Isopod Display Enclosures on A Budget

Isopod display on a budget
Isopod enclosures can be extremely inexpensive, like Sterilite tubs, or they can be high-end and beautiful, like my personal favorite isopod enclosures from www.tarantulacribs.com
Sometimes we want an isopod display enclosure that is somewhere in the middle…that provides good visibility of isopods, yet isn’t expensive. Here is an option for you!
Here is a link to the same style of plastic enclosure that I used for this build:
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Here are the cabinet bumpers I used to create the ‘feet’’ on the enclosure:
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#isopods
#arthropods
Check out these LINKS to these additional Isopod foods and supplies below. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
#ad here is a link to the Fungus Gnat trap I tested in this video: amzn.to/3qtA2pn
#ad I use this breathable medical tape to cover ventilation of some of my isopod enclosures: amzn.to/35oMTkn
I really enjoy my enclosures from www.tarantulacribs.com/
Vivariums in the Mist makes some great isopod foods: www.vivariumsinthemist.com/is...
Wally at Supreme Gecko makes a great Isopod food: www.supremegecko.com/shop-onli...
superior shipping supplies.com makes the smaller isopod enclosures I show in the video.
#ad When I feed my isopods Repashy Bug Burger, they love it:
#ad 6-oz jar of bug burger: amzn.to/2PhSVKg
#ad 12-oz. jar of bug burger: amzn.to/2Mg3Nal
#ad Repashy morning wood is also a very popular isopod food my isopods love: amzn.to/2WdJq23
Isopods will munch on dried River shrimp as well!
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#ad To give your isopods calcium, you can use cuttlebone: twin pack: amzn.to/2S9H3hG
I own a copy of book on isopods by Orin McMonigle, a great source of isopod knowledge:
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#ad here is a link to the sphagnum moss I use to help hydrate my isopods: amzn.to/36BxXiz
#ad here is some organic compost. I use organic compost as an isopod substrate component: amzn.to/3ptpoPK
#ad here are the oak pellets I use for my isopod’s substrate: amzn.to/2JYaznQ
#ad here are some cork bark hides, perfect for isopods: amzn.to/3kyRaX7
#ad here is the coconut fiber brick that can be used in isopod substrate : amzn.to/38I4si6
#ad Here is a link to the 6-quart sterilite tubs I use to house many of my isopods: amzn.to/2syYGZJ
#ad Isopods love cork bark pieces as hides: amzn.to/2WaYOfu
#ad One of the best food/substrate ingredients for isopods are oak leaves, such as these heat-treated red oak leaves: amzn.to/2We6GNm
Isopod Substrate ingredients:
#ad 1 part Organic Compost: amzn.to/2Wn4VO1 (You can probably find it much cheaper at your local garden supply or hardware store)
#ad 1 part Alder Pellets: amzn.to/2MBYj9O
#ad 1 part pesticide-free hardwood leaves, you may collect them locally or purchased pre-sanitized: amzn.to/2We6GNm
#ad I make my own isopod substrate, but here is a link to Josh’s frogs isopod substrate : amzn.to/2TfyC1D
#ad For FREE 2-Day shipping on qualifying orders, try Amazon Prime: amzn.to/2N2HuFb
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. In other words, I earn a small commission when you use that affiliate link, at no cost to you.
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[@EmmyAllEars]

I use clear acrylic shoe boxes! They're made for display, stacking, and frequent opening. I found some with top lids (many have front-facing openings) and open handles. I glued mesh over the handle openings, and I add tape on it to decrease ventilation if needed.

[@Aquarimax]

I'll have to look those up! Good idea.

[@hermanlively8197]

You got a link to see what you are talking about

[@k2a2l2]

rewatching all these videos again because im thinking of actually getting some isopods finally. you’re the best and such a huge help and im sure so many people would say the same! thanks so much for the information always! :)

[@warni3092]

Great info! Thanks so much. My wife wants to be able to display them and this is a great option that won’t break the bank ;) which means more money for Isopods!

[@welcometohell8307]

I've recently started using refrigerator storage berry boxes, they're clear plastic, relatively cheap at Walmart, easy to drill through, and are the perfect size

[@Aquarimax]

I will have to try those out!

