I have a newb question, am I negleting my FBT's?

[maxQ]

First, I have read our Frog Forum Fire-Bellied Toad Care and Breeding Sheet, I have 5 FBT's that I love dearly and up until just now I have always thought that they were happy because I am giving them a proper habitat, but have I?

I got to looking at fellow members tanks and they all have some type of substrate, I have 5 FBT's in a 20 Gal Long Aquarium that I built for them last February so I really have not had them through Winter Time. They have no substrate, they are in a tank filled half way with water, and with rock, slate, tons of plants and hiding places but no Cocco Fiber to burrow in for the winter, do they need a substrate to burrow in during Winter to be happy?

Should I drain my tank and replace with CoCo Fiber

[deranged chipmunk]

As long as their habitat is heated and stable, nope. To them, it's perpetual spring

[Ash]

As a long time owner of Fire bellied toads I agree with bill. Fire bellied toads are content to be in the water most of the time, in my experience they are most comfy in about 4-6 inches of water (my experience shows closer to 4 inches is better) with plenty of rocks and or plants to hide in and hang on to as they float. It does not hurt to have a small portion of land substrate as an additional place to give Feeder Insects so that they do not drown so readily.

[maxQ]

As a long time owner of Fire bellied toads I agree with bill. Fire bellied toads are content to be in the water most of the time, in my experience they are most comfy in about 4-6 inches of water (my experience shows closer to 4 inches is better) with plenty of rocks and or plants to hide in and hang on to as they float. It does not hurt to have a small portion of land substrate as an additional place to give Feeder Insects so that they do not drown so readily.

Thanks Ash

[Ash]

You're Welcome Gary thanks for sharing your setup design