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Breaking Down the Clean up Crew
Every bioactive enclosure has a dedicated clean up crew of microbes and isopods that regularly make a clean sweep of decomposing organic matter. What are these little workers doing 24/7 to keep your enclosure naturally clean? Read on to find out more.
Spring(tail) Cleaners
Springtails are a clean up crew staple. These tiny hexapods aren’t picky eaters; their omnivorous appetites make short work of organic messes both big and small. Due to their small size, springtails dine on parthenogenic fungi, mold, and decaying organic material.
While they do not directly decompose organic matter, they do their part in breaking it down into pieces that are small enough for microbes to do their dirty (but necessary!) decomposing work.
Temperate springtail cultures feature fast-growing and reproducing springtails that will get right to work on making a clean and healthy bioactive environment.
The Right 'pods for the Job
In addition to the smaller springtail Cryptozoa, larger isopods such as the giant canyon and rubber ducky species contribute to the spring cleaning. These little crustaceans feast on leftover food, shed skin, leaf litter, and (some) reptile droppings.
Isopod species are highly varied in size, appearance, and behavior. Do your research to be certain that the isopod you want will thrive in your planned bioactive environment.
Job Hazards
Making sure that your clean up crew stays safe is part of the job. Isopods may be attracted to open food & water dishes, and can slip and fall into an inescapable water trap. Experiment with dish placement to find a place that your rep can reach, but your isopods can't.
Insectivorous reptiles might not be able to resist taking a bite out of your isopods from time to time! Satisfy your reptile's appetite with a balanced protein-available diet to lower the chances that they will snack on your workers.
Sometimes your crew can prey on your reptile. Certain isopod species such as dwarf whites are known to eat reptile eggs.
Clean up Crew Climate Considerations
Humidity control is an essential part of your clean up crew’s health. Ensure that you have a gradient of humidity so that your isopods can move towards or away from moisture as they desire.
Your cleaners are hardy, but they also need to have the right temperature gradient as well in order to stay healthy and active. Different isopod species have different temperature & humidity needs, so make sure to do your research as part of your bioactive build planning.
Your clean up crew needs to be properly balanced to ensure that it can do its job well. Ensure that your bioactive enclosure has sufficient substrates, live plants, drainage, and humidity to keep the process going smoothly. Your cleaners can't survive on waste alone, so ensure that you have sufficient substrate & leaf litter to reduce the likelihood that they will feast on your live plants.
F.A.Q.
- Q: What types of organic material do springtails eat?
- A: Springtails will feed on pathogenic fungi, mold, and decaying organic material.
- Q: What needs to be monitored in a bioactive setup to ensure a healthy clean up crew?
- A: Monitor substrate and leaf litter supplies, along with temperature, humidity, and organic waste.
- Q: What can endanger springtails & isopods in a bioactive setup?
- A: Open food & water dishes, hungry reptiles, and especially dry environments can be a danger to your clean up crew.
In Conclusion
Your clean up crew works day and night to keep your enclosure's bioactive environment running smoothly. Do your research, buy the right isopods, and keep your humidity & temperature levels in check. Regularly check the condition of your substrates & leaf litter while keeping hazards such as open food & water dishes out of reach. Most importantly, keep your springtails and isopods in stock for a healthy bioactive microbiome.
