Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have heard of people using the coconut fiber liners, used in hanging plant baskets to keep potting soil in and water out, in their dendrobate vivariums. I have located this liner that you can buy (shoprite garden center)and pay by the foot. I got 10 feet of it; my plan was to have a false bottom: spacers, then lighting panel, coconut fiber, then the coconut substrate you can buy in bricks. I also have seen it used to some extent for sculpture and background. I can root plants to it, it is strong, and is very long lived, and in outdoor conditions, lasts a good 2-3 years.

Would it be safe (using much silicone) to attatch the same coconut fiber (I cut to sheets) to the walls (leaving the front uncovered for veiw)? The frogs may be able to climb to the top of the enclosure, but would this be a problem? Does my plan of false bottom and substrate sound ok?
I would see no problems in covering half way and leaving some glass. I have seen it done with cork bark as well. All and as much input/constructive critisism as possible would be greatly appreciated.
-Sean

If this is the same as what I use and buy in bulk, a loosely woven cocoanut fiber matting that I silicone to the back of the vivariums as a base, then amend with further backgrounds on top with cork bark, sphagnum or whatever, so far, this has worked well for me. It doesn't deteriorate readily, but neither does it "wick" water up very well, if that's all you have to depend upon. You can run a waterfall through it without obvious deterioration, but if it's not contantly splashed or moistened, the fibers are too loosely connected to wick up water from the bottom to grow plants on.
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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

Great. I am using it to cover the back, two sides, and provide a little landscape. I will have a layer of coconut substrate and sphagnum moss as well for plants and such. Thanks,
-Sean