Substrate Questions

[HerpMan]

I'm interested in what some of you posters have as favorite substrates. I've done a lot of research and I've read a lot of different opinions. I am interested in using gravels because I read that organic substrates have tendencies to stick to the frogs (I have no idea how true this is). So, if you all can PLEASE help me out I'd appreciate your feedback. I'd like to know if anyone has experience using gravel and how well plants grow in it. Also, if anyone can explain the pros and cons to their preferred substrate.

Travis

[flybyferns]

I'm interested in what some of you posters have as favorite substrates. I've done a lot of research and I've read a lot of different opinions. I am interested in using gravels because I read that organic substrates have tendencies to stick to the frogs (I have no idea how true this is). So, if you all can PLEASE help me out I'd appreciate your feedback. I'd like to know if anyone has experience using gravel and how well plants grow in it. Also, if anyone can explain the pros and cons to their preferred substrate.

Travis

Hello Travis,
Welcome to Frog Forum !

Before deciding on a specific substrate one must know what frog will be in the enclosure

What frog are you planning to purchase?

organic substrates have tendencies to stick to the frogs ... frogs don't care if they have "dirt" on them

how well plants grow in it ....I would think that marginals would grow in gravel and filtered water. This would limit your choices.

Lynn

[NewFrogDude]

What about Sphagum Moss?

[IrishRonin]

Again we really need to know what type of frog your planning on keeping but the problem with gravel and sphagnum is the risk of ingestion and then impaction. I have a gecko tank that has an all tigers eye lagoon, with photos growing out of it and it works fine.

[HerpMan]

This tank will be housing D. leuc.

[flybyferns]

This tank will be housing D. leuc.

Well then,
The gravel and hydro layering will work; but less traditional. Doesn't mean it's wrong.
It's a personal choice. Some people use gravel as a dart substrate.

Saurian Enterprises, Inc :: Two part Terrarium Substrate

There are many, high humidity, plants that will grow in the gravel. The leucs will climb if given the space and places.
Darts will not like ie cocoa fiber stuck to them, it bugs them. Plain cocoa fiber should not be used. It hold too much water and ends up mucky. ABG is more commonly used as the 'soil' layer of substrate for a dart enclosures.
You will find numerous discussions regarding this.

Lynn