2 Secrets YOU Need to Know to Keep Isopods

If you are interested in keeping your isopods healthier and breeding, here are 2 secrets that you should know! Most web pages or other KZbin videos don't cover these. They may be the difference between a surviving colony of isopods and one that EXPLODES with babies!
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[@GoodGuyv2]

Im rolling, oh it's been 10 min time to check the pods

[@SupremeGecko]

Right!?!

[@denverzayden965]

A trick : you can watch movies at flixzone. Been using it for watching lots of of movies during the lockdown.

[@gagemorgan8139]

@Denver Zayden Definitely, been watching on Flixzone} for months myself =)

[@UATU.]

I wonder what my springtails think about my giant finger coming down and stirring their universe to see if anything is alive.

[@SupremeGecko]

What do we think when our owners manage us. "Hey, move my container away from the radiator! It's hot in here!" ;)

[@UATU.]

😆

[@SupremeGecko]

Sometimes I wonder about myself!

[@joestocker660]

When I was young (probably same age as you), my grandpa saw numerous rocks and logs I had turned over on the farm. He told me to always put them back in their original position. “It takes months or years for them [bugs, salamanders] to get that environment like they want it.” he said. I keep my pods stacked where I can see through the ends without rattling around. Thanks Wally, always good advice! 👍😃🐛

[@SupremeGecko]

Joe, this brings back great memories. Thanks!

[@Courtneyeverage]

The First two minutes of this video is why I ordered containers with clear lids lol

[@TheUglyWhale]

Probably one of the most important videos for me so far as a beginner isopod owner. Especially the tip on not checking too often -- I just want to check every hour to be honest, but now I know need to resist!

[@SupremeGecko]

Easier said than done. I know what you mean. But it is best for the pods.

[@ApatheticDonovan]

I definitely appreciate the video! I’ve actually found it difficult to find good videos like this that take the time to go into more detail. Most videos that I’ve come across pretty much give the same basic info, so this is very much appreciated. 🙏

[@SupremeGecko]

Donovan.... and that just made my month! Thank you. This is why I am doing these videos. Thank you VERY MUCH for this wonderful comment.

[@tiffanyoutdoors3885]

I did the checking every other day in the beginning then I went to only once a week and I noticed a huge difference their number went way up. Excellent tips!!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks for the nice comment. So simple but yet you don't hear this ever said by anyone in the community. Happy Turkey Day!

[@jo-jc7jr]

Guilty of checking on them 3-5 times a day. I will start to leave them be. Thanks for the information!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Glad to help! I KNOW it is soooo hard to do.

[@nihilusdirus]

"hey isopods i was walking by and I just wanted to take a look to make sure you were doing okay." That made me chuckle so hard, thats how I talk to all my little things, even if its just TRINKETS and not pets or little yard critters! Awesome video as always! Great demonstration of overwatching the pot so much that it never boils! 😂

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so very much. This was a fun video to do. (I think I overkilled the point a bit but it was fun :)

[@WizzleTeats69]

With my zebras I’ve had a ton of success by doing this: Zebra babies tend to die off if half of the enclosure is dry due to being too small to get to a moist spot in time, so I create a hill gradient and moisten the bottom of the hill so that capillary action drives the water table upward towards the top of the hill. It ensures moisture doesn’t create wet conditions while also giving babies their moisture throughout. My one colony has gone from 25 individuals, to more than 5,000 individuals. I keep them in a under-bed flat bin with lots of cork and tons of leaves. They do make a lot of frass. When their frass gets to about 1/2 a centimeter, I cover the frass with 1/2 a centimeter of my homemade ABG mix. Hope this helps!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks

[@angieschwartz5294]

The video made me giggle. Loved it!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks Angie

[@klee4654]

The absolute best part of your channel is the skits you put in the videos I laugh so much every time I love the videos I'm newly into isopods because of your videos thank you so much!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for watching and thank you so much for this comment. I'm thinking of one now :) As always- ANY questions, let me know.

[@keycartier9100]

The beginning was so funny I make my daughter check on them with me every few days and then we observe them for a bit

[@SupremeGecko]

:) THanks. Maybe a bit drawn out but I had fun.

[@simeondawkins9685]

Dude thats one nice shelf

[@SupremeGecko]

Yes, I completely agree. Love it.

