Question: Best isopods for cleaning up after terrestrial newts and salamanders?

[frogenjoyer]

Hi everyone,

I'm starting a couple new vivariums for some newts and salamanders, and have a few questions about my isopods. I currently have Armadillidium gestroi, Armadillidium klugii, and Porcellio laevis cultures. I understand the dairy cows may not be good for amphibians because they might bite them, so I'm avoiding using Porcellio species. Should I use the Armadillidium species, or would dwarf isopods be better for cleaning purposes? Can I do dwarf AND Armadillidium or will the larger Armadillidium predate the dwarfs? Let me know your thoughts and experiences!

Thank you,
Matt

 

[Herpin Man]

The only isopods that are appropriate for keeping with small amphibians are the dwarfs. Larger species can overwhelm and annoy (or worse) small amphibians.

 

[AlexWentworth]

They handle waste efficiently and seem to thrive in the damp conditions without overrunning the space.