Substrate question

[Harry]

For one tree frog in a fish tank that is about 20"W x 12"H x 10" deep, what substrate do you recommend? I read the faq and saw the recommendation for topsoil. But on the forum I see various other options discussed. Gravel base, coconut fibre, moss sheets, etc. Some are described with acronyms that I do not recognize, such as LECA.

I would like it to be simple and low maintenance. Suggestions?

Harry

[DonLisk]

Basically the list above materials are for different layers.

The bottom should be a drainage layer which can be stone, clay Hydroballs, or the installation of a eggcrate raised about 1 1/2 inches from bottom.
On top of that is a piece of substrate screen material or a fine mesh window screen.
Then a top layer is added such as coco fiber, plantation soil, Zilla Jungle Mix, or a fertilizer free soil. Some people will make a layer just below the top layer with Sphagnum moss to help retain moisture for humidity.

Since tree frogs don't spend much time on the ground, you would need to provide plenty of climbing, perching, and leaf to support movement through the tank to sleeping spots, places to perch, and and to the water dish.
Plants such ad snake plant, small bromeliads, Pothos, Zebra Plant along with some branches and or vines will help create a natural and low maintenance vivarium and give the frog plenty of stuff to stay off the ground.

Some people use sheet moss to help keep the dirt off the frog and to help retain moisture. Misting twice a day and clean declorinated water in a dish will help keep humidity as will using live plants.

Since they like to climb, 12 inches of height will be only enough for a juvi frog.


Hope this helps.

[flybyferns]

Don is quite experienced and has explained the proper ways to layer typically used substrate materials. I do recall there is one type of moss that is safest. I do not remember the name of it. There are lots of u tube videos too. As he explained, the egg crate and/or hydro-balls is very important to create an area for water to collect. Depending on the # of plants, size of the enclosure, and the frequency of misting needed to keep the enclosure at the right humidity level; the bottom would likely need to be siphoned off occasionally. There is a recent thread about this.

I started my first enclosure, 11 months ago. So, in comparison to most friends here, I'm a newbie. I think my first enclosure was a 20 gallon tall w/ this layered type of bottom. I did not enjoy the muck. Two months later I pulled it. It's a personal choice. All I use now is bleach free paper towel dampened w/ spring water. It's easy to clean, the frogs do not care, food can be monitored, and there is no risk of the frogs swallowing substrate or moss. My enclosure is now 50/50, half paper towel and half (covered, heated, filtered ) water. My red eyed tree frogs do not need this 4 " of water , however its purpose is to keep the humidity level in a perfect range. I occasionally mist , but just for the plants. My frogs sit on the covered area to soak every night ( the cover has small holes which the water flows through the top from the filter
out put ). I do no use a separate soaking dish. I covered the water to create this soaking area,to keep them safe , and as mentioned , maintain the humidity level. Although red eyes can swim a little - they are not very smart. They could really struggle to get out of water this deep even with something to climb on. This works for me!