Tips To Avoid An Isopod Crash - Is your colony ready to CRASH!!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Make sure you check out our new Isopod Store- supremegecko.square.site/shop/isopods/5?limit=180&page=1&sort_by=price&sort_order=asc

[@mellewedin8221]

Wouldn't adding charcoal or activated carbon help out with cultures and filtering. Charcoal is used as a filter in many ways.

[@mellewedin8221]

Oh I really love your videos too by the way. You and Russ have both helped out so much.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@mellewedin8221 Yes, yes it will.... in the long run.

[@Dovietail]

If you are constantly transferring in new nutrients and transferring out old poopy soil in small quantities (10% or so of the substrate), you can keep crashes from happening. It's the equivalent of small water changes in your aquarium. I scoop out soil and leave it in another container for a couple of weeks with bark on top so that I can return any babies that are still in the removed soil back to the main colony before using the old substrate as potting soil or top dressing. My plants go nuts for old isopod soil! If you don't garden, give it to friends who do.

[@SupremeGecko]

Great points Gloria. You are right on with this. And, I like your analogy of small water changes. Thanks.

[@siyg]

Thanks! Usually I see people change out half to 3/4 of the substrate every 6 months to a year. I’m going to try lots of methods to prolong the life of the substrate and maybe use your method every 2 months of so!

[@ryanhawkinson4090]

"why are your bugs on the counter again?" "For the last time they're crustaceans Marie!"

[@SupremeGecko]

:) Right? (after filming, we ALWAYS wash and sanitize any table area).

[@穆浚庭]

I’m an isopod breeder from Taiwan, I absolutely agree with your opinion with the accumulation of Amonium over plenty of months which leads to the crash of colony, nice video, wish to see some renewal soon!

[@穆浚庭]

Ps: I do the exactly same procedure that you’ve done when switching them to a new container, 100% agree with you!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for the wonderful comments. Good to see confirmations on the videos.

[@SupremeGecko]

Very cool! Thanks

[@ja2931]

You can also use a small plastic cup and make a pitfall trap for your isopods when transferring, just add protein on the cup and they would go right in but cant climb out

[@SupremeGecko]

Oh! Great idea.

[@dustingibson1796]

I’m new to the hobby.. building my first enclosure (no isopods just yet) I am enjoying all of the education you are giving.. thank you

[@SupremeGecko]

That is so cool! Thank you for watching and the nice comment. If you EVER have any questions, please let me know.

[@SilverDemon456]

This helped a lot! I just started keeping isopods, but I've kept fish for years. I don't know why I never made the connection with good bacteria and seeding new enclosures before. Thank you!

[@SupremeGecko]

You are most welcome. I think keeping fish for so many years has led me to many changes to my reptile and isopod care.

[@dartfrogworld5580]

Thank you for this info. I started 10 different isopod cultures in 6 qt bins at the beginning of January. I learned most of what I know about them today from you and Russ. Keep the great videos coming. They are GOLD for a novice isopod keeper like myself.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you DFW. They absolutely ARE addicting.

[@glencannon1139]

I have always tried to use some of the old substrate when I upgrade my colonies. Probably a carry over from my years of aquariums where you never want to add animals to a new tank because of ammonia spikes. Sounds like this is a similar situation and I was unintentionally doing it correct.

[@SupremeGecko]

Yes!!! And mentioned that in the video (similarities with fish keeping and new tank seeding). Great point!

[@BOB-ud4gy]

Great information as usual Podfather!!! Great to see you back on the tube. CONGRATULATIONS ON 6K SUBSCIBERS!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you, thank you, and thank you Bob. The best part of being back is seeing comments like this. Hope you are doing well as is your family.

[@BOB-ud4gy]

@@SupremeGecko All is well here, thank you! Hopefully all is well there as well. We are missing our "weekly Wally watching" from #12SDOC 😄 Hopefully you caught up on some rest...oh yeah no sleep for the Podfather!

[@PeppersnGlowworms]

Podfather? That's an adequate honorific term!

[@barbhelle5481]

Thank you Wally. I imagine that is what happened to my powder orange isopods.

[@SupremeGecko]

I am guessing this happens more often than is talked about in the hobby.

[@feliciafoster6165]

I was wondering if this would be an issue with mine. Thank you for putting this great video out.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for the kind comment

[@nicoliguori5]

I am guessing this is what happened to my Dairy Cows and Powder Oranges, they were booming and then crashed soon thereafter. Wish I had known this sooner but I am glad to have figured it out. Thanks for sharing!

