Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering if it was necessary to use soil. Could I use these clay pellets or gravel, and just lay down my sheets of moss on top of them. With the plants that need soil remaing in their pots? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

Link to clay pellets:

http://home.att.net/~a.j.calisi/supplies.html

In fact, this is how most of my vivs are done. However you may want to consider leaf litter over moss (at least in most of the ground space)as moss can be rather tricky, especially on bare gravel. Another route, if you must use moss, is to take some long fiber sphagnum moss and line the gravel with a 1" layer and a final covering of live moss. Most plants grow just fine in gravel, provided that there is a small ammount of water at the bottom of the tank which should be changed out frequently (or drained if you have drains). As time goes on, alot of waste matter will collect in the substrate and by flushing it through the gravel and into the water, the plants will tremendously aid in removing the nitrates and so forth. In return your plants will have a source of food and should grow great! Also be sure that the gravel is at least 3 to 4" deep in order for the proper bacterial (helpful) development to take place. I hope this helps...it's just some of my experience.

-Bill J
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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 have always used soil, but some people swear by gravel. I find that soil seems more natural and and lots of little bugs will live in it and break down waste and feed the frogs a little extra. Also its lighter and the plants do fine in it.
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Nate
1.1 alanis tincs
0.0.2 imitators
0.0.2 Azureus

I have to say I am a gravel guy, as dirt is a big pain to me. Now i might try some leaf litter on top of gravel, but so far I have had very good luck with moss on gravel. My one tank has been going for about 8 months and the moss still is growing.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

thanks for all the great input