Fungus gnats are horrible little flying creatures that love moist, humid terrarium conditions. If you’ve ever spotted tiny little flies hanging out on the inside of the glass, it’s likely a gnat problem. And it’s likely to get worse before it gets better… Unfortunately, pests like fungus gnats can enter terrariums in all sorts of ways, from substrates to plants and direct airborne invasions. So avoiding them isn’t always possible, but thankfully, dealing with them is. They can spread like wildfire, too, so it’s best to act early.  I’ve had fungus gnat issues before (it happens to the best ..read more

Let’s face it: in the world of building mini-ecosystems, the plants are the stars of the show. But terrarium backgrounds are so much more than just a valued supporting role. After all, setting the scene can be just as important as what grows inside. They bring the natural look together and provide a sense of depth (along with many structural advantages). In this post, I’ll show you how to make a background and make the most of it. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for your terrarium background to step into the spotlight! This page may contain affiliate links that allow us to make a sm ..read more

Shiro Utsuri Isopods are fast becoming a fan favorite, and I can honestly see why. Named after an ornamental breed of Japanese koi fish, these critters are anything but zen. They’re one of the most active, friendly, and cute isopods you’ll ever find. Seriously, these things are hilarious! And they’re pretty easy to keep, too – could these be your perfect pet isopod? (Spoiler alert: I think they’re ours). Read on to learn how to care for these curious critters and culture them for yourself. This page may contain affiliate links that allow us to make a small commission (at no further cost to yo ..read more

Leaf litter has long been a bioactive mainstay in the industry. It’s an easy way to add a touch of earthy color and texture, along with the critical bioactive fuel your terrarium (and its potential inhabitants) may need.  So, in this guide, we’ll cover the different types of litter, plus important considerations in choosing and using leaf litter in various setups with reptiles, isopods, and more. Don’t leaf me hanging; let’s go! This page may contain affiliate links that allow us to make a small commission (at no further cost to yourself). Thank you for helping to support the tribe! Ta ..read more

Armadillidium gestroi isopods are as bold in their nature as they are in their colors. Named the “Yellow Spotted Isopods” for good reason, they really are a masterclass in contrast. Sporting acid-yellow spots atop a rich purpley-grey body, they really draw the eye. That, paired with the fact that they’re also a larger and more confident species than most, makes Armadillidium gestroi an excellent pick as an isopod pet.  Find out how to care for this stunning species and get your colony thriving! This page may contain affiliate links that allow us to make a small commission (at no fur ..read more

Lava Isopods are a hot classic that never goes out of fashion. Regarded as one of the original isopod morphs, they’ve long been prized for their stunning mottled magma coloration. Each is a unique blend of orange, red, and black hues. Plus, they’re also a Porcellio scaber, which are tried-and-tested bioactive custodians.  With credentials like that, it’s no wonder they remain a popular choice for pets and terrarium cleanup crews alike! If you’ve found a burning desire to know more about these charming critters, you’re in the right place. Find out how to care for Lava Isopods and how to us ..read more

I may be biased, but rainforest terrariums really are the best terrariums. Is there a better (or more beautiful) way to bring lush greenery and vibrant colors into your home? Now, as you might expect, attempting a tabletop replica of nature’s finest ecosystem comes with its challenges. However, with the right setup, plants, and style choices, it becomes a lot easier. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know to create something truly spectacular that you’ll love for years to come. Let’s make a rainforest! This page may contain affiliate links that allow us to make a small commiss ..read more

Porcellio scaber ‘Orange Koi’ is a zesty isopod morph.  Yes, I’m biased (orange is my favorite color), but I just love these bold beauties. Each bears a mottled arrangement of white spots, just like the Koi fish they’re named after. As one of the original isopod species in the hobby, this morph is from good stock. So, whether you want a reliable bioactive cleanup partner or just an eye-catching new isopod pet, you can’t go wrong here! In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the care requirements of Orange Koi Isopods and everything you need to know about using them in your next project ..read more

When a plant issue comes up, Google is the first place people go for a diagnosis. Searches like, “help, my Pothos leaves are turning brown” or “thrips on Monstera” can tell us a lot about what people are experiencing with their plants. So imagine what we can find when we analyze over 350,000 of these searches! The result? A holistic view of houseplant issues based on real-world data. If you’ve ever wondered what the biggest plant problems are (or which plants are the worst culprits) now’s your chance to find out. For 10 of the most popular plants, we’ve produced a complete breakdown of their p ..read more

Insects and bugs are a natural fit for terrariums. Small, inexpensive, and often easy to please – sounds like the perfect pet, right? Not to mention the variety! Seriously, with stunning creatures like orchid mantis’ and metallic flower beetles, the amount of exotic, bold, and bright bugs to choose from is incredible. In this guide, we’re going to explore the best bug and insect pets (plus some other small invertebrates) that you can keep in a terrarium, so you can find the perfect critter for you. Don’t bug out, let’s go! This page may contain affiliate links that allow us to make a sma ..read more