[@SupremeGecko]

Nico, it is sad to hear this (and you are not the first). I hope this helps you (and others) in the future.

[@SanosukeSagara18]

I know this vid is old but thank you. My first colony (Dairy Cows) is now over 6 months old and there are a ton. So I figured it's time to learn about the problems that can come up with large colonies.

[@SupremeGecko]

Yes! A bit of preemptive action. Well done.

[@Ash_Wynn]

ive had my colony for years, as they inevitably outgrow an old bin i simply upgrade them to a bigger one, keeping the old dirt but adding more to fill up the new space. this way i keep 100% of them (no losing babies in the soil). I used to keep them in something shoebox sized, but now they are in a large storage container meant to fit under a bed. Of course, I cant keep upgrading forever, so if i ever need to change the soil i think re-using the old soil as dirt in a bioactive enclosure would be a great use for it! Its already got clean up crew and springtails

[@SupremeGecko]

Absolutely perfect. Great idea and good for you.

[@Crystalspets]

Very awesome information wally thanl you so much for the tips

[@SupremeGecko]

License? You Crystal for checking it out.

[@tiffanyoutdoors3885]

WOW!!! Wally I have had several colony crashes and now I wonder if it was because they needed a new enclosure. Thank you so much for teaching us all some new things!!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Sorry Tiffany. I read this issue over and over again in the FB forums and decided to mention this.

[@barbaraspraggins8923]

Hey Wally good to see a new video! Been missing your videos!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you Barbara. Nice to add one finally!!!

[@charlesjuarros1863]

Good info Wally. 👍 What are your thoughts about removing and replacing partial substrate and reusing the same enclosure rather than moving all the isopds to a new bin?

[@SupremeGecko]

Great question Charles. I think this is a good way to prolong the life of the enclosure. It would be equivalent to partial water changes in a fish tank. But eventually, I believe you would need to finally move them.

[@jaykennedy2256]

I'm so happy you put this video out that help ppl like me that dint know alot

[@SupremeGecko]

If it helps one or two people to not lose their pets, it is a success! Thanks.

[@jokeen1197]

Hi new friend, we talked on FB cant wait to try your product!!!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks! What ID on FB?

[@JessicaKSchnell]

I started the colony in May for a science class lab. Just had a massive die-off this month. The timing fits. It also got very dry (winter apartment heating) but even after heavy misting before all were completely dead, the numbers seem to keep going down. Thank you for providing another possible condition to take into consideration!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks for watching. Just an FYI, there MAY be mancae in there.

[@turtleman190]

​@@SupremeGecko i almost always end up finding mancae in a crashed colony its happened 3 times to me and all 3 times i ended up with a thriving colony again

[@SupremeGecko]

@@turtleman190 Very nice

[@exilbayer6377]

Maybe I will use your method, I´d call it the "zen-way", when I am retired... Until then I need to be a litte bit more efficient: I use a way more brutal method, when I change the substrate: I have a cullender which is fine enough, that the frass falls through, but the Isopods don´t (only the smallest mankeys may cause some trouble). Usually I change only parts of the substrat, then I will take a few spoons, sift the frass out and throw the coars rest back. This is done in only a minute. The frass comes in a big empty box. I place som new substrat in one corner and place the siftet frass around it, but the layer becomes thinner to the other end of the container , so the mankeys will move to the good stuff. After some time I use a painting brush and take away the outerst part and spread out some new material. With some patience I can save (almost) all of the mankeys with very little work.

[@SupremeGecko]

:) No matter how you do it, if you are careful not to lose too many, it take time.

[@karen.s.w5307]

Wally you're HIRED!! LOL what date would you like to come over and do mine?😂

[@SupremeGecko]

:) Thanks. Let's schedule a time right after I finish all mine. 😉

[@karen.s.w5307]

@@SupremeGecko 😂😂😂 I miss seeing you both!

[@ScaryFear]

I just watched more of your vids and this one. It helped me a lot. I like this one not only for the tips on to avoid isopod colonies from dying but I can now see several of the bins you have and try to find similar ones.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for the great point! I am so glad you commented and shared this. Helps me know I am on the right track.

[@jenb6412]

Very valuable information!! Thank you for posting!

[@SupremeGecko]

You are most welcome.

[@kanetheoutcast1835]

Great Video! Thanks for Sharing all the amazing info

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks for watching buddy.

[@daledellatorre2520]

Another great video Wally and I am sure it has helped many isopod peeps.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you Dale. I am getting so many great PMs on this!!!!! Makes me feel good that I can help.

