Unboxing bioactive display enclosure for isopods and other inverts

[Aquarimax]

I really like the convenience and appearance of this enclosure. I’ll be doing a review once I have used it for a few months.

 

[Thekla]

I just watched it. Pretty neat!

I was just wondering... shouldn't there be a mesh layer between the drainage layer and the substrate to separate them? Or is this not necessary with isopods?

 

[Aquarimax]

I just watched it. Pretty neat!

I was just wondering... shouldn't there be a mesh layer between the drainage layer and the substrate to separate them? Or is this not necessary with isopods?

Thanks! Good question...I wondered the same thing, but I guess it isn’t much of an issue in this case. I don’t use drainage layers at all in my other isopod setups.

 

[moricollins]

Wonderful video, made me jealous that this isn't as easily acquired in Canada... I need to find a source for the display enclosure

 

[MasterOogway]

There should almost universally be a mesh layer to divide your false bottom from your substrate, yes. It's not just for animals, its to stop your sub from oozing down into the false bottom and turning into anaerobic mud.

 

[Feral]

Nice video! Thanks for sharing!
My favorite part was when your supervisor came by to check your work at 7:43.

 

[Feral]

There should almost universally be a mesh layer to divide your false bottom from your substrate, yes. It's not just for animals, its to stop your sub from oozing down into the false bottom and turning into anaerobic mud.

"Almost universally" is a bit too strong, in my opinion.
In some situations, I have nixed the barrier and been just fine for quite a while.
Yes, the mixing happens, but it happens slowly and over time.
And the mixing happens even slower if your drainage layer is in small pieces and/or you're not watering heavily.

But I do agree that it's always better to use a barrier on your drainage layer if you can, if your animals will allow it, because it definitely lengthens the lifespan of the enclosure.

 

[MasterOogway]

"Almost universally" is a bit too strong, in my opinion.
In some situations, I have nixed the barrier and been just fine for quite a while.
Yes, the mixing happens, but it happens slowly and over time.
And the mixing happens even slower if your drainage layer is in small pieces and/or you're not watering heavily.

But I do agree that it's always better to use a barrier on your drainage layer if you can, if your animals will allow it, because it definitely lengthens the lifespan of the enclosure.

I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this. If you're going to take the time to make a false bottom, whether through matala, egg crate, gravel, or whatever, you should take the time to separate it off. Otherwise there's not really much of a point in doing it in the first place. If it's not an exhibit where you're adding lots of water, then again, not really much of a point in the first place. I've had vivs set up for close to 10 years and thanks to a robust barrier still have very little sub in the false bottom layer. Do it right, or not at all, IMHO.

 

[Polenth]

I could see issues with a mesh as small woodlice would pass through it and get stuck in the drainage layer. But they don't really need a drainage layer, so I guess it's more decorative in this case anyway.