Isopod Substrate

[Kaden Bryant]

I’m using the mix described in this thread
https://arachnoboards.com/threads/my-very-fussy-millipede-substrate.302303/ but I am not finding an organic leaf compost. Do y’all know of any you can link for me?

 

[moricollins]

I literally just go outside, collect leaves such as oak, and then boil them to use with my colonies

 

[StampFan]

I’m using the mix described in this thread
https://arachnoboards.com/threads/my-very-fussy-millipede-substrate.302303/ but I am not finding an organic leaf compost. Do y’all know of any you can link for me?

I've got mine set up (right or wrong) more like a more normal animal enclosure -- bottom layer of vermiculite for drainage/moisture retention, then peat moss on top, then wood, leaves, seed pods, and sphagnum moss on top so I can monitor what's been eaten rather than mixing it all in to the dirt.

 

[StampFan]

The other thing worth mentioning with the isopod hobby is many (including me) are using a one-size fits all approach, throwing everything and the kitchen sink at every species of isopod and seeing what they like. But each species has serious preferences. For example, I'd never guess in a hundred years that a Porcellio species would much prefer leaf lettuce, but, hey, there it is: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Porcellio_dilatatus

 

[The Odd Pet]

I've been keeping and breeding isopods for about 4 years now and from my experience they live mostly off of the substrate, wood, moss and leaves. That mix from the link is really good. That's pretty much what I use except a lot less coco core and more peat moss and organic top soil. I also mix pulverized limestone into the substrate. It's cheap and a good source of calcium. I still use cuttlefish bone and egg shells.
As for leaves like was mentioned you can go out and collect your own. Just make sure it's from an area where no pesticides are used same as for wood and bark. Every species also love live moss of any species. The only difference I find in keeping different species is how moist you keep them. Some like it pretty dry others pretty wet and everything inbetween.