Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
- Understand why microfauna sometimes escape from vivariums.
- Identify harmless vs. problematic escapees.
- Prevent springtails and isopods from leaving the enclosure.
- Manage humidity, ventilation, and barrier methods to keep them inside.
- Restore equilibrium inside the tank so microfauna stay where they belong.
Lesson Content
Microfauna — especially springtails and isopods — are essential inside a bioactive vivarium.
However, under certain conditions, they can begin exploring outside the enclosure.
This usually indicates an environmental imbalance.
This lesson explains why escapes happen, how to prevent them, and how to restore ideal conditions so microfauna remain happily inside the tank.
1. Why Microfauna Escape
Microfauna leave the vivarium only for two reasons:
A) Conditions inside the tank are unsuitable
Common causes:
- substrate is too wet
- substrate is too dry
- lack of decaying matter
- too much condensation
- poor ventilation
- sudden environmental changes
B) Conditions outside the tank are more attractive
Examples:
- condensation on glass outside the lid
- spilled water or feeder insect dust
- damp shelves/racks
- nearby plant pots
Fixing the root cause inside the vivarium stops escapes.
2. Escaped Springtails
Springtails often escape when:
- humidity is extremely high inside the tank
- ventilation is poor
- they are overpopulated
- substrate surface is waterlogged
- mould is competing heavily inside the vivarium
They climb glass toward ventilation gaps seeking oxygen.
Are escaped springtails harmful?
No — completely harmless.
They die quickly outside the tank.
But their escape does indicate a problem worth fixing.
3. Escaped Isopods
Isopods escape far less often, but when they do, it means:
- substrate is too wet or anaerobic
- not enough leaf litter
- not enough food
- temperatures too warm
Isopods will leave to seek drier, more stable spaces.
Are escaped isopods harmful?
No — they are slow, harmless, and non-invasive.
But they should remain inside the tank.
4. How to Fix the Root Cause
A) Check substrate moisture
- squeeze test: substrate should be damp, not dripping
- increase drainage layer ventilation if soggy
- reduce misting for 3–4 days
B) Improve airflow
- open ventilation slightly
- increase cross-ventilation
- raise lights for gentle heat convection
Better airflow reduces microfauna stress.
C) Add fresh leaf litter
Microfauna may be escaping due to lack of food.
Add:
- oak leaves
- magnolia leaves
- sea almond leaves
- orchid bark
Leaf litter is their primary food source.
D) Add hiding spaces
More microhabitats reduce migration.
Add:
- cork bark
- small wood chunks
- moss patches
5. Preventing Escapes Long-Term
A) Wipe exterior condensation
Condensation above vents attracts springtails like a magnet.
B) Keep shelves and surfaces dry
Springtails follow moisture trails.
C) Check lid seals
Loose-fitting lids create escape paths.
D) Avoid overfeeding fruit flies
Decaying flies = microfauna population explosions.
E) Maintain ventilation balance
Stagnant air encourages microfauna to roam.
6. How to Remove Escaped Microfauna Safely
Springtails:
- wipe with damp paper towel
- vacuum using handheld vac with tissue lining
- clean surrounding areas
Isopods:
- gently pick up and return to the vivarium
- block escape route temporarily with tape
- adjust ventilation or moisture
Never use cleaners or chemicals.
Key Takeaways
- Microfauna escape when tank conditions become imbalanced.
- Springtail escapes = humidity/airflow problem.
- Isopod escapes = substrate moisture or temperature issue.
- Fixing conditions inside the tank always stops escapes.
- Use moisture control, leaf litter, and ventilation tweaks to restore balance.
