK Oolitic Limestone, Sedimentary Rock Specimens - Approx. 1" - Geologist Selected & Hand Processed - Great for Science Classrooms - Class Pack - Eisco Labs https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088P7NML6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8D3C3Y04BZD0H7DP658J?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hard to tell from pics but I’m guessing not springtails. Mine don’t bother climbing glass or plastic the way these appear to. There are different kinds of springtails though so maybe people have had other experiences
To stop a strange spread like this and buy some thinking time I’ve used double sided pest tape typically used in gardens. find on amazon . Before removing the paper I cut it into one inch wide strips. Then I remove the paper on one side and stick it to the walls of the container out of reach of our pets. I make a ring around the whole thing and then remove the last of the tape so that it will catch any undesirables trying to spread. Might work for you.
Sorry for the late reply! I keep mine with rubber duckies, with relatively high humidity. They like to stay in small holes in cork barks above surface, while duckies tend to stay lower near the soil almost halfway buried. Both Jupiters and duckies really like this brand of catfood made of 100% shrimp. Beside that, nothing special! Temperatures fluctuates between 21 - 25 degrees, I've used almost 100% flake soil since with eco earth the substrate was rotting when it was wet for too long.
I keep mine in stackable plastic bins with pull out drawers! As long as you don't fill them to the top with leaves I haven't had isopods climbing out. I can't find the specific ones that I use, but they are similar to these: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00CQGTIBI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_HKyTFbWE9VRE4
Get the ones with the bigger drawers, not the small shallow ones.
Lmao, that is my fault. It is "Moquito Bits" but it does not let me edit it to fix
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Here it is on Amazon
Here is the 30 oz jar on Amazon
Here is the 8 oz jar on Amazon
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I have the 8 oz jar personally because I use only in my isopod enclosures. But depending how/what you plan to use it on then you can get which one fits your need.
Freeze dried minnows. Bought from Amazon. All of my isopods love it.
Vital cat freeze dried minnows
There is also some Wardley Shrimp Pellets in there which also make up part of their diet
Clip on macro lens. Not the exact same brand, but kinda like this one
The numbers are very helpful thank you. I'm picking up mesh on the way home today. Ever since this enclosure arrived (Thursday) I've been looking into an upgrade, would something like this be better?
Its about 12 quarts. Do you have any recommendations? When I've tried to look today all I can find is all glass no airholes or smaller than what I currently have.
I have this one, and have had no complaints after two solid years of use. The price recently dropped, too.
Yes, I do, here are two great papers:
Just compare the figures. It's definitely not [T. borneanus](https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/The-genus-Tuberillo-Schultz-1982-(Crustacea-with-of-Taiti-Gruber/2076900f33d4c3a8b354dee4238b49dc059dbee1/figure/0) but R. tuberculatus
I built one for my daughter, will post some pictures later.
I used some nice clear acrylic sheeting (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZJM5GTP) and cut it to size with a draw knife. It was assembled with some sparing superglue and then sealed with aquarium safe silicone caulk.
How have you noticed strength of it?
I’ve looked at a few of these self assemble enclosures and worry that a bit of a knock and they start to come apart.
It does look nice. Like it.
Seen this one which is a little similar but pre assembled. A bit smaller though, maybe too small?
It’s reminds me a little of this one I was looking at. But from all that I’ve read, top air flow only is bad.
Idk what the name is bc I bought it using Cantonese :( but it’s this cheap-ish clip-on microscope attachment for your phone. Kinda like this one
This stuff comes pre mixed and good for Isopods. It's probably better for pods than millies since it has coco fiber in it, but that's a whole 'nother spiel lol
Its actually organic matter (leaves, rotting sticks) mixed with premaid soil. They LOVE it.
Plastic pipettes, can find them in qty packs and cheap. You can just snip the ends to increase the size.
I actually thrifted it! It seemed like someone maybe bought the tank with some sort of reptile at a con, took the reptile and donated the tank.
From the looks of it it is This Exact Kit, Which Originally Had Felt and a Little Cave
Hi!! Ok so I have the scoop.
So technically I got this second-hand at a thrift store, but I did some research. Originally it actually came with some green felt and a little plastic cave thing, presumably for some sort of reptile (although it seems… very small for ANY reptile but alright).
It seems like it’s this tank!!!! on Amazon!!!
