Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is it possible to put gravel (or large river stones) down. Then use a peice of driftwood to hold the stones back for a water area, throw some potho's in and a coco hut and call it a day? Keeping temps and humidity right? I really like to frogs but really dont care much for the plants. Im a reptile person who usually houses boa's in tubs with newspaper so i prefer the simple setups. Anyone have any input?
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1.0 Green Iguana - Yoda (3ft-2lbs )
1.1 BCI - Nessy (6ft-11lbs ) and Val (5ft-7/8lbs)

Darts would be very uncomfortable on an all gravel substrate, and there would be nothing to break down the feces, so it would get very unsanitary rather soon, and you wouldn't have a biological recycling situation. At least put a layer of weed cloth or fine screening on top of a gravel drainage area, and add a layer of coconut fiber or light brown sphagnum on top of this, or both, and some oak or magnolia leaf litter if either are available in your area. You won't have to change it, only add a top dressing of substrate every year or so and perhaps drain off any excess drainage water. (You may not even have to do this, if you have plants.) The pothos will do just fine if you just stick a cutting of it in this and keep everything misted so the soil stays damp and the humidity is about 80%, which you would have to do for the frogs in any event. The roots will find their way through the substrate and even into the gravel eventually. If you do this, you won't have to continually disrupt the frogs by having to clean the poopy gravel, if the frogs even last long on it. Except for trimming excess growth, if you stick with the simpler small tropical plants and vines, plant care is truly minimal. Ficus pumila sp., Pellionia, (water melon vine) most Pilea, Fittonia, Peperomia sp. are virtually care-free and don't require a green thumb.

Honestly, if you stick with the more simple, easy tropical plants and small vines, they are not at all a problem to grow, and will be healthier for your frogs, without much maintenance at all.

Cross my heart, hope to die, if I told a dirty lie!
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

D. auratus blue
D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
D. imitator
D. leucomelas
D. pumilio Bastimentos
D. fantasticus
P. terribilis mint and organe
D. reticulatus
D. castaneoticus
D. azureus
P vittatus
P. lugubris

Sorry, I didn't relate this question to your previous post and pictures of your very nice set up. What was the problem with this? It looked very good indeed, just as is--ready for frogs. Go ahead and throw one in what you already have.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

D. auratus blue
D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
D. imitator
D. leucomelas
D. pumilio Bastimentos
D. fantasticus
P. terribilis mint and organe
D. reticulatus
D. castaneoticus
D. azureus
P vittatus
P. lugubris

Nothing wrong with the previous setup its nice. I just am not "Yet" hugely into darts and was wondering about simpler setups. Ive also asked questions before if people seel "Pre Made" viv's. I dont get how to make them yet and i have a 55gallon id pay for the supplies for someone to setup in my area for a nice dart tank. Anyone!? lol but we will see if enjoy the hobby or darts/vivariums currently i like boa's and i have an iguana so im into the no hopping pets. Easy care. These seem to be easy and very beatiful.
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1.0 Green Iguana - Yoda (3ft-2lbs )
1.1 BCI - Nessy (6ft-11lbs ) and Val (5ft-7/8lbs)

Where are you located? I am in Philadelphia. I wouldn't mind giving it go if you are close enough. I wouldn't mind doing or getting into doing something like this on a regular basis. I am not an expert yet but mine seems to be doing just fine thus far. I wouldn't mind some more practice. I really enjoyed setting mine up.