Not all isopod starter kits are created equal. Some are overpriced plastic tubs with poor airflow and cheap substrate. Others are legit setups that give you everything you need to start a thriving colony — especially if you’re new to bioactive pets.
Here’s what to look for, what to avoid, and which kits are actually worth your money.
What a Real Isopod Starter Kit Should Include
A proper setup will give you everything your isopods need to survive and breed. Look for kits that contain:
- A ventilated enclosure (plastic bin or mini terrarium)
- Moisture-retaining substrate (like coco fiber, sphagnum moss, leaf litter)
- Hides and bark
- Calcium source (cuttlebone, oyster shell, or powdered supplement)
- Starter food (fish flakes, rotting leaves, or commercial mix)
Optional extras that are nice to have:
- Springtails (for mold control)
- Temperature/humidity gauge
- Isopod-specific feeding dish
Avoid kits that:
- Don’t breathe
- Include dry sand or wood chips
- Skip the calcium entirely
Recommended Kits
1. BioDude Isopod Starter Culture Kit
Includes high-quality substrate, cork bark, and calcium. You’ll need to add your own isopods and container.
Best for: People who want to customize their enclosure
2. Josh’s Frogs Isopod Setup Kit
This kit includes substrate, leaf litter, bark, and a food supplement. Great for getting started quickly.
Best for: Beginners who want an all-in-one materials pack
3. Pocket Pets 30 Powdered Orange Isopods
Some kits ship live isopods with their substrate and habitat starter materials. Just make sure you’re ready for live arrival.
Best for: Beginners who want a living colony out of the box
4. DIY Method: Buy the Pieces Separately
You can also build your own kit for cheaper — and often better. Here’s what to get:
- 6 qt plastic tub with holes or mesh lid — View it on Amazon
- Eco Earth coconut fiber substrate — Check it out here
- Premium Live Oak Leaf Litter — Grab it now
- Cork bark flats for hides — See it here
- Cuttlebone for calcium — Check it out here
This gives you more control over the quality of the materials and often costs less than a pre-packaged kit.
Final Thought
If you’re just getting into isopods, a good starter kit can help you skip the trial-and-error and go straight to enjoying your colony. Whether you buy an all-in-one or build your own, the key is simple: moisture, airflow, and calcium.
Check out this post next: How to set up a bioactive tank for isopods & millipedes or Best isopods for beginners that wont die on you