[@wishywashy1153]

This was so helpful! I am looking to change my substrate of my bioactive terrarium set up. Can I used dirt from outside? do I really need to cook it?

[@SupremeGecko]

IF you use dirt from outside, you should cook it to take out any non-acceptable items (insects/eggs). But I have never done this. I rather prefer to use dirt from a home improvement store as it is inexpensive and clean.

[@themadaquarist]

Old is good... sometimes! WooHoo I have value! Awesome video Wally! I couldn’t agree more

[@SupremeGecko]

What is the saying.... "With age comes great responsibility" :) or something like that.

[@themadaquarist]

@@SupremeGecko with age comes great pains in my feet, legs, back... you know the drill

[@SupremeGecko]

@@themadaquarist HEY, I resemble that remark!

[@cowrunning]

very helpful. Such good information!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much. Hope this helps.

[@crittersmoore1748]

Thanks for the great info Wally. I have a few bins that are overdue so I suppose I should find something to watch and get to it!

[@SupremeGecko]

:) Just binge watch my videos :)

[@andrewdozier3143]

I still don't understand why you wouldn't use all of the old substrate. There's so many benefits to using all of that old, and adding new to it, when moving them over into a larger bin.

[@SupremeGecko]

Think of fish as an analogy. Would you take all your water, and fish to a new enclosure every time you would need to do a water change?

[@ellybanelly3656]

I wonder if you could set these bins up with some moss, or small, low light plants, to help keep the substrate more cycled. Maybe some small worms and springtails too? What does everyone think?

[@SupremeGecko]

I love this idea. Unfortunately with these tubs, and how I have them setup, I doubt enough light would be provided for plants.

[@ellybanelly3656]

@@SupremeGecko Ah, true. Though I've seen Java Moss grow in damn near anything haha. It would probably be more hassle than it was worth, but might be a fun experiment nonetheless! Maybe a tote/container that had a clear front or top could work, similar to those plastic containers they use in restaurants for food prep.

[@userFreeWilly8]

This is so much helpfull information about how to properly set up an isopod enclosure, even after I already watched and read a lot about it for weeks now. Thank you.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you for the nice comment. This is why we do these videos. Thanks again.

[@emmettbattle5728]

great resource as always! thanks!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you! Great to hear.

[@StingersNScales]

Good points! I'm pretty sure that's what happened to my powder blues a couple of times.

[@SupremeGecko]

Sorry to hear.

[@kakapokiwi2247]

You should make a video about your trusted places to buy isopods.

[@SupremeGecko]

Great idea. But, if you watch my unboxing videos, you kinda get an idea where I get my animals. There is one place I do NOT get isopods from and I will not name them- as I am not Smug enough to get their Bugs :)

[@captfantastic]

Great video Wally and excellent information... good to see you back on air... 😎

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks Ken. Missed everyone. Missed you!

[@captfantastic]

I think everyone will agree that... We all missed that goatee...

[@SupremeGecko]

@@captfantastic what a coincidence... next week will be "Geckos and Goatees".

[@PeppersnGlowworms]

That comparison with the cycling of an aquarium reminded me of some recent videos by Chris ' The Mad Aquarist ' Biggs. He made some good points in that regard as well...

[@SupremeGecko]

I actually had about the same exact video ready to roll out this past Friday before Chris' video so I decided to pull it back and do this, similar one but add more meat to the session. I actually commented on Mr. Biggs video. I had made the aquarium --> isopod comparison about a year ago :)

[@PeppersnGlowworms]

@@SupremeGecko I just had the Biggs videos fresh in my memory. What I meant to imply was that great minds think alike.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@PeppersnGlowworms I understand. And that you.

[@hayleyphoenix93]

I have a question- I am using isopods as a cleaner crew (with springtails) in a 40 gal snake vivarium. Due to the size of the enclosure, how would I go about "refreshing" the substrate to avoid crashes? Would it be similar to a 20 percent water change in an aquarium? And if so, how often for that sized habitat? Once a year? Or longer, 18months? Or even sooner, every 6-8 months?

[@SupremeGecko]

Great question and great analogy. I wish I would have put this in the video. Always 20/20 hindsight :) Yes! I would take out @20-30 % of the substrate maybe every 6 months or so- depending on the # of isopods. I think you would have to play with this a bit to nail it down. Again, great question!

[@emilywilson3963]

I seriously appreciate your content!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you very much. This makes my day!!!!!

[@LukeMcGuireoides]

You guys have a lovely home.

[@SupremeGecko]

Oh, thank you very much.

