I am getting some tincs some time soon and I am setting up a false bottom tank with live plants. I am going to set up a 20gal. and I just would like to get some ideas on what substrate to use for plant growth. I have sphagnum moss that I am going to use for part of it but any more info would be great. I have done a lot of research but it's good to get what people have used and what works best. I would rather do it once right them a few times like crap. Thanks for any help on this.
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Question on substrate
crotaphytusman
Jun 25, 2005 10:40 AM
Replies (4)
pastorjosh
Jun 26, 2005 07:03 PM
I really like to use 50/50 mix of orchid bark and eco-earth. I also will add sphagnum moss to the mix on occasion just for kicks.
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Josh Willard
www.joshsfrogs.com
crotaphytusman
Jun 26, 2005 09:32 PM
Do you know where I can pick up some eco-earth? Can I get it at a plant store or a reptile/pet sore? Thanks for the info.
pastorjosh
Jun 26, 2005 10:09 PM
Every pet store I have ever been at has had it. You can also buy it online, but it is so cheap you can't get a better deal online. (it is like a couple of dollars a block) The bricks can fill like a 40 gallon inch thick once it expands (I think that is what it says on the package). I used about half a brick for a 29 gallon.
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Josh Willard
www.joshsfrogs.com
slaytonp
Jun 26, 2005 07:22 PM
I've used organic compost EKO brand, Bed-a-beast, straight cocoanut fiber with New Zealand sphagnum and leaf litter, "Jungle Mix" (which I believe we decided on another post does contain some very small vermiculite) "organic" potting soil without added fertilizers, vermiculite or Perlite, and all of these have worked well. The cocoanut fiber hasn't much plant nourishment and takes up available nitrogen for some time before it begins to break down. None-the-less, many of the tropical vines and epiphytes seem to do well enough in it. You don't necessarily want to stimulate a lot of luxurious plant growth in a vivarium. Most of the terrarium plants I have do surprisingly well with very low levels of readily available nitrogen and other nutrients. Later of course, they will recycle the frog and insect wastes.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho
4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus
2 D. azureus
4 P vittatus
