Mothership Invertebrates

05/30/2026

05/03/2026

Daily Fun Fact
May 2:
Bioactive Enclosure:
A bioactive enclosure is a self-sustaining, miniature ecosystem containing live plants, fungi, and microfauna (like isopods and springtails) that break down waste, reducing the need for frequent cleaning. Designed to mimic natural habitats, these setups improve animal welfare through natural enrichment, though they can be expensive to build and difficult to sterilize.

Key Bioactive Enclosure Facts:

The "Clean-Up Crew": Small invertebrates like springtails and isopods are essential, as they consume f***s, rotting plant matter, and mold, effectively cleaning the enclosure.

Lower Long-Term Maintenance: While they take work to set up, fully established, balanced bioactive systems may only require deep cleaning every five years, though daily maintenance like misting still applies.

Natural Enrichment: Live plants offer hiding spots, climbing opportunities, and aid in humidity, which is especially important for tropical species.

Not Just for Tropical Pets: Arid bioactive setups are possible for desert species, using appropriate, drought-tolerant plants and specialized clean-up crews.

Health Considerations: Because they cannot be easily sterilized, bioactive setups are not suitable for animals under quarantine or with contagious, chronic parasites.

Substrate is Key: The foundation is a nutrient-rich, bioactive-safe substrate layer that allows microorganisms and plants to thrive.

Key Facts About Bioactive Setups

The "Cleanup Crew": Most setups rely on isopods(woodlice) and springtails. These tiny workers consume mold, decaying plant matter, and animal waste, acting as the enclosure's natural janitors.

Minimal Deep Cleaning: Unlike traditional tanks that need full substrate changes every few months, a healthy bioactive enclosure only requires a full cleaning about once every five years.

Natural Health Boost: The presence of live plants and natural substrate helps stabilize humidity and air quality, which can reduce stress and promote instinctive behaviors like burrowing and foraging.

Layered Foundation: A standard build includes a drainage layer (like LECA clay balls) to prevent waterlogged soil, a mesh barrier, and a nutrient-rich substrate mix.

Not Just for Jungles: While often associated with tropical species, bioactive habitats can be adapted for arid environments (like Bearded Dragon setups) by choosing drought-tolerant plants and specific CUC species.

04/21/2026

Pink Dragon MIllipedes

5x for 40 dollars today only.

04/19/2026

So after long thought the Mothership Invertebrates business plan will be changing. Don't worry we are still going to be offering quality products for our community. But our direction has always been and will remain Preservation through Education, however the hobby is growing and needs proper education to these living animals and our new goal will be more the educational and science of isopods and variables of genetic breeding. Our goal is to produce new quality and morphs. I hope our community stands behind our decision to redirect our business plan but it's for the best of the hobby. With that being said please any concerns or questions about this topic don't hesitate to comment or message us. Thank again.

Mothership Invertebrates Jake Coffel

04/12/2026

What should be our next addition? Post suggestions and let's see what it will be...

04/07/2026

Celebrate my birthday with an exclusive 10% discount, valid only on April 7th and April 8th.

04/04/2026

Pink Dragon Millipedes are back and available!

Get yours while they last!!!

5x=40🦌

04/04/2026

Stickers $1 ea

02/26/2026

This Friday, February 27, take advantage of our exclusive offer: buy one item, get a second of equal or lesser value at 50% off, available for local pickup only.

01/17/2026

Availability list and prices.