[@vberry4613]

I love the beginning this is too funny. This is just like when I check on the flowers in the garden. I drove the kids nuts lol.

[@SupremeGecko]

I think I over did it a bit though :) BUT- this IS me checking on gecko eggs!

[@katehamilton6422]

What a fun video. You share so much information! Thank you very much.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you Kate

[@vanhodges4263]

You always provide excellent information in your videos.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@siyg]

Hints are absolutely hilarious! To help with this issue you can use a clear enclosure so you can observe without disturbing the isopods.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you. And great point.

[@zyxwfish]

Thanks for the video. I have some wild caught and I’ve been looking at them multiple times a day. Makes perfect sense to leave them alone.

[@SupremeGecko]

It does...... but it's hard!!!

[@zyxwfish]

Supreme Gecko it’s still hard 😅 I looked today. I need to calm down somehow.

[@impskulls]

they are so mesmerising

[@SupremeGecko]

Yes they are.

[@paulfederici1012]

Awesome tips, thanks man :)

[@SupremeGecko]

My pleasure and thank you for watching.

[@daledellatorre2520]

Love your videos Wally

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so much Dale. I love doing them. So many great ideas for 2021!

[@ZTheLastViking]

I have a big natural tank with large fire ants I also have isopods springtails centipedes millipedes 2 little orb weavers and a ton of micro fauna I don't know the names of. It's a big community getting along and it's a perfect eco system. I didn't plan to keep isopods but they are thriving in the setup along with everything else

[@SupremeGecko]

Great to hear. When one can replicate a bit of nature, everyone wins.

[@silasdeceglie6393]

Cool video, thanks for the tips

[@SupremeGecko]

I hope you could use the info. Thank you very much for watching.

[@ulisesangeles9388]

i love just looking at them though 😭

[@SupremeGecko]

Yes! We do too.

[@AudreaTelkamp]

Thank you!!

[@SupremeGecko]

No, thank you!

[@DwarfsExotics]

This was Fantastic to watch and Those Zebra's Look Amazing . Many Thanks For Sharing I learnt something new today 👍

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for stopping by and watching. I really appreciate the wonderful comments.

[@BOB-ud4gy]

Wally's customer service is amazing! Thanks Wally

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so very much.

[@britanynelson3641]

I'm like addicted to your videos now thanks to this one. 🤣🤣🤣🥺🥺🥺

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so much for watching and for the comment. They are so fun to make. :)

[@anthonybecerra3225]

The vid was very helpful. My zebras haven’t been doing so well maybe this change will help. Thanks

[@SupremeGecko]

Great. Thanks for watching. I hope so and please let me know if you have questions. Keep me posted please.

[@taeviansworldofreptiles3828]

Great video. I have a future plan of breeding my own isopods one day. I just have to find a good source of isopods and get the stuff to do it all properly.

[@SupremeGecko]

Taevian, contact me on FB and I will set you up with the 'Taevian' deal :)

[@ToddAutry]

Good stuff.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much.

[@AprilShermanWhitehead]

OMG, this is me - constantly checking! :D

[@SupremeGecko]

Sometimes me too (shhhh :)

[@nathanbronstein5901]

I love this

[@SupremeGecko]

Hope this helps.

[@DEAexotics]

all great tip thank you for sharing .. where can we buy the food you feed them ??

[@SupremeGecko]

It's on my Supreme Gecko store page but just let me know how much you need Andrew. Thank you!

[@marcinpuchalski5602]

So true

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks

[@cheese5943]

Ohh that's also why the white mold are still growing,(new to isopods and that time we're going to my grandmas house) first I mist sprayed the whole enclosure and (now) second I watered the wet side corner and the whole sphagnum moss but it seems they're all doing fine they have babies which is a relief and I'll probably keep that in mind to water only the sides and not all the sphagnum moss (thanks wally)

[@SupremeGecko]

This works for me. Hope it works for you! Thanks for watching.

[@Aquarimax]

Great video Wally! Great tips! Which brand of sphagnum moss do you use?

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much Rus. The very best sphagnum moss I've found (clean, compact) is a product called Besgrow New Zealand Sphagnum Moss.

