Tropical Springtail in cham cage?!

[Psychobunny]

Does anyone have any experience using springtails in their screen cham cages?

I am wondering if they would help keep the cage clean, but never heard anyone use them in all screen cages!?

 

[Alexl]

I do use them beside many bugs, earthworms, woodlouses, microorganisms... I got pond foil inside the screen cages as well as in glass/screen-terrariums to keep the organic soil from strewing out. The soil is from deciduous forest (no fertilizers as in commercially sold soil and from an area with negligible risk of parasite burden for lizards), filled in about 20 to 30 cm (about 12 inches) high to get a good environment for the rooting plants. For male chameleons, I got a drainage of clay balls, which is separated via somewhat called "garden felt" 'round here (this is a nice article you might translate, take a look at the picture). Females who lay eggs do not have the drainage inside their cages, but a higher filled in soil mixed with sand to improve digging quality. My springtails are just a little part of a well working little ecosystem. They love moist soil, increase shortly to a nice population and help destroying feces, fallen leaves etc. Springtails will not work in cages with only a little soil, dried out ground or without detritus they can live from.

I could take some pictures if you want.

 

[ferretinmyshoes]

Springtails need dirt to live in, so if you don't have a naturalistic setup at the bottom of your screen cage like Alexl described then they'll just die if you try to put them in there.

 

[Psychobunny]

You mean the springtails need the soil to live?
I was hoping they would be okay just crawling around on the vines and branches!?

I dont use any soil in my cages, not even live plants. So I guess I cant use springtails.

Thanks for the offer of taking pics 4 me, that's very nice of u

 

[Alexl]

You're right, then springtails aren't an option for you. They can't survive without moist soil and detritus.