[@DEAexotics]

first off its great to see you putting videos up ....I have to send you some of my substrate so you can review it for me .. I love your vast collection of Isopods wow and I know you remember when my culture died off after 10 to 12 months and I think this is what happened to mine and you told me that when we talked what a great video and awesome editing I love how you used 2 camera angles wow you have risen to a new level I love how you compared it to fish keeping and you do fish keeping old school you now can cycle and aquarium with a liquid out of a bottle now they sell bacteria in a bottle for that but I like the old school way that's what I do sorry for getting off topic lol..great video and information....and no ball game put on Hockey lol I sent you a message on instagram

[@SupremeGecko]

Bacteria in a bottle. Who would have thunk it! Yes, I am old school. What do they say.... you can't teach an old dog new tricks. ;)

[@DEAexotics]

@@SupremeGecko I am the same way old school

[@teresalimeburner3733]

I have a large variety of trees on my property. What leaves do you find are best.

[@SupremeGecko]

Always hardwood.

[@mellohi_kitsunee3063]

Great video as always!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks again.

[@DerperDaDerpa]

Thanks so much this is a question that needed answering

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you. I hope it helped.

[@frankdughtank8327]

This was also a fun way to show us the process

[@headhunterxotics4365]

What up Frank, where you been buddy? I have missed you homie. You been ok?

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks. This could have been 2-3 video but it all related. Thanks again.

[@frankdughtank8327]

@@headhunterxotics4365 That individual was someone messing with my account any other persons stream besides Rus and Wally is someone that has messed with my account

[@AquaGardenZen]

Thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge 🙏😊

[@SupremeGecko]

Well, thank you for watching.

[@strayargus9382]

Different sizes of strainer might help speeding up! Just a thought. Thanks for this education!

[@SupremeGecko]

What would the strainers do?

[@strayargus9382]

@@SupremeGecko I would dump half of the culture in the strainer then slowly and gently shake the strainer to get rid of the substrate leaving only isopod. Different sizes of strainer (holes) should help straining different sizes of isopod.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@strayargus9382 Good idea. Unfortunately sometimes the isopods, and especially the mancae are too small to do this.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@strayargus9382 Right. I understand. But in the end, no matter how many strainers you use, you will still have mancae the same size as the dirt and that's where it becomes difficult

[@kristyc1046]

Fun video, Thanks Wally

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks. This was fun to make.

[@misfitfarms]

What about using a sifter like we use for worms (1/8 inch probably) so that the dirt sifts to a container below, but the pods stay on the sifter?

[@SupremeGecko]

This would work if using a find dirt but most keepers use other materials in their substrate like charcoal, bark pieces, sphagnum moss, etc.

[@markroberts6322]

Thank you. What size are the NEW containers you are using?

[@SupremeGecko]

Hi Mark, I use 12/15s mostly

[@joyglocker8318]

That was helpful, thanks

[@SupremeGecko]

Fantastic. Thank you for watching.

[@emilywilson3963]

I really love your videos Wally!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so very much. Love doing them.

[@ellawolfe8430]

Do you add springtails to your colony? I’ve found this can help with the ammonia build from the isopod waste.

[@SupremeGecko]

As you watch the video, you will see that there are springtails in just about every container. I completely agree that they help with maximizing the livespan of the enclosures.

[@brianhoyt2469]

I’m looking to get into isopods as a low cost low maintenance hobby I can participate in with my physical health limitation. I’ve been reading and watching as much content as I can to gain an adequate understanding of what’s involved. This video was very informative but raised a question I’ve not seen asked or anything elude to anywhere else… how does one dispose of used substrate and so on which may contain isopods so as not to introduce them to your local environment as a non-native species? We have severe issues here in south Florida with non-native animals and fauna and barring an unintentional escape/release I’d hate to simply dump old substrate with isopods into the local landfill or garden.

[@SupremeGecko]

Isopods are certainly a fun hobby! For disposal, you can either bake or freeze the substrate before disposing.

[@shiftymack5197]

I wouldve just dumped it all in there and mixed it up good before i counted them 1 by 1 like that. Or maybe put the old substrate in a container small enough to fit into the new bigger container, then force them to migrate by not feeding the old smaller container.

[@SupremeGecko]

Good suggestion. But the whole intent is to get away from the 'used' substrate :)

[@Lawtonfl]

A. Depressum sounds like my kinda critter 😂

[@SupremeGecko]

They are interesting

[@zer0coolninja887]

Great content

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you!

