maxident213
First Instar
Hello all
There is a project I have been interested in trying for some time now: A communal enclosure of African Giant Black millipedes (Archispirostreptus gigas) & Giant Cave Roaches (Blaberus giganteus).
I know a few people (including my gf
) who keep AGBs with G. portentosa and have had no problems. I am more interested in keeping the B. giganteus with the pedes. Before anyone goes off on me, I am aware that mixed-species tanks are generally frowned upon, and that there is no good reason to do it. Personally I think it could make a beautiful display tank, and to the best of my knowledge the care requirements for each species are quite similar. I am here to get input on the idea and see if there is some major problem in attempting this enclosure.
I have three AGBs and approx. 25 roaches, mostly nymphs with a few adults. The tank I have in mind is 24"Lx12"Wx16"H. I am thinking of about 7" of substrate on the deep end, tapering to about 4" on the shallow side. Substrate would be peat moss with oak leaves & aspen shavings mixed throughout. Lots of hides, driftwood, and cork bark. A layer of oak leaf litter scattered over top. Tall slabs of cork bark for the roaches as height is important for B. giganteus, correct? Essentially I expect the millipedes to burrow down deep, as millipedes do, and the roaches to stay up top, making more use of the hides. I realize the nymphs will burrow to some degree but will they burrow to the depth that the pedes will?
Am I an idiot for thinking about this? Are B. giganteus more inclined to mess with the pedes than G. portentosa, who seem utterly indifferent in the enclosures I've seen? In all honesty I expect the pedes will stay underground and the roaches will stay up top, is this a safe assumption? Can anyone offer any tips or suggestions about this idea? I also have G. portentosa and B. discoidalis, would either of these be better suited for this? Is this a horrible idea? Am I banned?
Any & all input is appreciated. Thank you.

There is a project I have been interested in trying for some time now: A communal enclosure of African Giant Black millipedes (Archispirostreptus gigas) & Giant Cave Roaches (Blaberus giganteus).
I know a few people (including my gf

I have three AGBs and approx. 25 roaches, mostly nymphs with a few adults. The tank I have in mind is 24"Lx12"Wx16"H. I am thinking of about 7" of substrate on the deep end, tapering to about 4" on the shallow side. Substrate would be peat moss with oak leaves & aspen shavings mixed throughout. Lots of hides, driftwood, and cork bark. A layer of oak leaf litter scattered over top. Tall slabs of cork bark for the roaches as height is important for B. giganteus, correct? Essentially I expect the millipedes to burrow down deep, as millipedes do, and the roaches to stay up top, making more use of the hides. I realize the nymphs will burrow to some degree but will they burrow to the depth that the pedes will?
Am I an idiot for thinking about this? Are B. giganteus more inclined to mess with the pedes than G. portentosa, who seem utterly indifferent in the enclosures I've seen? In all honesty I expect the pedes will stay underground and the roaches will stay up top, is this a safe assumption? Can anyone offer any tips or suggestions about this idea? I also have G. portentosa and B. discoidalis, would either of these be better suited for this? Is this a horrible idea? Am I banned?

Any & all input is appreciated. Thank you.
