Isopod Enclosures Selecting the Perfect Size

[@Aquarimax]

I agree with your rationale, Wally! When I am starting with tiny groups, I like even smaller enclosures. If I have at least 10, I like the 6-quarts. 😊👍

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks Rus. Hope I covered everything. I think I am enjoying making the thumbnails now more than the videos :) Ah, maybe not that much but I am having fun. Hope this helps people.

[@BOB-ud4gy]

Another great video Wally! You are the one stop "ISOpedia" A wealth of knowledge!!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Oh my! I am for sure using this!

[@captfantastic]

Oh... I forgot to mention... I've been having really good success with starting new cultures, in small critter carriers... I first had my Dubrovniks in a 6 quart, they were happy, good temps and food, but they just didn't do anything... so I swapped them into a small 8"x4"x5" carrier... now... BOOM... the Dubrovniks are down with happy Polka times... mancae... I've done the same with my high color Vulgare project, now I think I need to move to a 2.5 gal fish tank, there's so many...

[@SupremeGecko]

Outstanding info Ken. Someone asked about KKs and their possible lack of proper ventilation. I mentioned that, for the right isopods, they should work fine. Glad you are confirming this and giving actual experience. Thanks!

[@Hi_Im_Akward]

First video of yours I found but automatic follow. The details and explanations are extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@SupremeGecko]

This is so cool to read. THANK YOU so much

[@jilliansamul8322]

Great idea having higher bins for the escape-artists! I’m definitely going to shift some of my guys into taller enclosures :) I have rogue isos in my office basement for sure...

[@SupremeGecko]

Had to find something. Thanks for watching Jillian.

[@bananafloat27]

Thank you Wally, this video is so perfect, you really have a talent for teaching/explaining things in a really clear and helpful manner. Thank you!!!!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so very much. When I get comments like this, it really is appreciated.

[@atleastmothmancares1263]

Thank you so much for making these videos! I just started my isopod collection (got some adorable dairy cows) and these videos really helped me to get me started!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much for watching. Good luck on your isopod adventures and ALWAYS, please let me know if you have any questions.

[@j371]

Great video Wally.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so much.

[@erism.4800]

Do you have any videos on moving a culture? My zebras are in a 6qt and I want to move them to a bigger enclosure but no clue how to do that with 30+ adults plus babies!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks for watching. I sure do. Check this video out- kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXu5kpV_ibt7htk

[@vanhodges4263]

Another amazing video. I cannot believe how this channel has grown and your videos keep getting better and better! Keep up the good work.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you Van.

[@Fishaholic]

You are a guru mate, very detailed video and useful information

[@SupremeGecko]

Just having fun and sharing the experience.

[@Crystalspets]

Very awesome information wally thank you so much for sharing this video with us

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much Crystal.

[@julyanjohns1237]

thanks for sharing your experience. been watching a load of your vids and, as a total beginner with isopods, found them exactly what you need when starting out. got my first colony of dairy cows and springtails this morning, but feel confident after following the advice from you and other people in the isopod youtube community. we're on lockdown over here in the UK, so it's been great for my mental health learning about isopods and going out to get all the stuff you need to make a good substrate, and now its cool watching the little guys do their thing. good luck for 2021, thanks for the positivity, and keep up the great work :)

[@SupremeGecko]

This comment really means a lot to me and made my day!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share. If you ever have ANY questions, please let me know.

[@frankdughtank8327]

Wonderful Video and Birthday Gift Trying to Expand My Collection of Isopods and Geckos 👍 Keep up the good work

[@SupremeGecko]

Happy birthday my friend. Thanks!

[@frankdughtank8327]

Supreme Gecko 👍

[@frankdughtank8327]

Supreme Gecko If I order some P.Hoffmannseggi in the future it’s gonna be from you

[@SupremeGecko]

@@frankdughtank8327 Thank you so much

[@frankdughtank8327]

:)

[@Courtneyeverage]

I'm JUST now getting into the hobby( they will be here Tuesday!!) I was kinda worried about what I have being to small, but now I know its good!

[@jwslippman]

More great info! Love display enclosures too. I have a Exo Terra nano that I kept a ghost mantis (RIP) in with dairy cows. Live plants as well and it looks great. Just need to choose another mantid for it now.

[@SupremeGecko]

Nice! What a great looking enclosure that must be. Very cool. (check out Bugs in Cyberspace for another mantid)

[@jwslippman]

I’ll check them out!