[@frankdughtank8327]

You Made Excellent Points wally

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks! Just reaching back to the experiences I've had over hundreds of years I've been animals ;)

[@xSpaceInvader]

You should have setup two new totes. Split the old tote in half and made two colonies out of the one old colony. It would have saved you all that sorting from the old soil. Sure you are using the old waste soil but considering you will have two new clean totes that waste wont have that much of an effect on the new colony homes. Trying to dig them out of the soil without some sort of sift is way too much effort for me.

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you so much for the wonderful suggestion. I appreciate your comments.

[@cowrunning]

makes so much sense. I wonder if when I add my isopods to my bioactive if I will have the same problem in months and months. I know I wont want a crash (I do plan on making another 4x2x2 bioactive in the next year and then when I move my boa I will make her an adult 8 foot enclosure bioactive so I guess as long as they last until then without crashing.) I will have cultures set aside in case of a crash though.

[@SupremeGecko]

See my answers above.... you may want to routinely remove some substrate from different parts of the enclosure and replace with new.

[@helmuthtapia-aguilar854]

Would just having a good bottomw layer of springtails at the bottom take care of the ammonia build up?

[@SupremeGecko]

No. They do a great job but the buildup of frass from the isopods would take over. Good question.

[@MattMacKo]

Brand new to isopods. Like brand spanking new. Just got a culture of milkback and blue powder yesterday and tossed into my Guyana BC bio-active 5x2x2 enclosure. How long should it take for the colonies to take off? The enclosure has plenty of humidity, a wet, and dry zone. Spaghnum moss, leaf litter, bark, and snake sheds. Was told I didn't need springtails, though I'm thinking I need some.

[@SupremeGecko]

Congrats Matt! You will love them. Usually, it will take a month or two for them to really take off if they are adults. You don't need springtails but I always find them so useful to add to an enclosure.

[@MattMacKo]

@@SupremeGecko thanks!!! I'm like an impatient kid 😅

[@trevorbraden5448]

I use a sorting screen with a frame on it and sift the old soil through it and isopods are left on the screen..... its how I sort my really small Dubai Roaches also

[@SupremeGecko]

Fantastic. Sounds like it works great for you. Thanks.

[@Lisa.Sparkman]

If it's something that could be purchased could you leave a link to it

[@zyxwfish]

I just had to move my p. Bolivari to a huge bin after starting with 12 and now having 100’s!

[@SupremeGecko]

Nice. Congrats

[@hoped5424]

Newbie isopod enthusiast here- if you don't move all of the soil over, and are doing it by hand, how can you be sure you get all the babies that burrow in the substrate?

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks for the question. There is only so much I can get into these videos (without making them 48 minutes long! And no one wants to watch me for 48 minutes! :) What I do is move over all you can, feed a piece of zucchini or carrot or potato, set aside the older enclosure, then go back the next day, pick up the veggie and scrape the remaining isopods into the new enclosure. Rinse/Repeat until you feel comfortable you've got em all.

[@hoped5424]

@@SupremeGecko thank you for the tip! I've already watched over 48 minutes worth of your content, don't underestimate the power of bug footage and helpful advice!

[@meganking3762]

I put my kiddos isopods on a window screen mesh over a new tank. That's how we sort them out of the substrate from our catch tank. Seems to work.

[@SupremeGecko]

Cool. Do you get a bunch of soil falling through as well?

[@meganking3762]

@@SupremeGecko The finer particulates do. Leaves and stuff don't. The larger particulates, moss, and adults don't make it through. They're easy to pick off the screen though. It makes it take less time to sort through them. With 3 kids, we can catch too many at a time. This makes it easier to keep the ones we want to keep. The Nasatum and Vulgare work well with this, but the faster types don't do well. They bounce out and scatter. Mind you, the kiddos and I have only been doing this for about a month. 4, 5, and 8 yr olds enjoy catching them. I sort them out from a quarantine tank the kiddos put them in. I bought 5 fish tanks for this hobby because the kids wanted to do it. So far we have Blue Death Feigning Beetles, Armadillidium Vugare and Nasatum, Porcellios Scaber, and a couple of others in smaller enclosures than the 5 and 10 gallons that we already had.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@meganking3762 This is so great to hear that your family is so involved. Good for you!

[@meganking3762]

@@SupremeGecko Thank you ❤️ It's taken me some time to get used to the idea (I raise sheep, rabbits, chickens, and our garden) because bugs in the house. The kids have thoroughly enjoyed it though. I'm surprised by how fun it is.

[@olyvia1380]

so is this the equivalent to needing a water change in a fish tank? sure sounds like it- ammonia build up, changing the substrate but keeping some of the original, building bacteria colonies, etc. would it be possible to, like in a fish tank, do more frequent (so every month or something) partial “water changes” of the substrate instead of one big change every 6-10 months? related question: when you water the substrate to get it more humid, could you use established fish tank water since it already contains ammonia-eating bacteria that could help out?

[@SupremeGecko]

Olyvia, thanks for watching. Yes you are right on! I wish I would have added that to the video (more frequent, smaller changes). I do this to some enclosures too. Great ideas always come AFTER I put out the video :) You could use the water but the bacteria is a bit different (aerobic vs. anaerobic) and wouldn't quite work as well (in my opinion). If you try this, let me know. GREAT point!

[@olyvia1380]

@@SupremeGecko very cool, thank you!

[@11chago11]

So they basically ate all the nutrients off the substrate or there's a lot of frasse

[@SupremeGecko]

Great question. Not exactly. Isopods burrow too so they are utilizing all the substrate. There is a lot of frasse but the bigger concern is tge byproduct of ammonia.

[@emilywilson3963]

I needed this video so bad today!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thank you Emily. I hope it helps.

[@WisdomCalls]

So do you change the isopods to new bins every 6 months?

[@SupremeGecko]

It really depends. If the culture is growing well, then yes... or sooner. If the culture is still establishing with fewer babies, then I don't.

[@jameswalls2696]

Wally, 5001,5002,5003 - just couldn't resist :-) Seriously though I presume that you would advocate sticking to a two size system and not PERPETUATE the increasing tub size - just checking :-) Regards, Jim.

[@SupremeGecko]

:) I would.... sorta. :) I absolutely advocate consistency. I like 3 tub sizes- 6 qt, 15 qt, and 27 qt. I actually like the 27 qts for the Giant Spanish isopods. I also like the 6 qts for starting colonies and now for some isopods that like their own territories (like Hoffs). I actually did a video on this a few months back.

[@taitcarrillo8926]

I have some rubber duckies that I’ve had for months. I stopped seeing them so I uprooted the box, could only find 3. I have no idea what happened. Really bummed.

[@SupremeGecko]

So sorry to hear Tait

[@taitcarrillo8926]

@@SupremeGecko it’s okay, hopefully those 3 can rebuild.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@taitcarrillo8926 hoping so

[@WONDERFULREPTILES]

PERFECT VIDEO SIR

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks

[@sashascarah6533]

I think my diary cows are crashing as I had hundreds of babies a few days ago but now I can only find a few. I don't know if they died naturally or if the dirtimus beetle larvae killed and ate them, I'm hoping that they're just burried in the substrate (as I forgot to turn my heating off this morning so the substrate dried out) and will come out again soon.

[@SupremeGecko]

I'm so sorry Sasha. I hope they are ok. Keep me posted.

[@JeramiahPearce]

I am sure the answer is "depends". I have started everything in 6qt containers. I have 5 different species. I have most of the powder blues and dairy cows. Probably somewhere in the 30-50 range of each. How many is to many in a container?

[@SupremeGecko]

It dep..... :) Seriously, there are a lot of factors, like age of the substrate/mix, etc. But, how many makes ME feel like I should split.... powder blues- around 3-4 hundred! dairy cows (size) around 100-150 ish.

[@JeramiahPearce]

@@SupremeGecko Perfect. So I have some time. I still set up an 18qt container to get it seeded with springtails and to "cycle" it.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@JeramiahPearce Nice.

[@sandysizemore1828]

Heya Wally :)) What did you cover the ventilation holes with on those blue lid bins?

[@SupremeGecko]

I use one of two different materials- 1. a chiffon type of cloth I find at any sewing/clothes store (but it has to be very fine holes- almost like cheesecloth) or 2. I use the cut up bags I receive my mealworms in.

[@blockchainbugz]

Hey Wally you're the man!! I'm really looking forward to updating/splitting my cultures but I'm just out of space for bigger or more tubs. Lol.

[@SupremeGecko]

So am i!!! :) Good luck finding space, and when you do, let me know how ya did it.

[@tachish11]

Where’d you get the new containers?

[@SupremeGecko]

On line from Fleet Farm.

[@jwslippman]

Nice pointers!

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks a bunch!

[@jwslippman]

@@SupremeGecko so what do you do when the larger tubs get overpopulated? You can’t always go bigger.

[@SupremeGecko]

@@jwslippman Right. This was an example of moving up some isopods. But, more commonly, I move to 'same sized' enclosures.

[@Brandogamer293]

my substrate is only dirt, so i use a strainer to move them = >

[@SupremeGecko]

good idea

[@ChantalsCritters]

Good to know. Great video

[@SupremeGecko]

Thanks TC for watching and for the comment. Hey! Did you know you won a gift from the KZbin end of year giveaway? I announced in the GiveAway $500 video and added a message on one of your videos.

[@ChantalsCritters]

@@SupremeGecko no I did not know

[@pontespythons]

Great video Wally! Just a thought here but could the possible addition of any plants help combat the ammonia buildup? Specifically I am looking to build a bioactive snake enclosure thats 100% sustainable, with isopods in it so a crash in a culture would set off a crash in the enclosure ecosystem!

[@SupremeGecko]

Great thought. I think plants would certainly help slow the process down. However, eventually the substrate would need to be refreshed. But, if you equate the enclosure with an aquarium, where weekly water changes suffice, you could consider removing 10 -20% of the substrate every couple months and replacing with new.

[@pontespythons]

@@SupremeGecko Sweet sounds good thank you Wally!!

[@SupremeGecko]

@@pontespythons glad to help

[@hashtastic3537]

I lost a thriving orange smoothie colony cuz I gave em a baby carrot that was washed but still had some pesticide on it😕

[@SupremeGecko]

Oh no! Sorry

[@Lisa.Sparkman]

I've heard you always peel then wash your vegetables

[@tristanlangmalakas6184]

Thank you for the information , btw im from Philippines

[@SupremeGecko]

You are most welcome. Thank for the nice comment.

[@mollyelzie]

I currently have a infestation of fungal gnats living in my terrariums. All my poor isopods have died slowly over three months, (i had the isopods for probably 5-6 months) i am wondering if gnats can kill isopods when in large numbers I kept my isopods with my snails, they live in a humid environment. I usually don’t kill any little critters even flies but i have 13 sticky fly traps in my room and they are full of flies. The infestation is pretty bad I am going to buy spring tails and hope this controls it a bit. I was thinking of buying 40 isopods and adding them at once to see if they could out compete the gnats, but it seems that its recommended to start of with a small colony first I also have houseplants in my room so they are just living in everything terrorising me!! Thank you for the awesome advice, i wanted to gain more knowledge before buying anymore isopods. I feel terrible knowing they died under my care.

[@SupremeGecko]

I am so sorry!!! No, gnats cannot kill the isopods. But that night be a sign that the substrate was too damp... perhaps. Also, springtails will not control the gnats. You can try the Katchy- amzn.to/3NhxR2Z As long as you treat this as a learning experience, to not feel terrible. If you have questions, please let me know.

[@mollyelzie]

@@SupremeGecko Thanks Supreme Gecko, Just watched another of ur vids about isopods it showed up in my recommendation. Gained a sub ur awesome

[@SupremeGecko]

@@mollyelzie Thank you Molly so much!

[@arigroobman]

Hi Wally! I've had my magic potions in a large bin for over 6 months now. They've taken off and had lots of broods, but don't seem to be fully crowding their enclosure. However, I noticed that other than their wet and dry spot leaves, their substrate is pretty digested up with frass. Should I move them to a new container? Should I top off with fresh soil or rotted wood? How do I know when my substrate is entirely spent/too high levels of ammonia

[@SupremeGecko]

Better to catch it now than when it crashes, right? Yes, Setup a new enclosure with all fresh material. Move some of the old substrate (10% or so) into the new enclosure. Knowing when the substrate is 'DONE' is not a quantifiable thing unfortunately. The slightest smell of ammonia is a huge key. But the build up of frass (like you mentioned) is a big one too.

[@arigroobman]

OK! I'll get started on that, thank you!

[@SupremeGecko]

@@arigroobman Keep me posted on how it goes.

[@goaterrorritualust]

My dairy cows babies and juveniles were gone, I found some of them dying and died... I think I should move my dairy cows to a bigger enclosure...

[@SupremeGecko]

How long were they in the setup?

[@goaterrorritualust]

@@SupremeGecko circa 1 week

[@SupremeGecko]

@@goaterrorritualust very odd

[@tellorcha]

Hey Wally, very helpful video! I have been having some die off troubles with some of my cultures, so looks like I'm doing a transfer this weekend. Was very curious to ask you, what purpose does the garden lime serve in your tubs? I considered getting some clay to mix in with my P. spinicornis, but never would have thought to add lime. Thank you for sharing such helpful information!

[@SupremeGecko]

Sorry to hear. Feel free to ask any questions. The lime helps stablize the ph of the mix.

[@tellorcha]

@@SupremeGecko Thank you for your help! I just found out the natural area I last collected leaves actually gets sprayed for pesticides, so I suspect that could be my problem. :(

[@SupremeGecko]

@@tellorcha Oh no!!!! So very sorry to hear. At least now you know for sure.

[@thedarkabyss100]

Greetings, I wanted to ask why my Pumpkinhead Isopods are dying? They are a local species in the philippines with high humidity requirements, and I just rehoused them a week ago. It's still a small amount dying but I want to stop the deaths as early as possible. Most I found dead are half-molted, bottom side still has molt and the substrate is still damp but not soggy. I have also tested if the substrate I have made is safe by using superworms as test animals and they did not die at all in two weeks in a sample of said substrate. There are multiple calcium sources such as cuttlebone and eggshells, and they have been doing great for me at least until after the rehouse. EDIT: Most of the deaths were also mancae and juveniles but there was also one adult dead, I wish that they are the only ones but I also saw a couple more juveniles struggling with half a molt

[@SupremeGecko]

Sounds like they are having a tough time molting. Maybe TOO humid. If you like, set up a Buy Me A Coffee Session and we can discuss one-on-one.

[@thedarkabyss100]

@@SupremeGecko I decided to send an email instead so that neither of us have to pay, I hope you do not mind

[@SupremeGecko]

@@thedarkabyss100 I answered your Email. I do not get charged by BMC. And the compensation you contribute goes directly into making this channel better. It's a simple charge for the time I will research and provide you with.

[@guaranain]

Instead of trying to get them all, why not split the culture? Or instead of picking the last few out, add new substrate, etc, and let them repopulate? I'm new to iso's, but what I generally do when creating a new colony. I save some of the original and top it off, just in case something doesn't go right in the new enclosure. Unless of course, you are trying to free up the smaller bins for different cultures.

[@SupremeGecko]

I like that, and it would be easier... but instead of 100 cultures, I would have 200 :)

[@ColossalSwordFormAndTechnique]

You have lots of isopod bins. May i have one? 🤔

[@SupremeGecko]

Absolutely! Stop by and pick one up.

[@frankdughtank8327]

Wally I thought you were gone forever

[@SupremeGecko]

Not that easy to get rid of me. :)

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

What does one do when you don't want to go to a bigger container.?Guess there is no way in controlling the population levels. I moved them to a bigger container but what happens when they over populate that one? I don't want to keep splitting it to create more because i don't need more.

[@SupremeGecko]

A couple of things- you can either start moving the excess (feeding, start other bioactive enclosures, sell to your local pet store, etc.) or you can cool them way down to slow down the population.

[@phdyoutubedegree1939]

@@SupremeGecko what is the lowest temperature can they withstand without dying?

[@SupremeGecko]

@@phdyoutubedegree1939 Well it depends on the isopod but I would think in the 60s they should slow down a LOT.

[@Blueraven7466]

Can I feed my white dwarfs isopods a whole dead walking stick ?

[@SupremeGecko]

I've never done it but unless the walking stick is toxic to them, like millipedes, yes.

[@Blueraven7466]

@@SupremeGecko Thank you for responding so quickly 😁

[@SupremeGecko]

@@Blueraven7466 I always try to within a day at the most

[@rynguyn7469]

YESSS PURGE THE STEMS!

[@SupremeGecko]

:) I can never look at an enclosure that has stems in there, ever again.

[@rynguyn7469]

@@SupremeGeckoAGREED!

[@rk-romania2297]

Oi dont throw tape and pens at us how dare you!!! Lol but 2 questions if someone doesn't have a second container is there another way to manage ammonia levels? The second question is where did you get the label printer that thing would make things so much easier for labeling snakes for shows

[@SupremeGecko]

:) I'll throw the tape and marker if I wanna ;) 1. You could do partial substrate changes every 2-3 months (@20%). That would help a lot. 2. I believe for @ $16 at office max.

[@rk-romania2297]

@@SupremeGecko meanie lol and ok makes sense and awesome I'll have to buy one soon its almost snake baby season and a labeler like that would make the whole process easy just touch and go

[@SupremeGecko]

@@rk-romania2297 :) another option- if you have a laptop/desktop computer, create a label, print it off, and tape it to the container. We actually do this for deli cup labels for reptile shows so we can peel off the label without leaving all that gooky stuff.

[@rk-romania2297]

@@SupremeGecko we do and ah true on that one

[@angieschwartz5294]

I think you need to share some of these cuties with me lol, and check your spelling ol man! Comming?! 😁

[@SupremeGecko]

No way to get around it. I am a terible speler. Anytime you want some, if I have extras....

[@angieschwartz5294]

@@SupremeGecko good lawd lol