[@chaospit9788]

For cleaning more fragile/easily scratched enclosures I use microfiber cloths, they're usually in the automotive section in a home improvement store. (They can also be found by reading glasses but those clothes are usually much smaller for more.) I figure if it's good enough for classic cars and prescription glasses it probably won't scratch

[@hal-c]

Thanks for the super useful(as usual) vid Rus! Keep doin what you're doin. You're a super important asset to hobbyists like me. I never would have gotten into terrestrial inverts if it weren't for your videos.

[@RebleGreyWarden]

I have my dairy cows in a Creature Den Low Profile :D I tried using a Sterlite container but had trouble with mold, I know it was because I did not make enough ventilation holes...but I abandoned it quickly and dug out every single isopod and put them back into the Creature Den. (The update no one asked for! My cows had their first substrate change and man, it took hours, but it was worth it :D)

[@Aquarimax]

I do like the Low Profile Creature Dens! I have a scorpion in one now…plenty of ventilation in those!

[@laurak3965]

These look like a great budget option! I didn't know if you had heard or not, but in a video a while ago, you had recommended permeable medical tape with tiny holes to put over too-large enclosure holes. They have a generic version of this tape now at Dollar Tree that is simply called "Waterproof Tape" in their health section.

[@mousemane]

thanks!!!

[@Aquarimax]

Great suggestion! I use various versions of that tape, as long as it is gas permeable, it should work well!

[@FusionDeveloper]

I actually have used micropore tape on areas of the sides of my enclosure to allow the isopods to climb up closer to my ventilation screened holes. They also call it gentle paper tape. It does allow air to pass through but you need to be aware that the tighter the mesh grid of holes are the less air flow there will be. Even if you were to have a large open hole and just put a pencil lengthways down the middle that pencil will still greatly interfere with the airflow. Window screen on its own also blocks a tremendous amount of airflow which can be observed if it's windy outside and you have a screened in porch you will notice it in the screened in porch you get very little breeze if any. Therefore it is best to consider the mesh size of the holes. The smaller the holes are, the larger the ventilation area needs to be to accommodate it. In contrast, if you have holes that are large with no screen or fabric over them then you can get away with less of them. You know that you do not have enough ventilation and too much moisture, if mold and fungus starts growing in your enclosure. It is a little more difficult with isopods and springtails that have very tiny babies to make ventilation holes near the bottom of your enclosure. However if you can make ventilation holes near the bottom of your enclosure with an extremely tight grid that no living creature can go in or out, that will allow carbon dioxide that settles at the bottom of the enclosure to be pushed out by the heavier oxygen from the top which will help to create fresh oxygen going down into the substrate. I haven't actually done this for isopods yet because the material that would have to be used, would need to be able to withstand being wet at all times and possibly chewed on, even if it's on the dry side of the enclosure. Meaning you want the most indestructible material possible that allows ventilation of gases. If I come up with a solution I might make a video of it but I'll probably just leave a comment on some isopod related video on KZbin somewhere.

[@FusionDeveloper]

I love High Yellow.

[@Mercedes_may]

Personally I swear by the BettaView tanks from Walmart they are only five dollars and already have a good amount of ventilation and even come with some pellets they are a bit small but otherwise absolutely great little display enclosures I just love them and really think more people should use them

[@Aquarimax]

I think I know the ones you are talking about. I can totally see those working for small displays!

[@AshleyNebs]

I use clear acrylic shoe and boot boxes from Walmart. When I stocked up on them they were around $5 each. They come with some vents on the sides but some species need more and I just haven’t drilled those yet. But I’ve had cracks and lots of scuffs happen.

[@hermanlively8197]

Link

[@axjagfilms]

Zelda

[@mousemane]

uploaded just as i've started to rapidly expand my invert collection 😭 thank u 4 this

[@Aquarimax]

You’re welcome! Which species do up you have?

[@mousemane]

@@Aquarimax i just got some p. laevis cali mix and they're very happy in their home so far. :) i also got some native specimens from near my house i'm still working on iding, i have been reading about the native species here, it's really interesting!

[@hal-c]

Those turantula cribs are great, so expensive though. The model car display cases are a perfect alternative for the enclosures that I want to look nice, but aren't my main displays. I'm definitely going to start moving some of my smaller cubaris colonies into these. On a side note, my favorite display enclosuire right now is my converted Fluval Spec V aquarium. The built-in filter is the perfect spot for a DIY fogger.

