Millipedes and water

Question

Hello, long post!

I've tried searching on reddit and the internet but I'm nervous to accept the answer I've found. Which is, it'll be fine. I've added a ❓ where the question is.

I'll be getting millipedes for a build (probably in early spring) and part of that build will have running water. There will be driftwood coming out of the water. Multiple escape/entry points from the terrestrial to aquatic side.

What I've read is that millipedes cannot swim, but they can climb out if there's a surface they can comfortably climb on. And in general will go up to the water, but not go into the water.

I've kept some native beetles(all ground beetles, no idea on specifics and iNat told me "ground beetles" as well), isopods, springtails, fish, crayfish, some fresh water copepods, earth worms, centipedes, millipedes, and other friends. I'm not new in keeping in general, but this will be my first build in a long time where I'll have a dirt side and a water side.

❓My question is, Will millipedes be mostly okay in a tank with a water section?

I'll be getting 2 Narceus gordanus (Smokey Oak) and the overall tank will be 60-125 gallons(still in the planning phase) and at least 20 of that will be the aquatic side. I don't expect 2 to breed, but I figure if I have 2 I'll get to see one once in a while. The substrate will be at least 8 inches deep no matter what tank I go with. No isopods will go in this build, but springtails will be(two native species that are brown-black in color). Plants are the primary focus. No coco coir will be involved. I already have lots of fall leaves. A 64 quart tub full.

Thank you for your time! I've been dreaming of this build for years, but if it's too unsafe for millipedes, then I'll figure something out.

Posted Nov 4, 2022, 1:40 AM UTC

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