Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok, I'm still working on setting up my 29 gallon leuc setup. I've got about 2 inches of coconut fiber in the tank from when it was set up for ATB's, and I'm gonna add gravel underneath it, but I need to know, how deep should the gravel be underneath the coconut fiber?

i have mine about 4 inches deep

If you've actually used this same coco fiber with other herps, I'd suggest replacing it to avoid any possible parasite introduction as a precaution. Otherwise, I'd also mix in another inch or so of organic compost and/or brown sphagnum with some oak leaf litter on top, then separate the gravel layer, which can be anywhere from 3 to 4 inches for good drainage, with either weed cloth or even better, a layer of artificial poly-fiber batting. You can get a small roll of the latter in the quilting section of any crafts or fabric store. (Don't get the cotton batting, it will become soggy and deteriorate.) It's very similar, if not identical, to the stuff used in canister aquarium filters, and cheaper. This will keep most of your substrate from filtering down into the gravel.

It's quite possible to use only coconut fiber as a substrate, but this takes some time to begin to support the microorganisms and tiny soil isopods and insects that are an essential part of the biological recycling and releasing plant nutrients. It's very good as a partial ingredient because it IS so slow to break down.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

D. auratus blue, auratus Ancon Hill, galactonotus orange, galactonotus yellow, fantasticus, reticulatus, imitator, castaneoticus, azureus, pumilio Bastimentos. P. lugubris, vittatus, terribilis mint green, terribilis orange.

Ok, I'll just replace it then. I guess my new plan is to use about two inches of gravel and three inches of new coco fiber. Thanks.