Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all. I was just wondering what you guys all use as a substrate for your RETF's enclosures? I am working on my terrarium and was looking for any ideas or for your experience on what seems to work best.

I've have used coconut husk Bed-a-beast for my horned frog and he loved it. I keep it moist though. I've read from books and from other post wich suggested that you use spagnum moss. They absorb moisture really well; thus, is a bonus for amphibian keepers. Amphibians like it moist. Either one would work and potting soil without fertilizers and the little pearlites, which I am currently using for my leo. I've heard some people using cypress mulch from the petstore...I think that will work, too. Just keep it moist for the frog and other amphibian.

I like to use sphagum moss on top of newspaper. At least once a week I clean the moss in a bucket to keep it clean and poop free. It hold moisture really well and gives them a place to hide if they want to.

I was also wondering what substrates seem to work best for both red eyes and plants living in the same terrarium. I hope to create a habbitat close to that oh a red eyes natural habitat. I want to have a lot of mosses and plants about the tank and want something that will allow my plants to grow well with out bringing harm to my frog, and hopefully soon frogs. Thanks
JAY

I use large gravel with sphagnum on top. RETF's are strickly arboreal and don't do much business on the ground. Since my entire tank is emersed in water, I put plants right into the gravel and let them go hydroponic. I've used Pothos which are nearly indestructible, but after a while, it won't grow anymore. I am currently using Chinese Evergreen and Arrowhead which seem to be doing nicely. I have a few "lucky" bamboo plants that I've stuck in the gravel from an import store for accent and looks kinda nice...like little palm trees. The cool thing about a setup like this is that eventually, the plants develop root rot and start to die back (you can't fertilize with amphibians) and that forces me to completely tear down the tank and clean it thoroughly every 6 months or so which you should do anyway. Crotons (who's colors I love) don't do too well in this set up but look good for a little while. Shopping for new plants is part of the fun of the tank cleaning ritual. Always wash your plants thoroughly before using them.