There are similar listings for more $$$ on Amazon but it’s basically a 1-gallon aquarium with a terrarium lid.
I just saw this post. Hope I think this would be helpful
I have an earlier version.
I bought mine from this place. The price is amazing and it actually came with more than I ordered, all in good shape and I live all the way across the country from this store. Give them a try.
an arylic disc would work great as a lid, i use them for my fishbowl ecospheres
measure the diameter and grab the size you need
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09F6FFSXK?psc=1& ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
I suggest a macro lens if you have a spare twenty. Works great!
I use this tripod to get my shots/videos. I also have the iPhone 13 pro and the built-in macro setting works pretty well. You just have to play around with it and be patient. You’ll take a zillion images before you get one that’s good.
My only personal experience growing plants in my enclosures so far was chia seeds. They certainly sprouted and took root in just a few days and the pods liked them but not so much that they didn’t get a chance to grow strong first. They ended up dying off because I didn’t keep them moist and lit enough, but ultimately that just means they extracted some nutrients from the soil and gave the pods and springtails something to nibble. The springtails LOVED the seeds themselves while they were in the early stages. I got this bag and it had a super high germination rate just spritzing the seeds on top of the soil and now I have a billion seeds left in the bag if I want to repeat the process at my leisure. Yupik Natural Black Chia Seeds,... https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00NAU9H2O?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share So in terms of being renewable and VERY quick to grow, they’re nice! Just needs some reasonable light nearby and to keep them moistened. I’m sure someone else with more experience with the matter can recommend something different to grow, of course!
Super Z Outlet 50,000 Crystal Clear Water Gel Beads Pearls for Vase Filler, Wedding Decorations, Sensory Toys Play, Education - 1 Pound Bag https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0134SQN4G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VHR6RMXM9RHY2BYJB210?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you fill the bowl above the top the pods will crawl on the beads rather than drowning. Just leave spaces for the snake or lizard to drink.
I got a big bag of dried mealworms and shrimp for like $11 and my isopods love it and it's a better value! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RB2W3Y4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_i_TB0GTE1GCNYSV454PY3D?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
While I don’t have the expertise to advise exactly what’s wrong here, I will say that if you’re worried about anything getting in/out from ventilation holes, just grab yourself some of this and hot glue it over the openings that you create. Works well! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C8FD8N9 Though you need something like these to cut it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GJBLG2 And of course be careful of the super sharp edges after! I just make sure to coat those with the hot glue as I lay it down.
They're recycled paper biodegradable plant-pots - I got a couple of packs of like 40 from a pound shop and all my colonies seem to love being in them and nibbling them. When given these little pots and egg-carton they 100% always go for the lil pots. The dairy moos just eat them immediately though.
For mesh tops like that, I use Press&Seal Wrap and trim to edges with an xacto to increase humidity.
That looks great, I'm not sure how big it is but if you're worried you can use something like these to track temp and humidity. you can set up custom ranges and it will notify you via your phone if the tank falls outside of those limits. Do that before the isopods come in so you can track the actual temps as what you see when you check may not be the extremes. IF temps do get too low you can use something like this with some type of heat source.
Do you have a moisture gradient? They like it moist, but not too moist. I would only water one side.
Also, if you are willing to spend a decent chunk of change, you can get one of those humidifiers with the tubes, similar to this (I have this one and it has been working great!):
Then get a hygrostat (I've been loving the Inkbird IHC200), and some distilled water.
I have mine set to keep the humidity between 75 and 80 percent. Duckies seem to appreciate it, and it makes the moss dry out much slower.
You can accomplish the same thing manually, but I'm lazy, and would rather a machine do it for me.
Honestly, just my phone and this lens. I bought a way more expensive lens for my "real" camera and haven't gotten a decent shot yet 🙃
Lighting and a steady hand (or a tripod) are key. I use a homemade light box, but you can buy small ones for pretty much nothing on Amazon. You need tons of light for macros, and even a small amount of shakiness will knock things out of focus.
I got a really cheap (but pretty nice) clip on!!
