Isopods in the Terrarium

[Silverfaery]

Hi, I am in the process of setting up my very first crabitat - a 20 gallon with 6-8 inches of substrate (sand mixed with Eco Earth, hopefully about a 5:1 ratio), an UTH on the back side of the tank, multiple levels, and aerated freshwater and saltwater dishes. I have been doing tons of research, because I want to provide the healthiest, most enriching environment possible for my future crabs.

I have read about adding isopods (e.g. pillbugs) to the tank as a clean-up crew, and I think this is a great idea! I have a couple questions, though, and wonder if anyone here might know the answers?

I have read that using saltwater to initially moisten the substrate is a good way to help prevent problems (molding, mites, etc.), and thereafter misting with freshwater (to prevent salt build-up). However, I'm not sure how this would affect the isopods. I have seen a species of isopod in the surf on the beach here in San Diego (it is whitish - nearly translucent), and I imagine it might do okay with the salt; but perhaps the marine species are not appropriate for this application? Would a colony of terrestrial isopods in the tank serve a similar function to the saltwater moistening, thereby making the saltwater itself unnecessary?

Does anyone here have any advice for me on this?

Thanks so much!

[emmac350]

I believe that, if you want to use pillbugs, salt is out of the question. I'm not sure how well they would do at keeping down mold (since you'd be using them for that purpose instead of expanding with salt)...I've never tried using them. I generally tend to freak out if there are bugs in the tank.

As for the marine ones, I'd be very hesitant to add them without knowing the exact type you are adding, as I'd be afraid that they'd somehow harm the crabs. This is probably me being paranoid, but the usual way we ensure our tanks are mite-free are by dunking everything going into it in salt water. If theses guys and any parasites living on them are found in salt water, how would you ensure they're parasite free?

[aussieJJDude]

I have used isopods in my garden for years without problems! The crabs love hunting them - which I have observed - and if you want to get a population in your tank, having a large number to begin with is very important!
Many times i spilt SW in my crabitat without problems, maybe mix the batch of EE with half the strength of salt?
I had mould problems at the start and I turned to isopods as i heard of stories when the crabs have got salt burn. Isopods to get rid of mould like many think, but curb it like mixing EE with salt.

[Silverfaery]

As for the marine ones, I'd be very hesitant to add them without knowing the exact type you are adding, as I'd be afraid that they'd somehow harm the crabs. This is probably me being paranoid, but the usual way we ensure our tanks are mite-free are by dunking everything going into it in salt water. If theses guys and any parasites living on them are found in salt water, how would you ensure they're parasite free?

Yes, that makes sense, I hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks!

[Silverfaery]

I have used isopods in my garden for years without problems! The crabs love hunting them - which I have observed - and if you want to get a population in your tank, having a large number to begin with is very important!
Many times i spilt SW in my crabitat without problems, maybe mix the batch of EE with half the strength of salt?
I had mould problems at the start and I turned to isopods as i heard of stories when the crabs have got salt burn. Isopods to get rid of mould like many think, but curb it like mixing EE with salt.

Okay, that sounds like a good idea. I will try rehydrating my EE with 1/2 salt water and 1/2 freshwater.

Where did you get your isopods from? Did you find them outside yourself, or buy them somewhere? How many do you consider a large number?

Thank you!

[aussieJJDude]

I got my isopods from my garden, in fact I have two species living in my tank ATM. Well a large number depends on the size of the tank, I suggest one per gallon (4 liters) a good starting point for some to survive and have a good colony going.

[ladybug15057]

Prior to adding rollie pollies (aka pill bugs) to ones tank, please read the comment on this article:

http://crabbywiki.com/tiki-read_article ... 1#comments