[@Aquarimax]

Supreme Gecko Thanks Wally, Ali will check it out! Been looking for a good source of sphagnum. 👍

[@SupremeGecko]

@@Aquarimax It's sometimes hard to find. Reptile shows are usually best if you can find a vendor carrying it. If you find a good on-line source, let me know.

[@aperson558]

i was doing the exact opposite of everything this video recommended, thank you so much!

[@SupremeGecko]

No way! You are most welcome.

[@bibytom863]

Let me look, hm, looks ok. 1, 2, 3, ... , 84. Yes, all are feel fine)

[@SupremeGecko]

This made me smile. Thanks.

[@basementpets5327]

It can be difficult to not check on new isopods especially if they are harder to keep or are more expensive. I have gotten much better at it but, I do find myself checking on the hoffmanzeggi a few times a week sometimes

[@SupremeGecko]

It is very difficult!

[@Cleeon]

Yes, we will have first isopoda culture for first time by tomorrow, thankyou for this info, wow, you have a lots of isopoda, if i have home in US. A sure i will buy from you🙂

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for the kind words. It is a passion for sure. Good luck with your first culture. What are you adding?

[@Cleeon]

@@SupremeGecko armadilidium vulgare. Good Sir, i have 2 important question please, i have search for the answers around internet but hard to find it. Is it really we can not crossbreed armadilidium vulgare magic potion with armadilidium vulgare st. Lucia? I think thats weird, because from their scientific name, they're from same species but different variant?

[@SupremeGecko]

@@Cleeon Great question- I am not sure if MP and St. Lucia can be breed successfully together. I really like the colors of both so I personally would not attempt this. To your point, I believe they are the same species. Even with same species, sometimes they do not breed together. When looking at P. laevis Dairy Cows and Orange, they are the same species (maybe, maybe not) and they will not breed together to form a separate morph. But, it looks like P. laevis Orange and P. laevis 'MilkBacks' will. So, my point being, they may be classified as the same Genus-Species right now but they may not be in the long run. Were there 2 questions? I only see one.

[@Cleeon]

@@SupremeGecko thanks so much. Hmmm... You have answered 2 of my question, sorry, i write it on other comment, depend on what video is talk about. But for now, i am watching your isopod vlog 1 by 1. English is not my mother language, sorry when my English confuse you, thanks, lucky me can find your channel and i wish the CREATOR would always keep you and your family always happy with All of your pet🙂

[@SupremeGecko]

@@Cleeon no worries at all.

[@ajhallatt9713]

Hi there! I really appreciate the great video! I'm new to the hobby and have done a lot of research, but it's super helpful to see a video that's so specific :) I currently have armadillidium sp. marbleized, maculatum, klugii, vulgare, and p. hoffmannseggi - and I've got 6 more species coming in this week! My question is about ventilation. I started out with holes in the rim of the plastic tubs I've been using, but after doing more research, realized I needed more aeration. So last night I got a little trigger happy with the soldering iron and I cut holes that are slightly under 1/3 the size of the lid and covered them with window screen. My idea was that I could put sheet moss or sphagnum under the side without the hole, and use that as my wet side. Do you think this will create a good gradient or will vent holes that big dry out the enclosures too fast?

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so much for your questions. That's what this channel is all about. And congrats on that SUPER collection for just starting out. For your question- here's my answer :) It depends :) Unfortunately everyone's home is a little different with temps/humidity levels. More ventilation is ALWAYS a good thing, but sometimes like you mentioned will cause the enclosure to dry quicker. As long as you have that moist area and keep it moist, you should be fine. This will take some experimenting (try checking the tubs and how moist every other day, then every third day, etc until you find a happy medium. PLEASE keep me posted. Also, not to sound like a salesman but if you are looking for any other isopods, please let me know (you can find my available isopods on the Supreme Gecko web page) and I will most definitely give you a discount for watching my videos.

[@ajhallatt9713]

@@SupremeGecko Thank you so much for the great advice! I will definitely keep an eye on your site!

[@SupremeGecko]

@@ajhallatt9713 Thanks.

[@rattlerboi4034]

Checking on them daily is always a good idea! God tip.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks for watching.

[@wanz8429]

lol .. this video make my anxiety gone before i keeping isopod. Thanks sir.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for watching. If there is anything I can show in a video, please let me know.