[@arsonsnail]

it’s definitely a ghost mantis now lmaoo

[@myrnabren4834]

Great informative video! I’ve been introduced to food storage containers for the smallest numbers. Working well so far, just have to keep any eye on humidity

[@SupremeGecko]

Yes! Smaller enclosures are more difficult to maintain temps/humidity levels. Exactly!

[@dramallama220]

Very insightful and great reasons for why you make the decisions you do, thank you.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for stopping by and watching this one. It was a lot of fun putting together.

[@danieltrejo9680]

I bought a elegant sand gecko/stenodactylus sthenodactylus and watched some of your videos and really helped me take better care of my gecko thanks for making great videos keep up the good work

[@SupremeGecko]

Oh that is so great to hear! Thanks.

[@themantisgarden]

Cool video Wally, you would hate me lol - all my boxes are identical and the shelving is made to fit 😆Unfortunately, I didn't understand your measurements as 6 quart? doesn't make any sense to me lol. Great stuff! Still catching up 😆

[@SupremeGecko]

I completely understand. For conversion, it's really easy. A quart is about the same as a liter (6qt = 5.6 L). Thanks!

[@basementpets5327]

Loved the vid! I have quite a few sizes of enclosures as well and I will definitely look back on this vid when I need to figure out a perfect size enclosure for a growing colony of isopods!

[@SupremeGecko]

I do that a lot too- rewatch a video a couple times as there always seems to be something I miss.

[@jodieauthelet8615]

I was thinking the same about some of the reasons you do the sizes you do sir. Lol. I have 6 quart for my beginner cultures. Which right now is clowns and zebras And I have 14 quarts right now for my next size. I think you are keeping to your original video of keeping size consistent it’s just choosing the sizes you want to use for what uses like you have showed and stay with those sizes for those reasons. Organization is awesome

[@SupremeGecko]

I WISH I could be more organized. It is a goal of mine. Getting there.

[@SupremeGecko]

Did you know you can order the Supreme Isopod Chow HERE- supremegecko.square.site/s/shop?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=name&sort_order=asc (or contact me at Supreme Gecko on FB).

[@SupremeGecko]

.

[@captfantastic]

Great video as always Wally! Your explanations on when is the right time in moving to larger sizes, helped me figure out why my one large enclosure failed... I should've went with a deep container instead of long...

[@SupremeGecko]

What species?

[@captfantastic]

It was a group of Giant Canyons, I spilt off. Fortunately the original group is still going strong... they did ok at first but all died out... no mites or mold or anything... I also would add that my earlier expertise level (aka lack of experience) most likely had a factor...

[@SupremeGecko]

@@captfantastic Sorry to hear that but, I've been in the same boat with ya.

[@sandysizemore1828]

Thanks Wally this is the very info i was looking for :))

[@SupremeGecko]

Excellent Sandy. Glad it helped.

[@lizrasper1213]

I needed this video! Thank you Wally! I am probably going to need to upgrade a few of my cultures soon! :)

[@SupremeGecko]

My pleasure entirely. Glad it helps. Good luck and as always, let me know if you have any questions.

[@lizrasper1213]

@@SupremeGecko Thank you Wally!

[@acadiaterritory7178]

Very good info as always Wally! Thanks..

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much. I'm hoping people can use this.

[@dragett34]

Another great video! Thanks for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you my friend. Hope this helps some other iso-keepers.

[@jameswalls2696]

Wally, Having just left a comment on the crash video, and jumped to this one, could you please give the INCH sizes for the 27 Qt Flat one as well as the tall version please (making 4 Tubs in total) Thank you. Jim.

[@SupremeGecko]

The 27 qts are fairly standard sweater boxes for under the bed. Mine are 23x16x6"

[@jameswalls2696]

@@SupremeGecko Thanks for info, would still like the measurements for the 6 & 15 sizes as requested previously please. I think you may have got side tracked with my use of the term PASS :) Would never pass by one of your videos Wally, way too full of useful info my friend :-)

[@SupremeGecko]

@@jameswalls2696 I believe they are in the video. Let me know if they are not.

[@silasdeceglie6393]

Thanks for the video. Very helpful

[@SupremeGecko]

Very glad it helped.

[@DowntheWormHole]

Nice! Yep I am already hunting for new containers for my zebras lol. Was going to try and keep them the same

[@SupremeGecko]

I tried but it is really hard having all the same containers.

[@briannatimmind6235]

Love this video

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you Brianna

[@ChantalsCritters]

Great information

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you.

