Hello,
I built a simple 10gal paludarium for my sons fire belly toads (2) this weekend. I split it up into 3 sections. First is the land section, the second a gravel marsh/filter area that will have live plants, and the third is water with a sand bottom. I added a section of tree root to the water section to give the toads a means of getting in and out of the water.

Here in lies the problem. The tree root has stained the water as dark as coffee. I checked the water with a test kit and it reads the exact same as the perfectly clear beta fish tank next to it.

I don't know if this is a problem. It doesn't look bad, but I am afraid it might harm the toads.

Please share your thoughts and concerns.

Thank you,
Rob