[@wanz8429]

@@SupremeGecko absolutely. Thanks

[@jpslizards]

A bought a small colony of isopods when I got my Ackie. 35 seconds after putting the isopods in the tank they became food 😭

[@SupremeGecko]

Noooooo! If you start with a couple cultures outside the enclosure (in their own separate containers), you could be harvesting isoopods at least once a month to feed your ackie (and your wheeleri). Just let me know if you have any questions.

[@jpslizards]

@@SupremeGecko I'm going to wait for my Ackie to be bigger, maybe he won't be interested in small prey by then lol

[@SupremeGecko]

@@jpslizards There's always BIG isopods. :)

[@lovisaratliff5092]

Are there some isopods that are better used as feeders than others? And are any that can’t be used?

[@SupremeGecko]

NOW order Isopods and millipedes here- supremegecko.square.site/s/shop?page=1&limit=60&sort_by=name&sort_order=asc

[@SupremeGecko]

.

[@Crystalspets]

First here today i got my zebra isopods today I'm so happy

[@SupremeGecko]

Way to go Crystal!!!

[@richardpropp1340]

What is the white mesh you use on your ventilation holes and where do you source it?

[@SupremeGecko]

It is chiffon

[@KatieDeGo]

@SupremeGecko I know this is an old comment, but I use that black gardening mesh stuff that aereates, but doesn't let gnats through. Does that work?

[@clairew1987]

Great video…when you water just the sides, do you find it spreads out anyway? Also, I never got on with sphagnum moss as it always kept drying out, do you find that? Thank you! X

[@SupremeGecko]

It absolutely does. Maybe for the sphagnum moss, you may have to water more frequently- depending on your environment. Thanks for the kind comment.

[@clairew1987]

@@SupremeGecko thank you so much for answering! X

[@SupremeGecko]

@@clairew1987 My pleasure entirely. Thank you for watching.

[@Goldenrod6901]

I've got a new colony of dwarf whites and my room gets chilly at night (about 72°) would it be helpful to give them a heating pad or something like that or would it be better to leave them be? Edit: would powdered crested gecko food be good for them?

[@SupremeGecko]

Maybe you could move them up in the room (higher to the ceiling if you could add a few degrees to their enclosure). They are a tropical species.

[@NCooksCornerCritters]

Can you use any type of wood if does is have to be a specific type?

[@SupremeGecko]

I definitely would use hard woods if you can.

[@user-hd7fu9op9m]

很棒的视频。我能把它转到别的地方吗？（非盈利）

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks

[@iddybiddyladybugleeza262]

Thank you for all the information & not being a helicopter mom with my isopods 👍🏼👍🏼

[@SupremeGecko]

That is funny :) Thank you for watching.

[@mitzirino]

Genuine question, because I’m new to isopods and how to keep them, but does it really affect them even just by opening the lid to observe them and not even touch them, or am I taking your advice a little too seriously? I love the video btw! I learned a little more about isopods.

[@SupremeGecko]

Good question. It's more about opening the lid, moving the bark, picking them up...... If they are under the bark, it's ok once in a while to check them out but not every day. Thank you for the question!

[@mitzirino]

@@SupremeGecko And thank you for replying! ❤️

[@user-hd7fu9op9m]

Great video. Can I forward it to another place? (non profit)

[@SupremeGecko]

Will you share the link? If you do, that is fine.

[@memyselfandi6825]

You said you went 3 to 4 weeks without checking on zebras.. i just received some yesterday! I have only checked 13 times ha ha :) my question is can I go weeks without watering them? Is that really ok ? I would be worried about moisture.. I am brand new to hobby . Ty for your knowledge you have helped me immensely

[@SupremeGecko]

To clarify, I feed and water every week. I don't check under the bark that often. BUT, it is not uncommon to check frequently when you have new ones :) Understandable.

[@ChairmanMeowNZ]

Hi liked and subbed 👍 😸

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much.