[@vashnatirage]

oh thanks! I suppose we would put the Porcellio Ornatus in the same shallow bin as the other big Porcellio species? Asking for future reference.

[@SupremeGecko]

That would work fine IMHO

[@kanetheoutcast1835]

Great Video. Great Info!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so much. Hope this helps someone.

[@crittergirl3647]

Informative. Thanks.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for stopping by and checking out the video.

[@louiseckeman2021]

Hey Wally, I went and bought some containers that I tought were big enough before you made this vid. Now I find myself with 6 boxes of 7 quart (which is almost 7 liters here in Belgium). Atm they are in boxes of 2.5 liters which is almost 2.5 quarts... I'll do an upgrade soon. Thanks for the useful video!!!

[@SupremeGecko]

:) If they work for you, please don't change things up because of this video. 6 new boxes!!! You are ready to expand.

[@louiseckeman2021]

@@SupremeGecko Okay I'll expand to the 7 quart and it'll be a piece of cake because of all your useful video's! Thank you

[@SupremeGecko]

@@louiseckeman2021 Thank you for the kind words. Good luck and please keep me posted.

[@BigRedsIsopods]

What size container do you keep dwarf whites in?

[@SupremeGecko]

Several actually as I sell them. From 6qt to 27qt

[@JerimiesWildWorld]

Great video!!😁For me right now, since I don’t have much space. I use food containers I get from Poundland (the dollar tree in America for a comparison haha). Smaller containers for my starting cultures and then continuing to increase the size as the colony grows 😁

[@SupremeGecko]

I know what you mean. I was using the 6qts for a long time until they really started taking off. It seems like the container sizes grew quicker than the # of isopods I was keeping.

[@arigroobman]

Hi Wally! When is it a good time to upgrade a setup from a 6 qt to a 12 qt?

[@SupremeGecko]

Great question. You will need to upgrade when you see your isopod culture growing to fit the 6 qt container. With larger species, this will happen sooner rather than later (Dairy Cows), but may never happen with small species like V. parvis.

[@barbhelle5481]

Thank you Wally. This was a very good video. I have my bigger colonies in the long flat enclosures. My others are in 16 quart enclosures. I would like to find some clear containers.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you Barb. Have you considered Kritter Keepers?

[@barbhelle5481]

@@SupremeGecko I sure haven't. I will check into them. I did see a large one on someone's page. They are nice. Thank you.

[@martii1226]

@@SupremeGecko I had looked at Kritter Keepers but I was concerned about whether they provided enough ventilation. I am assuming since you are recommending them that they do have adequate. Just checking since I am just trying to get started with isopods,

[@SupremeGecko]

@@martii1226 It would really depend on the species. Giant Spanish, not so much. Cubaris murinas would be perfect, as an example

[@martii1226]

@@SupremeGecko I am hoping to collect wild here in Indianapolis for my first colony. Do you think the Kritter Keeper would work?

[@ImplosionEnergy]

I have 1 clown left and she is prego. How do I save her and the babies? The enclosure aspect seems to be fixed but should I isolate her or add her with some other isopods?

[@SupremeGecko]

Keep her as is.

[@goneviral6037]

Would it be possible to raise isopods to feed to red eye tree frogs? And if so what ones would be best? Thanks I love your videos!

[@SupremeGecko]

I have not done so but I would think it would be possible, especially with the burrowing isopods like dwarf whites, giant canyons, and Cubaris murina

[@dfantasticcreatures436]

Hi. Can I use any leaf litters for my isopod? Like guyabano leaves? Thanks

[@SupremeGecko]

It's always best to use hardwoods like oak, maple, cottonwood.

[@dfantasticcreatures436]

@@SupremeGecko i think we dont have that in my country. 😂😂😂

[@SupremeGecko]

@@dfantasticcreatures436 Any hardwood would be fine.

[@ryanhinther1727]

I'm looking to start a terrarium for isopods. I noticed a trend with plastic containers and small screens cut outs. Would a 10g glass terrarium with screen lid be sufficient?

[@SupremeGecko]

A 10g would work perfectly well for all species other than probably the Giant Spanish isopods. Thanks for the question.