Fish Eye Phone Lens, 0.45x Phone Lens for Universal Phone, iPhone 7/8/11/11 pro/xs/xr/12 pro, Samsung with HD Camera Lens Macro Clip Lens Wide Angle Lens with PU Bag(Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Z7S6N96/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_2AGQ8YG3RVM4AQX6TQ06?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Kensizer 20-Pack Fruit Fly Trap, Yellow Sticky Gnat Traps Killer for Indoor/Outdoor Flying Plant Insect Like Fungus Gnats, Whiteflies, Aphids, Leaf Miners - 6x8 in, Twist Ties Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KRRJT5J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_220K3ZX4467PRMXN4AKH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
AQUATICLIFE Twist-in 4-Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filtration Deionization System, RO/DI Filter Unit 75 GPD https://www.amazon.com/dp/B083P4HZPD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_KF3EKPN9CK4X1KX7ZCSS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Depending how much you use. Highly recommended this system. I use RO for drinking. RODI for animals.
this stuff is the same bacteria as mosquito bits but the $21 6 oz container makes a very strong solution @ 8 drops per gallon and makes 440 gallons at this strength.
I have 180+ houseplants and a tank of isopods and snails that had a minor ant problem for a while, and even when i oopsed and used a big squirt in a liter bottle to douse the tank it didnt harm anybody other than the fungus gnats.
https://www.amazon.com/Ecological-Labs-AEL20037-Mosquito-Treatment/dp/B0006JLMQG
2 Packs 304 Stainless Steel Woven Wire 120 Mesh Fine Screen Mesh Steel Woven Mesh for Filter Mesh, Filtration Cloth, 11.8 x 39.3 Inch https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XFMPQR1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_B01W0V9GBVTX1CD9NGGA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I use
Is your enclosure bio active? When I’m using a potting soil I usually add a bit of a starter culture from Josh (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07D2JFNH9/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1), plus springtails ofc.
I’m a noob pod keeper but following the guide I linked I created enclosures where my pods are breeding (I bought gestroi about 6 weeks ago and I just saw the tiniest of mancae), just don’t cut corners when you follow it and yours will flourish as well.
This is what I use for my small colonies so I can view them without having to disturb them. Would just recommend getting it set up with springtails first to avoid fungus gnats and don't stack to give more air flow.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086GRLH4T/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_B6CRERE3D0FGFGC1P63S?psc=1
I see, this one looks a bit less expensive: https://www.amazon.com/4lbs-Cavern-CultureTM-Organic-Fertilizer/dp/B07NPRGP1Z/ref=sr_1_8?crid=2QY7H8W3OIOD8&keywords=bat+guano&qid=1643060812&sprefix=Bat+gu%2Caps%2C131&sr=8-8#customerReviews
I’m thinking about adding some to my Cubaris enclosures.
Thanks! This is the one I use.
Ferrisland Glass Terrarium Modern Geometric Succulent Terrariums for Tabletop Decor Box w/Lid-8.3"x5.5"x4.7" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VNCP5GG/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_CBSM8M1GSGX68J4514BW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Porcellio laevis 'Dairy Cow' and similar are colorful and interesting without being expensive and I never buy food specific too them, I feed them appropriate kitchen scraps from me + my cat.
The most expensive aspects are enclosure + substrate .
You can go cheaper with the enclosure but IMHO I think you might as well pay more to have an attractive-looking setup, it'll make the upkeep smoother and more rewarding. My Porcellio laevis colony shares its space with plants so I use this with the mesh top half-covered https://www.chewy.com/repti-zoo-mini-glass-reptile/dp/327763 sometimes nice enclosures show up used too
I’m sure it’s capable of better shots too. These were literally my first shots out of the box. I need to play around some. Phone Macro Lens
Just buy something like this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LO9KSY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
2 drops per gallon (1 drop per 2 liters), mix it well, and put it into your spray bottle(s).
I buy these and cut them into 1" wide strips, then attach them to the lids on moist side of my enclosures. My lids are clear so I can see inside, but if they weren't I'd put bigger/more strips inside.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QBPP66/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is the soil. I mixed in a little coco coir and sphagnum moss too since I already had it laying around from my gardening activities. Seems to help keep the moisture in.
I'm in Arizona, not a lot of leaves here really, so I give them dead grass and random clippings from my potted plants. Whatever you have in your yard should be fine, just make sure it hasn't been exposed to any pesticides.
They also seem to REALLY love algae wafers (like this). I break the wafers into smaller pieces and then spray a little water on them to soften them up.
