Using isopods as cleaners and feeders in a frog tank is a brilliant way to improve a bioactive enclosure. But, how do you create the best possible environment for those invertebrates to help them thrive? The answer lies in a layer of leaf litter.
Why Is Leaf Litter So Important For Isopods In A Bioactive Habitat?
If you decide to bring isopods into your reptile or amphibian habitat, you will want to create the best possible environment where they can thrive. After all, you are trying to strengthen a natural food chain here. The best way to do this is with leaf litter.
Plants and trees shed countless leaves in the jungle – so much so that you might expect to see piles of them lining the forest floor. But, this isn’t the case at all. That is because while you might think of this dead plant matter as nothing but waste, many hungry invertebrates will enjoy munching it all up.
On top of this, the right leaves can protect your invertebrate residents. A big broad leaf is a great hiding place, giving these isopods the confidence to get out and start eating your pests and cleaning your tank. You might ask why you would want to provide somewhere to hide if our frogs will want to eat them. But, you don’t want your frogs devouring the whole population before it has a chance to do its job and replenish numbers.
We can recreate this life cycle in our reptile and amphibian habitats at home, albeit on a much smaller scale. It all starts by adding suitable leaf litter to the bottom of the habitat. Then you can introduce your isopods and let them get to work breaking it all down. Over time, you should be able to sustain a healthy enough population of isopods to allow for feeders, cleaners, and breeders.
How To Choose The Best Leaf Litter For Your Bioactive Enclosure.
Before you head outside and start raking up leaves from your garden, you might want to stop and consider one of the best leaf litter products instead. One problem with bringing in leaf litter from the yard or other “free” material is that you can’t guarantee its quality. There is also the risk of bringing in additional pests or diseases from anything already decaying outside. Your isopods may be great cleaners, but they can only do so much.
This is why you should choose a clean product from a reliable company. These products may increase your costs in setting up and maintaining your habitat. However, you are assured that better quality product. This also means getting leaf litter with a greater range of leaves, including those broader ones mentioned before.
Give Your Isopods Some Tasty Leaf Litter To Help Them Thrive.
Your bioactive enclosure can only remain healthy and effective with the right care and a strong starting point. Leaf litter is a simple way to build a natural ecosystem and give your isopod friends somewhere to live their best lives. They can then carry out their duty with ease, and you can rest assured you have done your best for your frogs.
