There’s never been a more exciting time to keep isopods. Whether you’re showing off rare morphs or breeding hardy clean-up crews, the new generation of 3D-printed vivariums puts total control right in your hands. Forget misty tubs and uneven airflow — these enclosures are designed with science, precision, and style in mind.
At Frogfather, we’re taking isopod keeping to the next level with a range of beautifully engineered micro-habitats. From compact cubes to display-ready vivariums, every design balances humidity, ventilation, and lighting — exactly the way your colony needs it.
Why Precision Matters for Isopods
Isopods may be small, but their needs are complex. Too little ventilation and you’ll get condensation and mould; too much and humidity plummets. Temperature, air movement, and surface moisture all interact to create microclimates. The right enclosure doesn’t just contain your colony — it regulates its environment.
That’s where our 6-inch Cube Isopod Setup comes in. Designed for collectors who care about aesthetics and animal welfare, the cube combines strong humidity retention with perfect top-down airflow. You can choose a fully loaded version (complete with substrate and decor) or an empty shell ready to personalise. Add the optional lighting to bring out the iridescence of your isopods and moss growth — it’s both functional and striking.
From Airflow to Aesthetics
Good design isn’t just about how a vivarium looks — it’s about how it breathes. That’s why our 3D-printed enclosures feature integrated vent patterns that balance airflow evenly across the setup. No more hotspots or stagnant zones. Every vent, ridge, and slope is calculated in CAD to keep humidity high without suffocation risks.
Each print uses eco-conscious, pet-safe materials, offering the durability of acrylic with the customisation of 3D design. They’re lightweight, stackable, and easy to maintain — the perfect foundation for bioactive life.
Vertical Thinking — The 6 × 6 × 9 inch Mantis Vivarium
While the classic cube gives you the perfect footprint for small colonies, some invertebrates thrive with a little more vertical space. The Mantis Vivarium 6 × 6 × 9 inch enclosure borrows the same 3D-printed precision but stretches it upwards — ideal for species that like to climb or for layered substrates that mimic forest floor to canopy.
Isopods, springtails, and smaller arboreal invertebrates benefit from a stable humidity gradient, and this design delivers it beautifully. Vents positioned near the top and sides allow heat to dissipate while maintaining constant surface moisture below. The transparent front panel offers a clear, uninterrupted view, making it a favourite for anyone who enjoys watching their animals forage and interact.
Scaling Up — The 25 × 18 × 30 cm Display Vivarium
When you’re ready to move from functional housing to full-scale display, the 25 × 18 × 30 cm 3D-Printed Vivarium is where practicality meets presentation. Its sliding-front design allows easy feeding and maintenance, while the built-in top ventilation maintains healthy airflow without sacrificing humidity.
This size offers enough depth for layered substrates, cork features, and miniature plantings — perfect for advanced keepers who want to build a living landscape. Whether you’re housing an active isopod colony or a showpiece invertebrate, the angled vents and fine-mesh integration help prevent escapes while maximising circulation.
Customisation and Sustainability
Each enclosure is printed in the UK using durable, non-toxic materials that last far longer than thin acrylic or disposable tubs. 3D printing allows for small-batch production and design flexibility, meaning your vivarium can evolve with your collection. Need more airflow, lighting ports, or drainage options? The modular designs can be tweaked without starting from scratch — a game-changer for serious hobbyists.
Beyond aesthetics, this process also reduces waste. Traditional injection moulding requires bulk runs and large energy inputs; 3D printing only produces what’s needed. It’s an eco-friendly step toward responsible, sustainable herpetoculture — and it looks incredible while doing it.
The Future of Isopod Displays
The evolution of vivarium design has finally caught up with the needs of modern keepers. No more modified food tubs or improvised lids — just clean, professional-grade enclosures that make husbandry easier and animals healthier. 3D printing bridges the gap between function and form, giving enthusiasts control over airflow, lighting, and layout like never before.
Whether you choose the minimalist charm of the 6-inch Cube, the vertical viewing experience of the Mantis Vivarium, or the flagship 25×18×30 cm Sliding-Front Model, each design has been engineered with your animals in mind.
Ready to design your perfect isopod display? Explore the full range of 3D-printed vivariums and bioactive accessories on Frogfather.co.uk and start building a display that’s as functional as it is beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are 3D-printed enclosures safe for live animals?
Yes. All Frogfather enclosures are printed using non-toxic, pet-safe materials. They’re designed to resist moisture, avoid leaching, and maintain stable conditions in humid environments.
2. Do I need lighting for isopod enclosures?
Lighting isn’t essential for the isopods themselves but is ideal for growing live mosses and showcasing your setup. The 6-inch Cube can be purchased with or without integrated lighting, depending on your goals.
3. How do I prevent condensation build-up?
Proper vent placement and balanced airflow are key. All Frogfather designs include precision-cut venting that encourages air circulation while keeping humidity levels steady — no foggy fronts or dripping lids.
4. Can I customise the design before ordering?
Yes. Because each unit is 3D printed in small batches, you can request minor design tweaks such as additional venting or logo engraving before production. Contact Frogfather support for details.
