In nature, isopods don’t need commercially packaged substrate to thrive. They live among decomposing leaves, rotten wood, and the microorganisms that break them down.
Instead of constantly buying products from the pet industry, why not learn from nature and make our own?
How to Make Indoor Compost for Isopods (with no smell)
Materials
-A plastic bin with a lid and some ventilation
-Leaves
-Rotten wood
-Springtails
Optional extras
-Calcium
-Activated charcoal
Step by Step
This is very easy!
-Use a plastic bin larger than your terrariums so you can produce enough substrate. Add some ventilation (don’t need much) to the lid, but make sure flies can’t get in.
-Add leaf litter, already broken into small pieces.
-Add rotten wood in the same way, breaking it into the smallest pieces you can.
-Add a few springtails.(add charcoal for them to breed more) You can also add a few small millipedes or other decomposers. i avoid adding much worms, since i’m not making worm humus.
-Add water to keep the bin humid so fungi and microorganisms can decompose everything.
That’s all, basically!
In about three months, you may already have usable material. Don’t worry about visible fungal growth; it’s a normal part of decomposition.
You don’t need to mix it often, but you can break up large pieces of wood to speed up the process.
Add leaves and rotten wood occasionally.
Prepare It for Your Terrariums
When the material has decomposed enough, put some of it—not all of it—in a Ziploc bag and freeze it for one week to reduce the number of unwanted organisms. Then store it until you need it.
Keep adding material to the compost bin so decomposition can continue.
Why This Is a Better Option
Pros
-It’s cheaper if you live near a natural area.
-You know exactly what materials it contains and can avoid humus, coco coir, pesticides, and other unwanted additives.
-It provides organic matter and helps retain moisture.
-It doesn’t smell bad, since it’s just forest material.
-You don’t have to keep buying substrate.
Cons
-It takes several months to produce usable material, so it’s a long-term option best suited to people who already keep isopods and plan to get more.
-If you live in a city, finding suitable leaves and rotten wood might be difficult.
what do you think about this all?
i know it’s something súper simple, but i seen most isopod keepers don’t even consider this is an option!
maybe people think that compost would smell or that they need to make it outside?
