What is an Isopod Tank?

BioActive tanks are self-contained ecosystems. They can include plants and animals, and must contain detrivores in order to recycle any dead plant matter, and any animal waste.

A BioActive isopod Tank needs multiple layers in order to function properly:

Lighting: An ecosystem needs sun, which can be replicated with precise attention to UVA and UVB lighting. As long as your ecosystem does not include reptiles, you can get by with a simple UV dome, or keeping your tank close to natural light.

Epiphytic plants: plants that don't need soil to live, but like to perch on branches or other moss-covered hardscape. They are usually sold as 'air plants' and can be found in garden centers and home décor stores.

Plant matter - slow growing, temperate plants are best. 7 great plants fo an isopod viv:

• • 1. Tillandsia Ionantha

  • 2. Homegrown Herbs (oregano, cilantro, parsley, rosemary, etc.)

  • 3. Aloe Vera

  • 4. Callisia Repens (AKA Turtle Vine, Wandering Jew, etc.)

  • 5. Carex buchananii (Red Rooster Ornamental Grass)

  • 6. Jade Plant

  • 7. Echeveria

Isopods & Springtails: Detrivores (insects) that live off plant and animal waste, and break it down into it's elemental parts. Available as cultures locally. Isopods need plant material to break down, moisture, and soil. Groundcover of leaves that are compatible with your reptiles (if using as feeders ) is key. Here's a great site with abundant info.

Leaf Litter & Groundcover:

• choosing leaves that are food-safe for your reptiles is key. If you're not feeding off your isopods, you don't have to be as picky.

• vegetable peelings and trimmings can also provide food and enrichment.

Substrate layer: sphagnum moss, orchid bark, charcoal, coconut fiber,

Screen Separator: either plastic fine-grade window screen, or landscape fabric can be used to keep the soil from migrating down into the bio-ball drainage layer.

Drainage layer: bioballs or hydroballs - these are readily available in pet stores and garden centers.

Supplemental food: Isopods benefit from having access to calcium: a cuttlebone placed in the enclosure makes calcium freely available. Repashy also makes a 'morning wood' powdered food for Isopods. Dehydrated crickets can be added as a treat as well.