A diverse diet is essential for keeping isopods healthy, supporting their growth, molting process, and overall vitality. Here’s a breakdown of some essential foods for healthy isopods:
🍂 Leaf Litter
Leaf litter mimics isopods’ natural habitat and serves as a primary food source, offering fiber and beneficial bacteria.
Oak and magnolia leaves are commonly used due to their slow decay, providing a longer-lasting food supply. Scatter leaf litter around the enclosure to create hiding spots and encourage natural foraging.
If collecting leaves from outdoors, wash them thoroughly with water, then boil them for 20 minutes to remove any pests or contaminants.
Alternatively, you can bake the leaves for 30 minutes at 120°C🔥 for added safety.
🧂 Calcium
Calcium is an essential mineral for isopods, playing a vital role in their molting process and overall growth. To ensure my isopods receive adequate calcium, I’ve incorporated a couple of methods into their care routine:
- Substrate Enrichment: I gently mix a small amount of powdered calcium into the substrate. This provides a consistent source of calcium that the isopods can access as needed.
- Monthly Calcium Boost: Once a month, I add crushed 🍳eggshells to my terrariums. Eggshells are a natural and rich source of calcium. This simple addition helps maintain optimal calcium levels and supports healthy development.
By following these practices, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my isopods’ molting success. I’ve been using Zoo Med Calcium with Vitamin D3, and so far, it’s been working well.
A Personal Experience:
Before implementing these calcium supplementation methods, I unfortunately observed some isopods struggling and dying during the molting process. Upon closer inspection, I found that springtails were taking advantage of their vulnerable state.
Through research and experimentation, I noted that incorporating calcium into their environment is crucial for successful molting. However, it’s important to strike a balance and avoid over-supplementation.
🐟 Fish Flakes
Fish flakes are a must-have for any isopod keeper. They’re affordable, easy to source, and packed with essential proteins and fats that promote growth and energy.
This snack is a reliable favorite in my collection—I use Nutrafin Max, and so far, not a single isopod has turned it down! Fish flakes are a simple way to add variety to their diet and ensure they’re getting a balanced boost of nutrients.
🍽️ Nutritional Yeast
Nutritional yeast can also be a fantastic dietary supplement for your isopods. This nutrient-dense food is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and protein, making it a great way to boost their overall health.
I’ve found that my isopods go absolutely wild for nutritional yeast. It’s a simple yet effective way to provide them with a balanced diet and encourage robust growth.
I’ve had good results using Bob’s Red Mill Large Flake Nutritional Yeast, which is both affordable and well-liked by my isopods.
🦈 Dried fish
Dried fish, a popular cat treat, is an excellent source of protein and calcium for isopods. It’s a nutrient-dense food that can significantly contribute to their overall health and growth. I’ve had great success using PureBites Minnow for my isopods.
When introducing dried fish to your isopod enclosure, it’s important to monitor their consumption. While it’s a highly nutritious food, excess can lead to mold growth.
For smaller colonies, I recommend offering small pieces at a time and observing how quickly they’re consumed. This will help you gauge the appropriate amount and frequency of feeding.
💊 Repashy Morning Wood
Repashy food is probably one of the best options I’ve found for my isopods and springtails. It’s specifically formulated for these creatures. I incorporate it into their regular diet, sometimes sprinkling a bit on top of other foods like dried fish or fish flakes.
Repashy can be prepared in various forms: powder, gel, or dehydrated. To prevent mold, I prefer to feed it as a powder, and my isopods absolutely love it! There’s never any left over.
🎯 Arcadia Custodian Fuel
Arcadia Custodian Fuel is a top-tier food for isopods. Specifically formulated to provide a complete and balanced diet, it contains all the essential vitamins and minerals necessary for robust health and successful molting.
While it comes in a pellet form, I find it more convenient to grind the pellets into a powder. This allows for easier mixing with other foods and ensures that my isopods can easily consume it.
🥒 Cucumber
Packed with water, cucumbers hydrate and refresh your isopods. They’re especially useful in drier environments or during warm months.
Slice a small piece and remove it after 24 hours to avoid mold. Cucumber’s soft texture makes it easy for isopods to nibble on, supporting hydration and digestion.
🌰 Oak Bark
Besides being a source of fiber, oak bark provide natural hiding spots, mimicking the leaf litter of forest floors.
Isopods enjoy burrowing and snacking on it, which offers both sustenance and enrichment. Place a piece in the enclosure, and they’ll likely use it for food and shelter.
A varied diet keeps isopods healthier, happier, and more active. Rotate these options to create a balanced menu, supporting their growth, molting, and general well-being. With these 9 foods, you’ll keep your colony thriving and their environment enriching!
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