Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im thinking of using leaf litter as substrate for my tank. Im going to use oak, some twigs, rocks, and other big leafy leaves, but i need some other options on what trees to use. I already have moss in the tank, but should i remove it? I think it will probably be useless because you might not even see it below the leaves...

Also, its not very important to sterilize it right? I know to remove any unwanted beetles, centipedes, etc, but im going to leave the other small bugs on there...

Thanks,
M.N

Good choice on using leaf litter. Most of the 'shy' frogs will become a little more bold when they have some nice leaf litter on the ground. Your best bet would be to use leaves from a wooded area that you know for sure hasn't been sprayed with chemicals of any kind. I prefer leaves from white oak, but any oak will do. Also, if you can find a magnolia tree, their leaves are excellent and long lasting as well. As for the moss, you could remove most of it and leaves patches in your tank that aren't covered with leaves. this will also help add to the realism.

-Bill J
-----

Updated list as of: 9/30/03
2.2.6 D. azureus
1.2.14 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow' (16 tads in the water)
1.1 D. tinctorius 'cobalt' (one subadult)
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
1.1 D. auratus 'blue'
0.0.5 D. auratus 'green/black'
0.0.10 D auratus 'green/bronze' (very soon)
0.0.3 D. imitator 'Alex Sens line' (1 week)
0.0.2 D. reticulatus (soon)

I have moss and leaf litter. I prefer magnolia leaves. Ever since I started using them the springtail population has just exploded.

Donn

Where do you guys get your leaf litter? What benefits does it offer. I would think that you would have to pull out the rotting litter after some time.
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
0.0.2 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Let me just say that the vivarium will benefit much more from leaves than moss. The leaves slowly decompose making them excellent food for plants and springtails. They also offer quick refuge for the ground dwelling species and alot of shy frogs will bolden up a bit. The more hiding places they have, the more you'll see them. I have used leaf litter in alot of my tanks and those tanks held up much longer than those with moss. Once the leaves are nearly decomposed, just throw in a fresh layer. You'll be surprised at the rewards you'll reap.

-Bill
-----

Updated list as of: 9/30/03
2.2.6 D. azureus
1.2.14 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow' (16 tads in the water)
2.3 D. tinctorius 'cobalt' (one subadult)
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
0.0.5 D. auratus 'green/black' (tads)
0.0.3 D. imitator 'Alex Sens line' (1 week)
0.0.2 D. reticulatus (soon)
0.0.2 D auratus 'teal'(soon)

I will have to try it...
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
0.0.2 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Bill, how long do you think it will take for the leaves to decompose?

Thanks,
M.N

That mainly depends on the agents that are consuming them. In general, the leaves in my tanks become 'skeletons of veins' in about 7 to 8 months. With alot of springtails going, this could be a much faster process.
-Bill
-----

Updated list as of: 9/30/03
2.2.6 D. azureus
1.2.14 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow' (16 tads in the water)
2.3 D. tinctorius 'cobalt' (one subadult)
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
0.0.5 D. auratus 'green/black' (tads)
0.0.3 D. imitator 'Alex Sens line' (1 week)
0.0.2 D. reticulatus (soon)
0.0.2 D auratus 'teal'(soon)

i also prefer magnolia leaves. they look more tropical then oak leaves, and still hold up in the tank. also, i use a combination of moss and leaf litter, looks real nice.

I have a 3goingon4yr old avocado tree in my back yard - the leaves are very large. Would there be anything to worry about if I used those? It's been in a huge pot and I don't treat it with anything, so some of the leaves are bug-eaten.

i don't really know a lot about avocado trees, if anything, but i don't see why you couldn't try them as leaf litter. i don't know how long they will last in frog tanks, but thats no big deal as you can just get some more from you tree if needed. it is a tropical plant, so the leaves may last a long time in the humid conditions, but like i said i just don't know.