Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Have you used moss in terrariums? Can it be used in moist conditions (how easily it gets moldy or starts to decay)?

Thanks,
Eveliina

What kind of moss are we talking about? Live? Dried? I've used both with no real concerns. I like the look of the live better but you have to keep the conditions as you would with live plants (lighting, wetness, etc), as the dry is already dead

I thought I could collect the moss from outside, from a forest far away from roads (we have plenty of those in Finland ) Do I have to boil it first (doesn't that kill it) or do somethign else to get rid of all unwanted little things.

Tveliina

I don't boil my moss that's collected from outside. I have been doing this for years without problems, including dart frogs, newts, mantellas, various lizards, etc. I think of it as a natural filter for all the animal waste and such. I feel all of the living organisms naturally take care of waste helping to keep everything in balance.

Thank you for answering my questions. I haven't found much about using moss in terrariums in internet.

eveliina

If you collect it away from pesticides it should be fine. Although since it is native moss to your area, it requires a dormant or cooler period where there would usually be winter. So it will only last a few months. But if you have a lot around you taking a square foot is fine.
Mark
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my tanks and frogs
.7 Green and Black Costa Rican D. Auratus
.4 D. Azureus
2 Golden Mantella Tadpoles