Pep Cups

Pep Cups — Natural Hides & Enrichment for Isopods, Millipedes & Bioactive Enclosures

Pep cups are a fantastic natural bioactive terrarium supply for terrariums and isopods. Measuring 20–40mm each, their unique shape creates a snug, sheltered microhabitat that mimics the natural nooks and crevices invertebrates seek out in the wild — helping to reduce stress, support safe moulting, and encourage the most natural behaviours in your colony.

Why Isopods & Millipedes Love Pep Cups

• Safe moulting hides — The enclosed, sheltered shape provides isopods and millipedes with a secure retreat to moult safely, away from light and disturbance.
• Reduces stress — Having access to adequate hides is essential for invertebrate wellbeing. Pep cups give your colony the security they need to thrive.
• Natural food source — As pep cups slowly soften and break down, isopods and millipedes will graze on the organic matter and biofilm that develop on the surface.
• Humidity retention — Their natural material retains moisture well, helping to create and maintain the localised humid spots that isopods and millipedes actively seek out.
• Ideal size for most species — At 20–40mm, pep cups are perfectly sized for a wide range of isopod and millipede species, from juveniles to large adults.
• Beautiful aesthetics — Their organic shape adds a charming, naturalistic feel to any vivarium.

Benefits in Bioactive Terrariums

• Microhabitat creation — Pep cups create distinct sheltered zones within the enclosure — perfect for clean-up crews and healthy ecosystems.
• Supports the decomposition cycle — As pep cups break down over time, they contribute organic matter to the substrate, feeding beneficial bacteria, fungi, and microfauna.
• Springtail habitat — The moist, sheltered interior is an ideal microhabitat for springtail colonies, helping them establish and thrive within the enclosure.

Great for Reptiles & Amphibians

Pep cups are a brilliant addition to reptile and amphibian bioactive builds. Their compact size, natural material, and sheltered shape suit a wide range of species:

• Lizards & geckos — Small species such as crested geckos, mourning geckos, and day geckos love to shelter and explore among pep cups, adding enrichment and natural hides to their vivarium.
• Dart frogs & tree frogs — Pep cups retain humidity brilliantly, helping maintain the moist microenvironments these amphibians depend on. They also make excellent egg-laying and resting spots.
• Salamanders & newts — The damp, sheltered hollow provides the cool, humid retreats that salamanders and newts naturally seek out.

Great for Aquariums & Aquatic Setups

Pep cups can be used in freshwater aquariums and paludarium setups as a natural, safe hardscape element:

• Shrimp & snails — Dwarf shrimp such as Neocaridina and Caridina species love to graze on biofilm that builds up on pep cups, while also using them as shelter and moult retreats.
• Nano fish — Small species appreciate the additional cover and structure pep cups provide, helping reduce stress in community tanks.
• Paludariums — Placed in the terrestrial or riparian zone, pep cups add naturalistic texture and serve as moist microhabitats for inhabitants crossing between land and water.

Great for Small Pets

Pep cups make wonderful natural enrichment items for small exotic pets kept in bioactive or naturalistic enclosures:

• Tarantulas & mantids — Provide extra shelter and security, especially during vulnerable moulting periods when these invertebrates need a safe, undisturbed retreat.
• Stick insects & beetles — Their compact shape offers additional hides and foraging surfaces in naturalistic setups.
• Small mammals — Species such as African pygmy dormice kept in bioactive-style enclosures benefit from the added texture and enrichment pep cups bring to their habitat.

Great for Birds

Pep cups can also be used as natural enrichment for birds kept in planted or bioactive aviaries:

• Foraging enrichment — Small finches, canaries, and other birds enjoy investigating and interacting with natural objects in their environment. Pep cups add interesting texture and foraging opportunities.
• Planted aviaries — When nestled among plants and substrate, pep cups contribute to a more stimulating, naturalistic environment that supports birds’ behavioural needs.

A high-quality organic material for bioactive setups UK-wide, suitable for reptiles, amphibians, aquariums, small pets, birds, and microfauna habitats, as well as all isopod and millipede species including Porcellio scaber, Armadillidium vulgare, Cubaris sp., Narceus sp., and many more.

Disclaimer: While every effort is taken to ensure our products are safe for use, we strongly recommend cleaning and sterilising them yourself before introducing them to your enclosure.