Springtails are Desperate on Flood Day

I flood Zwarty's Vivarium every Saturday with stored rain water. It helps the Sphagnum carpet (common green sphagnum) to flush mineral deposits and is also how I add moisture to the enclosure for the week. I siphon the flood water away Sunday afternoon.

I finally have springtails!!! they feast on unwanted mold growth and are a great food source for small amphibians and carnivorous plants.

Zwarty (the salamander) is not aquatic, and retreats to high ground to maintain homeostasis. Salamanders drink and breathe through their skin so, maintain hydration by placing themselves in areas of preferred humidity instead of drinking. This is why I leave a few high spots and shelter above the flood area.