Microfauna idea

[Zenyn]

I have an idea for a decomposer in the Vivarium but thought I'd check some other opinions before I try it. I don't know about your area but in the central valley in California there are tiny millipedes that you find when you dig. When they unroll they are about a centimeter long and maybe 1/2 to 3/4 of a millimeter wide. They pretty much just look like an extreme mini version of giant african black millipedes. I know they are decomposers and and can't think of any problems but I just thought I'd do a double check before I seed my viv. Comments?

[EvilLost]

You mean aside from the inherent problems of introducing something from the wild with no decontamination procedures into your closed system?


I can't comment on the bugs themselves, but depending on where you live....vivs are usually pretty humid/tropical and at least around here its temperate/desert so I doubt the bugs would survive in the tank

They also sound pretty big!

[Zenyn]

I was planning on making a few generations of cultures first, would that rid of wild diseases? And though a bit long they are incredibly slender at half a millimeter. Also I know they probeley wouldn't survive in a fully tropical viv, but the soil I've found them in ranges from only slightly moist to damp, so I was thinking they'd be okay in a temperate/woodland setup. The moisture and humidity levels actually range quite a bit here from summer to winter.

[EvilLost]

making cultures would certainly help


They'd probably work in a temperate/woodland setup, guess you could try and let us know

however if all you want are some microfauna, there are tons of established ones in the trade

[Zenyn]

Yeah, I just am really short on money and wanted to at least have some kind of decomposer until I have some $ for shipping. And diversity is good no matter what.

[Mink]

you should be able to find pillbugs/rollypollies again shortly.

[EvilLost]

Zenyn: don't know where you are located, but you can probably find local sellers....I'm in socal area if that helps you and can hook you up with springtails/ffs/etc