I currently have a 3-gallon tank with isopods and a small beetle (Diabolical Ironclad) as a beginner setup to test my ability to care for them. Since I started small, I’m still not very confident in my skills. I’m looking for suggestions on what to get next, ideally keeping it under 40 gallons. I’m particularly interested in bioactive terrariums and desert-type enclosures.
Additional info: I live in a shared room with my sister, who is quite squeamish about most things. My mother and sister have a rule against pets with too many legs, no legs, or slime. This rules out tarantulas, snails, and scorpions. However, I think I could persuade them to allow a millipede, as they want something that can survive a bit without regular feeding (we go on vacation for a week or more each year).
Madagascar hissing cockroaches might be a good option. They have fewer legs than scorpions and tarantulas, and they’re known for being good starter pets. They are inexpensive, easy to care for, and their relatively short lifespan (around 5 years) means they aren’t a lifelong commitment.
That sounds like a great idea! I didn’t think about cockroaches, but they do seem like they would fit the bill. I’m just a bit concerned about how squeamish my sister might be. Do you have any tips on how to set up a tank for them? Also, how do they generally behave?
They have fewer legs than scorpions and tarantulas, and they’re known for being good starter pets. They’re inexpensive, easy to care for, and their lifespan is relatively short (around 5 years), so they’re not a lifelong commitment.
If you’re worried about your sister’s reaction, you might want to set up the tank in a way that makes it less intimidating. A well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots and a clear lid might make it more visually appealing. Also, cockroaches are nocturnal, so they’re less active during the day, which might help with the squeamish factor.
Another option to consider is a small colony of fruit flies or springtails. They’re great for bioactive setups and don’t have the “creepy” factor that some people associate with larger insects. They’re also quite easy to care for and help keep the enclosure clean. Just make sure your sister is okay with the idea before you go ahead.