bed a beast is an expandable dirt, it is easier cause it is sterile and plants grow very well in it, plus it doesn't mold or get smelly. one brick expands for about 1.5 inches in a 20 gallon tank. I use live plants, i think the frog like them more (though i have never used fake ones, so don't really have anything to compare it to) they are softer than the plastic ones, sometimes they have sharp points. also it keeps humidity up, looks better, and provide more variety.
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