[@jeyrey3898]

Lol!!! So meeee! Lol, great videoooohhhh!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks Jey for watching. Gotcha

[@convictedconstrictors574]

can you tell me the fastest reproducing isopods? I have dwarf whites but I want to get 2-3 others that reproduce fast and are somewhat hardy, Thanks

[@SupremeGecko]

I believe the fastest are the Florida Fast and any of the Powders (blue/orange). Hope this helps,

[@convictedconstrictors574]

Supreme Gecko yea, thanks, I actually ordered some powder orange and dairy cows the other day, I eventually want to work with all of them, I never knew I would be as interested in them as I am in my Snakes and lizards, thanks for the help, I appreciate it

[@angelosvass1001]

Where I can find isopods? I tried to search in parks and large forest like parks under rocks or rotten wood but I couldnt find any and it seems to be too dry here, any tips on finding any?

[@SupremeGecko]

I've had most of my success near moister areas like along small streams.

[@angelosvass1001]

@@SupremeGecko Thanks for the answer!

[@SupremeGecko]

@@angelosvass1001 always welcome

[@backwoodsdragons2927]

I did that when i frist got them i wood look at them every day 2 times. A day

[@SupremeGecko]

:) Me too buddy. Me too

[@backwoodsdragons2927]

Sorry been looking at all your videos

[@SupremeGecko]

@@backwoodsdragons2927 No, thank you!!!!

[@backwoodsdragons2927]

Dont want ti seem like im bugging you just had to find ppl that want to talk about the same things your in to

[@sagenhaftundsonderbar]

Ok, we get it! :D

[@SupremeGecko]

Sorry... too drawn out? :)

[@sagenhaftundsonderbar]

@@SupremeGecko All good. I love your Videos :D

[@FusionDeveloper]

I believe Isopods will somewhat build tunnels and establish "homes", similar to ants. Therefore, mixing up the substrate, collapses these areas.

[@SupremeGecko]

This is absolutely correct that some create tunnels. Mixing up with disturb them and IMHO should be done rarely.

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

You must not think highly of your subscribers. We got the point after the 3rd time you checked the isopods. lol

[@SupremeGecko]

I know. I got too into it. This was one of my earlier videos. I'm getting better :) Thanks Oh, and I think HIGHLY of my subscribers! I promise, comments like this are taken under consideration all the time. Thanks for leaving the comment.

[@speckledjim_]

Isopods are secretive little prey animals. Everytime you open the enclosure to check on them you are scaring them out of they're tiny minds. If you want your 'pods to flourish, leave them the heck alone. That is just as important as temperature, humidity and feeding

[@SupremeGecko]

Not quite as important but pretty important :) Thanks for the comment.

[@speckledjim_]

@@SupremeGecko what you demonstrated in your video although exaggerated it still highlighted an important point. I remember when I first started I was constantly checking on them...and they did suffer for it. It's different now and my isopods are really benefitting from it and the only thing that's changed is the frequency of checkups

[@SupremeGecko]

@@speckledjim_ Just a little exaggerated :) Thanks for the great comment. I completely agree.

[@speckledjim_]

@@SupremeGecko would be interesting to set up a simple experiment. 2 enclosures containing 20 dairy cows in each, in one do your usual checks that you do now and in the other check them every day, lifting the wood and checking under leaves etc. Check the numbers after 3 months. I know which one I would bet on

[@SupremeGecko]

@@speckledjim_ I would be right there with you.

[@HRLippe14]

How do ypu ypu "harvest" from the culture?

[@SupremeGecko]

What do you mean harvest? For what purpose? To start another culture or to use them as feeders? Thanks.

[@irThumper]

Lol... like me ISO-OCD!

[@irThumper]

I have to check in on mine every other day or we wind up win bins that dry out too fast due to our heating situation. I have no lack of mancae though, lol. If I don't feed my laevis every other day they'll start chowing on each other. I'm TOO successful with those guys! :O

[@SupremeGecko]

I love this! "Hello, my name is Wally and I'm ISO-OCD" everyone else in the meeting- "Hello Wally".

[@ballisticbadger9955]

The skit you did was funny at first but you kinda dragged it out to long until it just became "Yeah yeah we get it.... Let's move on 🙄😑"....

[@SupremeGecko]

Great point. I appreciate the candor. I completely agree. When I recorded and edited it made sense but now that I watch it again, it does seem like I did the opening of the tub one or two too many times. Thanks again and tanks for watching.

[@user-hd7fu9op9m]

很棒的视频。我能把它转到别的地方吗？（非盈利）

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks