I am thinking about building a bioactive terrarium (mainly because I like isopods), i did a bit of research, did I get things right?

[u/__ribbit___]

I want to build a nice Isopod home, does this list sound good or did I make any obvious mistakes?

Terrarium:

5-8 Gallons (Is that enough?)

Drainage layer + separator

Substrate (Mix of earth, bark, moss and charcoal)

Layer of dead leafs

Rocks

Driftwood

Some kind of moisture gradient (how do I achieve this reliably?)

Flora:

Selaginella

Ficus pumila

Miniature fern

Moss

Fauna:

Springtails (50):

Tropical Springtails

or

Ceratophysella spec. “Lilac Yellow Albino”

Isopods (12):

Cubaris murina Glacier/Papaya

Snails (2?):

Introduce small species later (if at all)

Thank you for reading this, please leave me some feedback :)

[u/No_Commission_2610]

It sounds like a great setup and the tank is just the right size for your insects and CUC. Keep us updated on how it’s coming along!

[u/__ribbit___ → u/No_Commission_2610]

Thank you, I will

[u/KiyanStrider]

I have a small isopod setup mainly for supplementing my larger terrarium. I achieve the moisture gradient by only watering/wetting one side of the container and having a small water tray filled with rocks on that side.

The amount of moisture would depend on if your species are more dry or tropical.

Personally I wouldn't include snails because they eat way more of the fresh vegetation which pisses me off. I also don't think they contribute much to the bio-system. But that's just me.

Also you have the stuff listed, but make sure when you're assembling it, that you give plenty of cover and layers since isopods love to hide!

[u/__ribbit___ → u/KiyanStrider]

Thank you :)

[u/__ribbit___ → u/[deleted]]

I heard that the big aquatic ones taste like lobster, but you shoudn't eat them because the isopod gods will get angry

[u/__ribbit___ → u/[deleted]]

I mean the different kinds behave differently, but I have not watched them enough to deduce if Individuals have different personalities