[@echoesvayne9790]

I have a large/medium terrestrial tarantula enclosed its 9x6x6 would this work? I was thinking at 1/3 the length I would run a small wall of silicone along the bottom because I will not be using springtails because they make me nervous. I was going to use sphagnum moss in the 1/3rd for the moisture side and keep a mix of dryer substrate on the other 6 inches, the silicone will help keep moisture out of the other side if I over water the moist side and slow mold is my theory... good or bad idea. I know moisture will seep in from the higher areas of the connected substrate but it won't flood under

[@SupremeGecko]

It certainly should. Keep me posted

[@chrisyeo699]

anyway to help an isopod that fail molt?

[@SupremeGecko]

Not really, Just look for solutions for the future.

[@frankdughtank8327]

I have never heard of an isopod with a failed molt

[@danielhidalgo8885]

How often do you feed your isopods ?

[@SupremeGecko]

At least once a week- usually every 5-6 days.

[@lilyt6075]

Hey,I’ve got two empty 29qt flat containers. My intention is to upgrade my Zebras into one, and get a new species for the other one. What do you think?

[@SupremeGecko]

I think the 29qt flats are great containers. Which other species should you get? That really depends on what your interests are. So many choices. I could suggest though A. klugii (Clowns)

[@lilyt6075]

@@SupremeGecko awesome!! I’m very interested in that species especially! Any other suggestions?

[@SupremeGecko]

@@lilyt6075 Armadillidium Golden Slano A. Magic Potions

[@lilyt6075]

@@SupremeGecko awesome! Thanks so much.

[@Cleeon]

Terrarium for isopod?

[@SupremeGecko]

Why not! :)

[@jameswalls2696]

Wally, What can I say? - The sizes ARE there (albeit in tiny letters). 78 yr old eyes remember :-( This really does prove my point about MISSING vital info if you only PASS,, I mean VIEW :-) a video once or twice - (thumbs up) and thank you for taking the time to help. Regards, Jim.

[@SupremeGecko]

No worries at all. It's just me being lazy and not wanting to head down 2 flights and back up again :( Thanks for double checking. BTW- if I had NOT added them, I would have made the day and a half (for me) journey from my office to the facility and back :) Hope this helps. And what size do you like the best?

[@jameswalls2696]

@@SupremeGecko I like the look of them ALL, but will be restricted by space limitation. As stated previously, I snatched 12 large flat ones when they were on offer, but when I went back for more the next day, they were sold out (sod's law) :-( Some of those tubs are already in use (not for ISO's), but to RE STORE "stuff" into the loft to make space at ground level for the new hobby critters - Have loft boarded out and still have space available up there, neat though, I may hoard, but I'm a tidy hoarder :-) - boxed, marked, sectioned. off etc. Don't have the luxury of BIG homes/premises like you USA guys. For me it's (springtail size dwellings), a small two bed bungalow (one is my indoor den), a single attached garage (my outdoor den) - that's two smoking zones for me :-). Then there is the 6 ft shed (now a 12 ft size), where I kept my fish in a previous life (with about 20 small tanks 1 ft tall and 3 ft max length) - all gone :-( What a fool I was, it just got too time consuming for me as I was working at the time on the day job. Two lessons there for other viewers -(not you Wally) If you get fed up with your hobby, please do not throw your stuff away, you may just want to come back to it - find a space somewhere out of sight if you can. 2. DON'T go crazy and buy more pets and stuff than you are comfortable with looking after. The temptation is strong, RESIST IT. It is obvious in some Y/T videos that some enthusiasts have taken on way too many animals, though I doubt they would ever admit it - it's human nature. 3. Please learn from the mistakes of others, and of course, learn from your own. There is also the greenhouse (out of bounds to me) , the garden and greenhouse belong to my wife, except when the lawn needs cutting - I know my place :-). I do have control over the compost bin, I was quite insistent about that :-) and it could well be the foundation stone of my new hobby - free good compost for Pat and free good compost substrate and critters for Jim - way to go. She still does not know what I am planning - "It's a secret, all will revealed in good time". I can just imagine it - "YOUR KEEPING WHAT !!!!!!!!!!" - :-) :-) I can take the verbal lashing, but she will come round :) Tip 4. Never ask me a question unless you are prepared for a War and Peace answer as I just cannot stop myself from rambling, I have seen a doctor and there is no cure for it :-) :-) Regards, Jim.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@jameswalls2696 Jim, keep rambling, I LOVE your stories. And your tips are right on. Have you considered a bakers rolling rack for the usopod bins?

