Best Isopods for Leopard Gecko Tanks UK

If you own a Leopard Gecko, you’ve probably heard people talking about adding Isopods to the tank. But what are the best ones to use, and will they actually get along? I’ve been keeping invertebrates and reptiles for a while now, and after testing a few different species, I’ve found what works best.

Basically, Isopods are nature’s little hoovers. They spend their whole lives eating leftover food, shed skin, poop and any waste. This keeps your substrate fresh for longer, stops bad smells and creates a much healthier environment. It turns your tank into a proper bioactive setup which is way better for your gecko.

In my opinion, Dairy Cow Isopods are the absolute best option for Leopard Geckos. They are tough as nails and handle the temperature changes perfectly. They breed fast so you will never run out of cleaners, and they are the perfect size – big enough to see doing their job but small enough to stay out of the way. Unlike some species that need it soaking wet, Dairy Cows are happy on the dryer side of the tank where your gecko spends most of its time.

There is one thing you need to know though. Dairy Cows absolutely love protein. If they get hungry, they might try to nibble on your gecko’s toes or soft skin, especially when your gecko is shedding. The way to stop this is simple, just feed them separately. Give them fish flakes, dried shrimp or bug gel once a week. A full isopod is a safe isopod!

When it comes to numbers, for a standard 20-gallon tank I would recommend starting with 50 to 300 Isopods. If you have too few they can’t keep up with the cleaning, but too many and they might get stressed. They multiply pretty quickly anyway, so within a couple of months you’ll have a huge colony working for you.

If you are looking to buy healthy, captive-bred Isopods in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. At Terra-Pods we specialise in breeding high-quality cultures. We pack them safely and guarantee they arrive alive and healthy. Check out our collection here and start building your bioactive tank today.

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