[@paranoiarpincess]

I don't have them yet, but I plan to display my isopods in a 120Gal snake enclosure... with my ball python XD

[@Aquarimax]

Sounds like a lovely place for some isopods that like warmth and reasonably high humidity!

[@FusionDeveloper]

Awesome! Lots of room for isopods to make many unique homes.

[@emilywilson3963]

This is an amazing idea!

[@lizziesmusicmaking]

I have mine in a plastic storage jar. It's pretty small, maybe 6 inches across, but I've been keeping P. scaber and dwarf whites in it for the past two years and they're still going strong, especially the P. scaber. For a lid, I use netting, doubled over to keep more moisture in, with an elastic band to hold it on.

[@Aquarimax]

Sounds like you have found a winning combination

[@oun6661]

Thanks for the video. I only recently started researching isopods for my reptile enclosures, but the more I learn about them the more I am considering keeping them as more than a “clean up crew”. Your videos really help me. Thank you for the video 🙏

[@frankdughtank8327]

Excellent Video as always Rus!!!

[@Aquarimax]

Thank you Frank!!

[@boerdandexperimental9370]

I have my isopods in clear plastic crosaunt boxes. I know it isn't fancy, but I love being able to watch them engage in natural behaviors. Watched a montenegro clean its face for nearly an hour the other day

[@Aquarimax]

Sounds like a great way to have a nice , clear, very cheap enclosure!

[@boerdandexperimental9370]

@@Aquarimax I am enjoying them so far. The price of them is just asking people I know not to throw them away, easy to put ventilation holes in, and I have found that with my compulsive wanting to look into my perlite tubs 5 times a day that display enclosures are definitely the right way to go for me and my isopods until I can get over that... But they are so fascinating to watch. Watched one clean its face through the side for like an hour the other day. I really like the naturalistic behaviors seen with display enclosures. The main drawbacks I have seen is the thinner walls make them less structurally sound, but they are more likely to bend than crack, so I try o avoid stacking them, and when I do I will hav the top ones go lengthwise across 2 width wise underneath, the ridges in the plastic for stability impacts if you want to take pictures through the side, and definitely pay attention to the state of the clam shell seam. I have been able to keep powder blues in one for about a month now and the fact that not even they have been able to escape as far as I can tell makes me feel good, but I would never put them in the one I have my vulgates in or they would be out I am sure. The vulgates don't seem to be trying to escape like the powder blues do though. (The boxes I use have a downward lip over the edge of the seam which is crucial, I have seen powder blues get to there and then have to turn around because of the downward lip, they probably would be wiggling out otherwise, so I would not recommend ones if they don't have this downward lip)

[@boerdandexperimental9370]

I have had powder blues and vulgates in there for a month, and moved in Scabers and Montenegros a week ago. That is as long as I have experience with them though

[@thevvraith]

Yaaaay new upload! Hope you're feeling well rus!

[@Aquarimax]

Thank you! 😊 I am not feeling well yet, but fortunately I filmed this before I got sick. 😁 hopefully just a few more days…

[@LuckyStone888]

Great video.

[@Aquarimax]

Thank you!

[@kychu1445]

Dollar store box, cheap topsoil, Egg cases (like those for crickets) and outside leaf litter. easy

[@kychu1445]

Wild caught springtails too, also wild moss.

[@Aquarimax]

That works great, and is similar what I do for breeding enclosures, but the point of this video is a display enclosure. 😁

[@kychu1445]

@@Aquarimax Alright thanks.

[@LorienInksong]

If you can get a good deal on the the mDesign boxes are pretty nice.

[@sandysizemore1828]

I hope you’re feeling better ! Fun video :))

[@Aquarimax]

Little by little…and thank you!

[@FusionDeveloper]

I took a large translucent plastic tote and put a plexiglass side on it. If anyone wants to apply plexiglass, DO NOT rely on a single line of plexiglass adhesive. I made 3 lines. The first line ended up with a tiny gap between the plexiglass and the plastic tote and a few grains of dirt or waste, ended up between the first and middle line of adhesive. That's why I say, don't really on 1 line. You could instead make a single 2-3 inch thick band of the plexiglass silicone adhesive but that would be extremely expensive and many tubes, in order to do the huge area that I had done.