[@jameswalls2696]

@@SupremeGecko Wally, USOPODS? - USOPODS? That must a new species - must do a google :-) ;-) The short answer is NO. The long answer is still NO :-) springtail size shed and garage remember :-) Always happy if my offerings are sprinkled with good observations, constructive comments and tips (if qualified) and good humour in equal measure. I have a good story coming up when time permits. So many thoughts and ideas, but so little time to commit them to the keyboard. Clue - It's about BINS, large round black ones. We call them Rubbish Bins, and were common at every residence before Wheelie bins were introduced. - Regards, Jim. P.S. Still looking forward to an answer to my CALCIUM question,. cannot remember off hand which video I placed it on. Can repeat it if required. - no problemo as Arnie (the Terminator) would say :)

[@SupremeGecko]

@@jameswalls2696 What the heck was I drinking!!!! ;) Baker's rack is the answer---- back to back 4fters :) Calcium question? Booo! I missed it. Sorry, repeat for this time crunched fellow please if you would. And always love your stories.

[@backwoodsdragons2927]

What do you think the best isopods for a tank set up

[@SupremeGecko]

Dwarf whites for sure. But it depends on the tank. If arid, then Powder oranges.

[@backwoodsdragons2927]

It a 10 g tank im going to put a light and make it real nice. Just for the ispods

[@frankdughtank8327]

Dwarf Whites are very good

[@denniscasanova4183]

Hey Wally I enjoy all your videos. Do you use anything smaller than a 6 qt? I have a group of 10 juvenile A. Gestroi. Wouldn’t a 6 qt be too big? I am using a much smaller enclosure bc they’re so small. I’m waiting for them to grow a little before moving them to a 6 qt.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for the wonderful comment. I appreciate that. Smaller than a 6qt... no as it is far to difficult to regulate humidity and moisture in a container smaller than 6 qt. And, there is no reason to say a 6 qt is too big :) Think of nature- they live in a much larger container than a 6 qt :) Thanks again for a great question.

[@denniscasanova4183]

@@SupremeGecko I agree with what you have said. I’m gonna move them to a 6 qt today. Thanks again for the advice and your videos are very informative. I enjoy them.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@denniscasanova4183 Keep me posted on how this goes.

[@mrfungus5990]

Why wouldn’t you start rubber ducky’s and panda kings in a 2.5 ? I’m new to the hobby and I have some coming in tomorrow. I was gonna put them in the smaller ones in fear they wouldn’t find each other easily since they borrow a lot

[@SupremeGecko]

You could. 6qts just works better for me.

[@jedmcevoy9841]

I have a jar not a massive one but not a teeny tiny one about 2/3 of a litre and I only put about 4 in there (it’s a terrarium so I want some bio active things in there) will they be okay in there or is it wrong to keep them in there?

[@SupremeGecko]

You can certainly try. Without knowing the isopods, the substrate, the ventilation, etc. it's impossible to say. Submit this as an Isopod Setup Review. This would be fun.

[@jedmcevoy9841]

@@SupremeGecko what do you mean submit? Where would I do this?

[@SupremeGecko]

@@jedmcevoy9841 I have a couple recent videos called "Isopod Setup Reviews' that talk through this process. Hope this helps. As well, in the description, I include my store page that you can find my Email on (I don't included it on these YT videos).

[@kareemacharles4584]

Is 40 qt good ?

[@SupremeGecko]

:) For what?

[@TheropodHunter]

Currently, all my isopod colonies are in 3 litre containers. I might have to expand in a month or two.

[@SupremeGecko]

:) I bet you will :)

[@bibytom863]

So I want to see "the whole new video". )

[@SupremeGecko]

The whole new video?

[@bibytom863]

@@SupremeGecko 8:40 or may be particularly whole new video

[@Cruxity_YT]

Do you keep your enclosures in darkness?

[@SupremeGecko]

They receive ambient room lighting.

[@chrislecky710]

Go into the wild, bring a bottle of nail varnish with you. find a fallen log, Put a red dot of nail varnish on a hand full of isopods. then go back the next day and the day after. isopods are not concerned with room to stretch their legs at all. They have adaptations to hinder themselves from being eaten, so once they find a safe place that provides them with the nourishment they require they tend to stay put.

[@SupremeGecko]

I undersstand.

[@frankdughtank8327]

Yeah

[@SupremeGecko]

Well done.

[@frankdughtank8327]

Supreme Gecko Haha

[@DEAexotics]

great infomation and as for the hat maybe it would be straight if you changed it with a flyers hat LMAO (joke) yeah if you are not careful they can breed so fast that the colony can collapse

[@SupremeGecko]

OHHHHHHHH! :)