Explore Our Large Assortment of High-Quality Isopods

From beginner-friendly species to rare morphs and species, we offer a diverse selection of healthy, captive-bred isopods perfect for any bioactive setup. Whether you're building a cleanup crew or expanding your collection, you'll find the right fit here.

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The Importance of Quality Soil Mixes for Different Isopod Species

A closer look at cave-dwelling species and the BatCave Mix from Peeters Reptiles

In recent years, isopods have grown in popularity not just as cleanup crews in bioactive enclosures, but as fascinating display animals in their own right. With this shift in interest comes a growing awareness that these creatures have highly specific environmental needs. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, factors in long-term isopod health is the substrate the soil mix they live in.

While many keepers opt for a generic bioactive soil blend, these mixes often fail to reflect the natural habitats certain isopod species evolved in. This is particularly true for species that live in and around caves, where the conditions are dramatically different from forest floors or arid environments. For these animals, providing an appropriate substrate is not just beneficial it is essential.

A closer look at cave-dwelling species and the BatCave Mix from Peeters Reptiles

In recent years, isopods have grown in popularity not just as cleanup crews in bioactive enclosures, but as fascinating display animals in their own right. With this shift in interest comes a growing awareness that these creatures have highly specific environmental needs. One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, factors in long-term isopod health is the substrate the soil mix they live in.

While many keepers opt for a generic bioactive soil blend, these mixes often fail to reflect the natural habitats certain isopod species evolved in. This is particularly true for species that live in and around caves, where the conditions are dramatically different from forest floors or arid environments. For these animals, providing an appropriate substrate is not just beneficial it is essential.

The BatCave Mix: A Soil Substrate Designed for Cave Life

Recognizing the unique needs of cave-dwelling species, our group at Peeters Reptiles developed the BatCave Mix a custom, hand-mixed substrate that simulates the conditions found in natural cave ecosystems.

This mix is the result of experience, research, and real-world testing with troglophilic isopods. Unlike standard mixes, it prioritizes mineral content, density, and organic richness, while remaining bioactive-friendly.

What’s Inside the BatCave Mix?

The BatCave Mix is a hand-crafted, biologically active substrate made from carefully selected, high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a specific role in supporting the health of your isopods and the balance of their enclosure.

Full Ingredient Breakdown:

  • Sphagnum moss
    Maintains consistent humidity and prevents soil from drying out, essential for molting and hydration.

  • Coco coir & coco chips
    Provide structure and aeration, allowing for burrowing and good drainage without compaction.

  • Bio compost
    A rich source of organic material and beneficial microbes, aiding in nutrient cycling and soil health.

  • Activated carbon
    Binds impurities and improves air and water quality within the substrate.

  • Crushed sepia bone
    A natural, bioavailable calcium source crucial for exoskeleton strength and successful molts.

  • Bat guano
    A powerful natural fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, beneficial bacteria, and essential minerals that support digestion and overall health.

  • Leaf litter
    Provides nutrition, hiding spots, and supports the presence of microfauna and fungal growth.

  • Bio clay granules
    Help retain minerals, improve drainage and soil structure, and contribute to long-term stability of the substrate.

  • Live springtail culture
    Each bag of BatCave Mix comes pre-inoculated with springtails, tiny detritivores that break down organic waste and help keep the enclosure clean. This ensures your enclosure starts bioactive from day one.

Currently made to order.

The BatCave Mix is handcrafted per client request. Not yet available on our webshop click here to email us for inquiries or to place an order.

Why Isopods Belong in Every Bioactive Setup

1. Low-Maintenance and Fascinating Pets

Beyond their functional roles, isopods are intriguing creatures with diverse behaviors and appearances. They are low-maintenance, making them suitable for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. Observing their interactions and life cycles can be both educational and enjoyable.

2. Essential for Bioactive Setups

In bioactive terrariums, isopods are a crucial part of the "clean-up crew." They work alongside other microfauna like springtails to recycle waste and prevent the buildup of harmful substances. Their presence contributes to a self-sustaining environment, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.

3. Soil Aeration and Health

By burrowing and moving through the substrate, isopods aerate the soil, improving its structure and drainage. This activity enhances root health for plants and maintains a balanced micro-ecosystem within the terrarium.

4. Natural Waste Management

Isopods serve as efficient decomposers in terrariums. They consume decaying organic matter, such as leaf litter and animal waste, breaking it down into nutrient-rich soil. This process not only keeps the enclosure clean but also enriches the substrate, promoting healthy plant growth.

What Are Isopods?

Isopods are small, land-dwelling crustaceans that play an essential role in ecosystems as decomposers. Often called "roly-polies" or "woodlice," they feed on decaying plant material, breaking it down and enriching the soil in the process. While commonly found in forests and gardens, a wide variety of isopod species have become popular in the exotic pet trade especially among terrarium and bioactive enclosure enthusiasts.

They're valued not only for their cleanup abilities but also for their fascinating behavior, low maintenance, and, in many cases, their stunning colors and patterns. Some species are simple and hardy, while others, like the rare Cubaris types, are highly sought after by collectors.

Why We Have the Best Isopods

At PeetersReptiles, we take isopods seriously not just as a side project, but as a specialized part of our breeding program. Here’s why our isopods stand out:

Captive-Bred Excellence

All of our isopods are captive-bred in-house from carefully selected stock. We never sell wild-caught specimens ensuring healthier animals, better adaptation to captivity, and a reduced environmental impact.

Selective Line Breeding

With a background in genetics, we focus on breeding strong, consistent lines with exceptional color, size, and health. Each group we offer is the result of meticulous selection and care.

Clean, Disease-Free Cultures

We maintain strict hygiene protocols and isolate breeding colonies to prevent contamination. Our isopods are pest-free, mold-free, and shipped with clean, nutrient-rich substrate.

Rare & Unique Species

Whether you're a beginner looking for hardy species or a collector in search of rare morphs, we offer one of the most refined and diverse selections in Europe.

Support & Guidance

We don't just sell isopods we support hobbyists. Every purchase comes with expert care guidance, and we’re happy to help you succeed with your first culture or your hundredth.