NANEEZOO Magnetic Acrylic Large Enclosure 2.5 Gallon, 12 x 8 x 6 Inch Reptile Breeding Box Terrarium Cage for Insect Tarantulas Amphibians Caterpillars Snail Clear Acrylic Reptile Feeding Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095R6TT2X/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_FJV6WZC6BFK3HA18MA26?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I use, along with a smart plug to run 20 mins on, 40 off. But pods always run away when the fog hits them directly. It took some time to fiddle around to get the right amount and placement for my enclosure, but the humidifier itself works great!
Small bin
mDesign Plastic Stackable Square Food Storage Bin Drawer Organizer with Secure Lid, Container Box for Organizer for Coffee, Tea, Packets and Snack Bars - 4 Pack - Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JJY9JJV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FNF8VMS6GZ4K9XP4FBJB
Large bin. And sorry. These have nearly doubled in price since I bought theme a week ago
Sistema KLIP IT Rectangular Collection Food Storage Container,236 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00284AG5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z5MGXYGCZ62C7Y1GQEVS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Large bin
Sistema KLIP IT Rectangular Collection Food Storage Container,236 Oz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00284AG5U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N7RNKAS01QTGJHVF2W49?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The price went up by 7 bucks from last week when I bough them.
mDesign Plastic Stackable Square Food Storage Bin Drawer Organizer with Secure Lid, Container Box for Organizer for Coffee, Tea, Packets and Snack Bars - 4 Pack - Clear https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JJY9JJV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FNF8VMS6GZ4K9XP4FBJB
And then the vents are 29mm. Be very careful cutting the holes.
Natural Pulverized Limestone (5 Pound) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06Y17J54N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4AEAXZ3B0T2Q3TE2ZMTK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I like this one. In fact, I just ordered some while I was getting the link for you lol
Aquarium Small Leaf Grass, Aquarium Water Grass for Fish Tank Decoration Creates Lush Green Carpet Plant https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XZV8RDK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_05VF7FPB2PWQB9P9EPAG Grows better out of water imo
So what I found is most effect is to place these on the inside lid of my enclosures: https://www.amazon.com/Catchmaster-904-Clear-Window-Traps/dp/B001QBPP66/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=window+sticky+fly+traps&qid=1624466536&sprefix=window+sticky+&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&smid=AS0RVLN16NF1C&spLa=ZW5j...
And then I also use Mosquito Bits, but I've had issue with it not working when I add it to the soil, so what I do is add it to the soil as well as any water I use to hydrate their soil. Let the mosquito bits soak in the water for a couple hours or overnight first. Here's a link to it on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Summit-Responsible-Solutions-Mosquito-Bits/dp/B0001AUF8G/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=mosquito+bits&qid=1624466638&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzNVBBM0s3OTVCMENMJmVuY3J5cHRl...
Now you'll still get 1-5 knats in your enclosure if it's not sealed off. When making my enclosures I used Sterilite Foam Gasket 32 Quart see-thru totes, they are usually about $10-$15 at Walmart or the hardware store. As for air exchange so they can breath, I duct tape fabric over any air holes to prevent anything getting in or out.
Using all these methods together, not only completely rid your knat issue, but the Sterilite tote + fabric trick will also prevent any isopods from "wandering" out of their enclosure, as many people complain about escape artists making it into other nearby enclosures, but they don't use a gasket+ fabric seal enclosure.
I get mine from H-mart by my house. The ones without the blue line at the top I got from Diaso. You can get them on amazon though.
Komax Biokips 35-Cup Large Food Storage Container (280 oz.). Airtight Container Suitable for Bread, Rice, Flour, Dry, Bulk Food & Baking Supplies | Rectangular, BPA Free Storage Box With Locking Lid https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J22LXZX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_J6z4Db433PJF3
Another idea is a katchy or something like it. I like it because I have terrarium in my work office and it’s more discrete than fly tape and vinegar traps if you need to consider aesthetics
>Plato Pet Wild Caught Baltic Sprat Dog Treats
I found them, this?
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certainly save me money since the ones above are about 23 bucks for 3 oz.. so 10 bucks for 3 oz .. I can save over 50% .. thanks, I appreciate it. will order a bag when I am getting low and if they like it as much will just keep buying it.
EEEKit 5-Pack Hygrometer Thermometer Digital LCD Monitor Indoor Outdoor Humidity Meter Gauge for Humidifiers Dehumidifiers Greenhouse Basement Babyroom, Black Round, Measure in Fahrenheit/Celsius https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BLY177S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_wRTDCb96KY7H8