clean up crew for day gecko enclosure

[Belfast_Phasmid_Keeper]

have seen different sizes of springtail and was wondering is there a certain size i should go for. also what about woodlice? or should i mix the 2? floor space is 24" x 18".

They geckos are giant mads by the way.

I just have plain plantation soil (exo terra stuff) in and was wondering would you guys advise putting a covering of something to help retain the moist in it and what would you advise i use as a cover?

Many thanks.

Mark

[imitebmike]

you'll wanna make sure you have a drainage layer at the bottom

also, how much humidity do these guys need? xD

[GlasgowGecko]

Hey Mark,

For humidity, there are a couple of things you could try:

- A layer of hydroleca below the soil will hold moisture well. You should put a layer of mesh (or equivalent) between the two to prevent the soil and leca mixing.

- A layer of sphagnum moss of leaf litter on top of the soil will hold some water. Adding live plants will help this a little further.

As for the detritivores, I'd mix a few different things. The aim is to get the soil working for you, and so multiple species will achieve this quite nicely. You will need to get the tank up and running for a couple of months before you add the P. grandis, or the springtails (etc...) will not get chance to settle.

Hope this helps a little,

Andy

[peterspets]

I would have a 2" layer of hydoleca or hydroton, weed membrane, substrate with springtails and woodlice (tropical).You could do what I have done and put a layer of baby almond leaves on top, this helps retain moisture, gives the springtails and woodlice somewhere to hide and also they have antibacterial properties.Cheap on ebay off amy lim but take a while to arrive.You can use oak leaves as well.

[cd78]

Where do you guys get the "clean up" insects? is there only Dartfrog? and obviously garden woodlice.

[imitebmike]

certain places sell springtails as feeder foods, just check around nt he classifieds bit :P

[peterspets]

I got mine off a member on here who lives nearby, I swapped some hydroleca for some.

[Belfast_Phasmid_Keeper]

Hey Andy, have the tank set up and running, drainage layer, weed membrane, soil and live plants. just over looked a few small things and with comments above not sure if i can add clean up crew to gain best results.

are garden woodlice safe to add to enclosure???

[GlasgowGecko]

I suspect the issue with our native woodlice is that they will require much cooler temperatures than the viv is likely to have, although there is nothing (that I know of) that would stop you trying.

You can certainly add some tropical woodlice and springtails now, although they will likely take a little longer to settle if the P. grandis is in residence. Failing that you can culture both types of insects before you add them, so you have much larger numbers.

Andy

[Belfast_Phasmid_Keeper]

what is the best way to culture these mate...total novice here as you have already guessed i'm sure lol