pill bugs?

Mar 22, 2005

• #1

juggalo69

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I've read that if you put a few pill bugs in your tank they will help with dead food remains and fecal matter. Does anyone know anything about this? How many do I need to use in a 5.5 gallon tank? Where is the best place to get them?

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #2

DR zuum

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Heres a source for some http://www.angelfire.com/oh3/elytraandantenna/MantidsAssassins/

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #3

juggalo69

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Thanks, but I was thinking I could just find some in the wild I'm not going to pay for something you can find under just about any rock or log.

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #4

port513

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juggalo69 said:

Thanks, but I was thinking I could just find some in the wild I'm not going to pay for something you can find under just about any rock or log.

Click to expand...

Don't use WC pill bugs, they may contain poison that quickly can kill any animal that may eat them.

Remember to never let the substrate dry out or your pill bugs will die.

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #5

DR zuum

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True but i learned a long,long, time ago about getting inverts,feeders etc from the wild.Good luck may you not get the same expensive lesson.OOP my man Port 513 beat me to it LOL.But thats the truth.

 

Last edited: Mar 22, 2005

Mar 22, 2005

• #6

juggalo69

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What kind of poison? Like insectasides and fertalizer or some kind of natural defense?

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #7

Lasiodora

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I have used wc porcellio. They weren't contaminated. You just need to make sure that the area you collect from is never treated and undisturbed. I used to collect them anywhere moss grew because I knew there wasn't any human activity there. They work great as garbage men. A food bolus never lasts through the night with them in the tank.
Mike

 

Last edited: Mar 22, 2005

Mar 22, 2005

• #8

port513

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juggalo69 said:

What kind of poison? Like insectasides and fertalizer or some kind of natural defense?

Click to expand...

Like lead and other nasty stuff, they seems to accumulate poisons...

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #9

juggalo69

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Does anyone know where to get them in the US

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #10

E

Elizabeth

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What was wrong with the first link provided? That is in the US, isn't it?

You aren't asking where to collect them in the US, are you?


Personally, I do collect my own, plus I keep a thriving colony in with my crickets in a large critter keeper. I don't experience the "stinky crickets" that others mention, and I am betting it is the presence of all the pillbugs and sowbugs!

I've been using them for years and they work great. Haven't had any problems yet.

 

Last edited: Mar 22, 2005

Mar 22, 2005

• #11

juggalo69

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thanks all

I went out to my wood pile out back caught some and threw them in probably 10 in my 10 gallon tank 6 in my 5 1/2 gallon and like 8 in with my crickets. We'll see what happens. I left for a couple hours and now I can't find any of them they must have burrowed into the substrate. Guess I don't have to worry about them getting eaten. :clap:

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #12

Mandi

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I dont use them, but I have a friend who uses them in his gecko tanks. He said he got them here:

http://shop.store.yahoo.com/insectlore/pillbugs50pack.html


MCL

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #13

Mandi

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I have some in my yard, (*that I know hasnt been treated with anything*) I think i may try them myself

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #14

BlkCat

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http://www.arachnoboards.com/ab/showthread.php?t=37505

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #15

Mr Ed

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This is the first I've ever heard of using pill bugs, for janitors. I wish I would have known about this a year or two ago. Learn something new everyday...

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #16

C

coolcars011

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wait.. so u dont feed them just keep substrate moist????

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #17

juggalo69

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I'm assuming that they eat the rotting wood and waste out of the tank.

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #18

port513

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Mandi said:

I have some in my yard, (*that I know hasnt been treated with anything*) I think i may try them myself

Click to expand...

But your yard isn't a closed eco system right?

 

Mar 22, 2005

• #19

Mandi

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I live in the middle of no where. My house is surrounded by woods, and a little bayou/coullie thing (uh thats a creek for you yankie people)

On the other side of the woods, and water.. are cows, cows, and cows.

Trust me.. Im good LOL

 

Mar 23, 2005

• #20

port513

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Mandi said:

I live in the middle of no where. My house is surrounded by woods, and a little bayou/coullie thing (uh thats a creek for you yankie people)

On the other side of the woods, and water.. are cows, cows, and cows.

Trust me.. Im good LOL

Click to expand...

Then it may be ok, try and tell us what happened