Terrarium substrate...turning into a swampy wetland

[VooDoo]

OK, so I have 3 RETFs in an 18x18x24 Exo Terra. I am pretty new to these guys, just an FYI.

For substrate I use coconut fiber (about 3-4" deep) , and top that with sphagnum moss so the fiber doesn't stick to the frog (and for humidity reasons).

I do not have live plants...

Anyways, I mist the tank a few times a day to keep the humidity up. Well, the substrate has gotten so wet, that you can actually see some standing water starting to surface. And to add to that, it's starting to get a smelly odor.

Any advice? Thanks.

[flybyferns]

If this were my enclosure, I would pull that substrate! Throw it away. Wipe down the bottom with paper towels til visibly clean with dampened paper towels. I'm sure you know-no soap or cleaners. Temporarily ( or permanently-whatever you decide) add a nice clean, thick layer of very wet paper towels - using bottled spring water or treated tap water. The paper towels hold tons of moisture.

[ViperJr]

I would definitely use a more permanent substrate than paper towels (unless it's a froglet/quarantine tank). I personally use gravel (as drainage, however LECA is the same, just better...), covered with coco husk, covered with sphagnum moss. It holds humidity very well and the drainage layer makes sure that the substrate does not stay super wet. Under the tank, I have a low-wattage UTH, that creates just enough heat for the excess water to vaporize without actually changing the temperature in the tank. This works really good for me, since the substrate is never wet long enough for it to go bad.

Also, if you want advice on the tank itself, post some picture of it and it'll be a lot easier!

[VooDoo]

So, if I do the drainage layer thing I'd need an under the tank heater?

[michael novy]

The heater is a good idea if your temps are a little lower than 72 degrees. Live plants such as philodendrons, monstera( small species), syngonium and pothos absorb alot of water. Plus the frogs will feel a little more secure if you use live plants. Just my opinion

[ViperJr]

So, if I do the drainage layer thing I'd need an under the tank heater?

You don't need one, there are other ways to get rid of the excess water, like siphoning it out. If it's very much water, an UTH will probably not be very effective.
Mike have a good point as well, pothos really absorbs water well.

[sajane]

i also use the drainage layer and uth. the uth is great for drying things out as i tend to over water.

[sajane]

just a warning about using a uth with water. it could crack the glass. never water directly over it or with cold water

[SludgeMunkey]

When it comes to vivaria for frogs. I always suggest the installation of a drainage layer. However, even with one built in, it is still tough to get to excess water to remove it. What I do is attach a piece of 1/2 inch PVC pipe to a back corner of the enclosure with silicone. The bottom edge is cut at an angle so that the water can get into the pipe. Then I just use a standard siphon to suck out the excess liquid. The advantage to the PVC is you can slip a pipe cap on it to keep the critters out of the pipe.

Additionally, I have found that LECA or the "egg crate" drainage layers are superior to gravel over time. I feel that gravel tends to support anaerobic bacteria a bit too well.

[ViperJr]

Additionally, I have found that LECA or the "egg crate" drainage layers are superior to gravel over time. I feel that gravel tends to support anaerobic bacteria a bit too well.

Anaerobic bacteria and the wonderful ability to increase the weight of the terrarium by hundreds of kilos. Something I learned the hard way.


Like Sajane said, be sure that you don't have much water on the glass where the UTH is located. Perhaps I was unclear, I meant that it's a good way to evaporate the water help by the substrate layers, and not actually a bigger pool of water.

[BG]

You can also do a false bottom. The one i have is working sweet. its in a 18x18x24 zoomed terrarium. You save some money this way on hydro balls. They false button is made up of plastic egg crate ,1 3/4 PVC pipe cut in 2 inch pieces and have a hole on the bottom so the water circulates. If you want more info and the original idea search thru the forum. Donlisk made i think a tread on this. Its in the DIY or the Vivarium tank section. It has a pump on the bottom with the hose sticking thru the substrate.All i do is connect the hose with a longer hose and I'm ready to pump.

[SludgeMunkey]

Aye, mass is always an issue! As for under tank heaters, I have never used them for a reason.

My main argument against them is that in the wild, the heat input to a system comes from above. I have seen more horror shows related to UTHs than any other heating method. If I had my way, I would outlaw the darn things.


(Note, we actually have an article in the works that covers this subject in depth, it will be available soon here on frog forum. It covers substrate choices and drainage issues in detail.)

[ViperJr]

Aye, mass is always an issue! As for under tank heaters, I have never used them for a reason.

My main argument against them is that in the wild, the heat input to a system comes from above. I have seen more horror shows related to UTHs than any other heating method. If I had my way, I would outlaw the darn things.

I agree that they are bad as a heating method (I personally use lights from above). However, when using them like I do (low wattage, always on a dimmer, only to heat to bottomest substrate layer), it works really well. The temperature is not raise if you check it above the substrate. Actually, the third and thickest layer of substrate is not a higher temperature than the ambient temperature in the tank.
However, like you said, it can go wrong, like most things. I would not blame the UTH itself, but the people using them.

(Note, we actually have an article in the works that covers this subject in depth, it will be available soon here on frog forum. It covers substrate choices and drainage isosues in detail.)

Nice! Will this article be like the Caudata.org article on the same subject (but with frogs in focus)?

[rosaphile]

What I do is attach a piece of 1/2 inch PVC pipe to a back corner of the enclosure with silicone. The bottom edge is cut at an angle so that the water can get into the pipe. Then I just use a standard siphon to suck out the excess liquid. The advantage to the PVC is you can slip a pipe cap on it to keep the critters out of the pipe.

Additionally, I have found that LECA or the "egg crate" drainage layers are superior to gravel over time. I feel that gravel tends to support anaerobic bacteria a bit too well.

Fantastic idea about putting a PVC access pipe in, I'm definitely going to do this! It sounds so much easier than other methods of access. To be absolutely sure I'm understanding correctly, the pipe stands vertically in the back corner, right?

I was thinking the setup with hydroballs sounded easier to implement but I am starting to come around on that. What problems could be caused by the anaerobic bacteria?

PS. Sorry if I'm hijacking!

[SludgeMunkey]

Yes, I silicone them in a back corner, and paint them black.

And yes, in fact the idea with the articles for here is that I will adapt my existing work to be less caudate specific. Additionally, I am working on getting input from some of the pros here to further add to it. Sometimes I feel like I get to sound too much like a know-it-all!

[flybyferns]

Yes, I silicone them in a back corner, and paint them black.

And yes, in fact the idea with the articles for here is that I will adapt my existing work to be less caudate specific. Additionally, I am working on getting input from some of the pros here to further add to it. Sometimes I feel like I get to sound too much like a know-it-all!

I'm sure you do not know this, however, I have read tons of your suggestions to members. I do not think you ever "sound like a
know -it -all. "