Custodians are an absolute essential for a bioactive substrate.

Tropical Springtails, Seira sp eat fungas that grows on fecal matter and decaying organic matter.

Springtails on lumpwood charcoal feeding on readybrek

and Dwarf Tropical Woodlice, Trichorhina tomentosa, eat decaying organic matter.

Tropical woodlice and springtail for comparison

Whilst it is always a good idea to spot-remove feces when you see it, there is no guarantee you will get it all if you have a well planted viv.

Once a month mulch the substrate so that what was the top soil becomes the middle soil - this pushes any rotting matter and feces below the surface level of the substrate and away from the pygmies.

It then provides food for the custodians and plants.

both are available online from www.dartfrog.co.uk.

Both species are prolific once established, and usually thrive within the environmental conidtions.

This Page Will Get Updated As And When The Information Is Collected And Agreed.