[@Aquarimax]

Great tip for those who want to make a ‘window’ style enclosure 👍🏼

[@mellewedin8221]

I have bought a few Zilla enclosures, I have one zoo med tank. I like the Zilla enclosures. I have 2 of the large ones, and one of the small ones. They are plastic or acrylic. The zoo med creatures tank is Glass and it's home to my red back salamanders.

[@kevinzeh3559]

I use a wood burning or soldering iron to make vent holes. Much easier than a drill.

[@Aquarimax]

I hav done that as well. 👍🏼It is easier, but needs to be done in a very well-ventilated area.

[@farmfishandfreedom2933]

Bought by first live animals on the internet this week. Got porcellio Hassi, and skewbald tri from smug bug. They’re gorgeous! I want to do a display of the Haasi when they populate enough to split up.

[@Aquarimax]

Haasi are probably my favorite Porcellio species I don’t have yet!

[@chawpeas5592]

Ah yes! Ive been looking for a new enclosure for my G pulchra

[@Aquarimax]

Awesome!

[@mindgame006]

Hi, Rus A couple of years ago (like 2-3 years ago) I talked to you about trying to do an experiment with a whipless tail scorpion and isopods in the same enclosure. The isopods I used for the experiment where P. Scaber. It was doing really good at first, the whipless tail scorpion was eating the isopods and the isopods were cleaning the enclosure. I think the problem was that the whipless tail scorpion and the isopods like dark places to hide so they were hiding in the same spot. I forgot to put something high for the whipless tail scorpion. It ended up that one day I found the whipless tail scorpion not moving and the isopods ate it.

[@Aquarimax]

So it worked for a long time…I wonder if the whip fell in an early stage of molting? That could have happened even without isopods.

[@amyesworldcatherinesminime7945]

󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿I've not seen those boxes in the UK, but I did find a set of 4 boxes (3 sizes, nested) in the discount supermarket this week. I like to use a soldering iron to make holes, I worry I'd crack the plastic using a drill. Fumes though, need ventilation for the task 🏴

[@Aquarimax]

A soldering iron can certainly work, but as you pointed out, that must be done outside or in a very well-ventilated area.

[@meowthekitty321]

You need ventilation to make ventilation...

[@amyesworldcatherinesminime7945]

@@meowthekitty321 yes! 😄

[@hitsunakousaka9497]

This is quite what im trying to look for! tho i am having some trouble looking for such containers in my local area, and those online tend to be pricey. I have a question; I notice that my springtails tend to climb on the walls of my enclosures and while i have been using breathable medical tape to close off the ventilation holes of my enclosures, i wish to stop using them as they are rather unsightly, but i dont want my springtails (and also baby isopods) to climb out. Any suggestions? I noticed that you dont keep your ventilation holes closed at all.

[@Aquarimax]

I do see springtails climbing the sides of my enclosures…but not baby isopods unless the walls are too moist and/or dirty. For what it is worth, I don’t seem to notice the springtails crawling out of the enclosure.

[@hitsunakousaka9497]

@@Aquarimax Ah i see. I'll try not putting tape with a new enclosure and see how it goes. Also, as im living in Malaysia I'm wondering if my enclosures for my isopods have enough humidity or too much. I keep Armadillidium peraccae which has exploded in population and a new colony of Zebras which i have just seen a 2nd spawning

[@chesniechannel3456]

What is the dimension in inches display enclosure for 10 mancae milkbacks 8 adult milkback and 3 giant oranges? Thanks!

[@Aquarimax]

You could use something pretty small for that number, but the milkbacks are prolific, so in a few months you would eat something larger…at least a 16 quart…ad eventually they will outgrow that too.

[@chesniechannel3456]

@@Aquarimax will do that! Thanks for the tip! Appreciate you! 👌

[@SusanLBritt]

Can i use a 10 gallon aquarium that im making a terrarium out of ??

[@Aquarimax]

Yes, but keep in mind that isopods can climb silicone sealant used in glass aquaria, especially if it has a little bit of debris on it.

[@Twistedlittlesmile]

Can I do anything with front opening glass enclosures to make them better for arthropods?

