How to prepare tree bark for terrariums

I have been using tree bark as a primary food source and medium for culturing isopods.

 Isopods enjoy munching tree bark. 

And tree bark makes a great medium for culturing Springtails.

Tree bark retains water and provides shelter and surface for breeding. 

I find tree bark in parks and even on streets of New York. 

It's free and available all year around.

 Tree bark naturally comes with all kinds of insects and bacteria.  

I personally am okay with new critters to learn about. 

However, most people prefer to get rid of any potential intruders.

Cut the tree bark in pieces of proper sizes to fit into terrariums. 

Clean the tree bark under running water. 

Put the tree bark in the pot with boiling water and cover it. 

Boiling tree bark for 10-20 minutes would kill most of the insects, eggs and bacteria.

 Reduce the heat just to keep the water boiling. 

Steam gets hotter than water. 

So, you can use a steamer pot to get the work done with even better results. 

Let the boiled tree bark to cool down and dry a bit in the sink.

It could take a couple weeks for the boiled tree bark to air dry at room temperature. 

And then tree bark can be used in terrariums. 

There is a faster way to prepare tree bark. 

Use a microwave to heat the tree bark. 

I heat the tree bark for about 3 minutes at a time, repeating it for a total of about 15 minutes.

 The hot tree bark may catch fire! 

So, I check on it every 3 minutes for smoke.

 Let the tree bark cool down. 

And then again, air dry the tree bark for a couple weeks. 

Your isopods will enjoy the tree bark you prepared for them! 

And by the end of the season you will have a container of organic compost to use for your plants! 

More about it in future videos ;) 

And here is a little spoiler about my new project - orange Springtails. 

Orange springtails are very cute and get along with temperate springtails you can see here too. 

I use tree bark for springtails as well. 

Have fun and happy terrariums :)