Planted or pots... discuss!

[UncleChester]

If I plant the plants directly into the substrate, how do I clean the tank? I can't go digging up the plants all the time... can I?
....
How the heck do you spot clean if the poop is not out in the open?? Do you seriously poo hunt every day? I was lucky to catch Ernie pooing so cleaned it right away, but who knows where they have pooped since. I don't see any.

Stock the tank with springtails and/or sow bugs. They will work away and the stuff you can't find. With a healthy little micro-ecosystem you should be able to go months or even years without having to do a full breakdown of the substrate.

That's awesome you can have some experienced in person guidance, suck as much info out of them as you can. Since they don't know frogs make sure you look into the frog safety of any plants your friend recommends, and of course post pictures after the remodeling!

[deeishealthy]

Where does one go to buy bugs? A plant nursery? I will have to Google...

And Bill, I look forward to showing you my game face.

[deranged chipmunk]

as do i Dee, as do i you can get springtails and isopods all over the net. not sure about who is willing to ship to the land of canucks though.

[deeishealthy]

... or if it would be allowed. Strict rules about bringing species in. I'll do some research and post what I find for my fellow Canadians. And if my fellow Canadians have found anything, please let me know!

[deranged chipmunk]

BRIAN!! yo!! where can Dee get microfauna in Canananananada???

[Dale D]

I got mine from these guys. DART FROG INC - SPLASH
Their in Ontario.
Look under Plants and supplies -feeders.
They list 2 types of springtails and 1 type of isopods.

[deeishealthy]

I appreciate the info... but I'm in BC. Specifically the Lower Mainland. I'll check into that place, though. They may mail or recommend a BC store. I really try and shop as local as I can when I can.

Bit of a tree hugger over here.

[UncleChester]

BRIAN!! yo!! where can Dee get microfauna in Canananananada???

My yard? That's where mine came from. Sow bugs can be found under just about any rotting log you turn over, same with springtails. The springtails were hard to isolate being so very tiny, but I collected about 30 or so from the wild and they managed to multiply without any direction from me. I do have chemical free areas to harvest bugs from though.

Another Ontario source that has a good reputation is Home | Understory Enterprises (look under Care > feeders). Shipping across country might be tough this time of year though, either supplier would probably be able to advise on this.

You might want to check local Dart Frog suppliers, they're probably the best bet to have tiny bugs locally.

[Dale D]

You may be able to find someone local by trying the Canadian dart frog forum, http://www.canadart.org/index.php or the B.C. Reptile club forum. bcreptileclub.ca/forum