[@Aquarimax]

Which type of arthropods? There are quite a few that can do well in such enclosures.

[@Twistedlittlesmile]

@@Aquarimax isopods most likely

[@Aquarimax]

The main thing with front-opening enclosures for isopods is making sure they can’t escape…so keep the substrate depth just below the front vents.

[@sirblue5586]

I need help! My terrarium has ventilation holes drilled too low! The link for breathable tape in your description doesn't work! Page no longer exists. Can you please help me as soon as possible?? My springtails arrive tomorrow,

[@Aquarimax]

Try this: #ad amzn.to/3PNMspr

[@michaelthrockmorton5783]

Hey man. I wanna start owning isopods but I'm in Australia, and can't get my hands in corkbark(unless it's shipped from us/UK whitch would take months) so and alternatives?

[@Aquarimax]

Any aged sheets of hardwood bark can work. Just avoid the bark of conifers. Do you have access to palm leaves? The part of the palm leaf that attaches to the trunk can make a great isopod hide.

[@michaelthrockmorton5783]

@@Aquarimax I got plenty old redgum bark. Will that work? Yes but no. I like next to a rainforest so there's plenty of small shrub palms. Will that also work?

[@li-ma-mu]

the links in the description seem to be missing/broken ? :)

[@Aquarimax]

All of them, or any specific ones?

[@Aquarimax]

I think I found the one you are talking about. I fixed it in the descrption, but it is also here: #ad amzn.to/37KIHQy

[@li-ma-mu]

the cabinet bumper link doesnt work for me :(

[@Aquarimax]

@@li-ma-mu I think I fixed that too: #ad amzn.to/39dAncl

[@li-ma-mu]

they work fine now, thanks :)

[@Emily-gw6di]

Almost all my hoffmenseggi, armidillidium , and dalmation isopods have died suddenly, I had been keeping them in bins with organic compost with leaf litter on the top and egg flats with egg shells , they were well ventalated and had plenty of moisture , what couldve happened?

[@Aquarimax]

Oh no! Was it all at the same time? Could they have been exposed to any airborne toxins, such as aerosol cleaners, pesticides, etc.?

[@Emily-gw6di]

@@Aquarimax Yes it was within the same week , I clean the kitchen with chemicals but keep my isopods in a different room

[@robertdobie8680]

I’m very close to starting an isopod colony, and have even bought a few supplies. But I’m hesitating now because I just did the math and realized that if my isopods breed successfully, then in just a few years they may outnumber all the visible stars in the known universe! That’s an exaggeration, okay, but ... from just a small starting population of 10 or 20, wouldn’t they start to number in the hundreds and thousands in just a few years? And the information I’ve read online so far suggests that it’s either illegal and/or unethical to release them into the wild. Suggestions I’ve found online so far: kill them by feeding them to other exotic pets, or suffocating them, or freezing them. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

[@Aquarimax]

It is important to think about overpopulation, so I am glad you are thinking about it now, before you keep any. As you mentioned, they should not be released into the wild. Since you can control the available space and food, you can control the population to some extent, but you stil may find yourself with more than the ideal number in a given container. Using them as feeders for reptiles/amphibians can work well. if it comes to the point where you still need to reduce the population, USDA-APHIS suggests freezing them for 72 hours. This is likely more humane than suffocating them.

[@robertdobie8680]

@@Aquarimax Thanks very much for getting back to me so quickly, and for the information!

[@entity107]

A company called microvivarium sells something similar

[@Aquarimax]

Yes! I have two of their setups, the normal and the large mansion, they are great!

[@javistrangepets7882]

are you feeling better?

[@Aquarimax]

A little…hopefully in a few days I’ll be back to normal!

[@RupeeRoundhouse]

Can you do a video on your talking catfish?

[@Aquarimax]

LOL…maybe I can…but he only knows the one word…

[@Minyassa]

Where are you finding Sterilite at a reasonable price? I went hunting far and wide last night and they are *ridiculous* unless you buy them in bulk. ...oh.

[@Aquarimax]

LOL..bulk does help, but I still find them at hardware stores and some superstores for decent price… it quite as cheap as they used to be, though.

[@AshleyNebs]

Try big box hardware stores I got all my 16qt sterlite with latching lids for around $4 each at Menards.