Sterilizing Leaf Litter and Branches for Viv Build.

[deranged chipmunk]

I also collect and process my own leaf litter. Although, as lynn stated, it is inexpensive and i know of a very reliable source in the pac nw if you don't want to go throuhh the through the effort.

90% of hardwoods that are completely dead and dried out will work. I use a lot of oak in my vivs and aquariums. I roast it on low in my bbq for about an hour. But there are numerous ways to treat wood for a viv and they are all effective.

[deeishealthy]

What kind of retail sells leaf litter? Pet store? Plant nursery?

[Sarosaurus]

@ Lynn -- I live in the "city" and there is a tree that is in my yard. I think it's a maple. I am not sure if the management company treats these trees with pesticides just yet. I need to ask the apartment manager the next time I see her so I can ask. I know that skimping isn't the best route to go, but if I could use something from my yard, I would like to do so. I know there are places online that I can order leaf litter from that has already been treated, but I feel silly having a bag of leaves shipped cross country when I don't need anything else. :/ I work at the local pet store (not the big box one) and have managed to only find one piece of wood that I like. I snagged it and brought it home where it has been sitting in a paper bag behind my bedroom door for two months now? I know the look that I am going for and have become very picky in the process. We did get some awesome cork pieces in and I have been staring at them off and on for a while now. I might have to just take the plunge and spend the money on those instead. They're still super expensive even with my employee discount. D:

Thank you for all of the information on the plants! I just bought a Bromeliad, but since my tank isn't close enough to being ready to be re-done just yet, I haven't even gotten started on worrying about the plant. I have a Pothos in the tank right now and it's a sad looking little thing. I am no good with plants, so finding ones that are easy to take care of is a plus for me.

@ Brian -- Thanks for that link! It's awesome and very useful!

@ Bill -- Ooh! That would be amazing. When you get the chance, can you PM me the info?

@ Dee -- So far I have only found it sold by online retailers. I work at a pet shop and we can't get it in. Haven't checked with our local nursery though.

[flybyferns]

Sarah,
I would recommend that you DO NOT use leaves or wood from a city area!!!
Not only is it a risk of being unidentified and covered with pesticides but now mixed with rat, squirrel and raccoon feces !
It would be extremely difficult to sterilize. surprised frog

Have you had a chance to read the article Brian linked to in post #3.
It explains the reasons ,why, one should not to do this. And how to boil the wood.

http://www.joshsfrogs.com/wood.html

http://www.joshsfrogs.com/substrate/leaf-litter.html

The sea grape leaves are 4- 5 inches in diameter
The magnolia are about 5" long and 1 to 1 1/2" wide

http://www.neherpetoculture.com/subs...leaflitter.htm

A bag of sea grape leaves will last a very , very long time. (years) I have some that I have boiled 3 and 4 times after being used in a quarantine setting ( any they STILL have not ,even, started to breakdown ) They can be curled when they are still wet - and hold the shape nicely. The darts love this---it makes little tunnels. Let them dry completely and then store them in a dry area.

Lynn

[flybyferns]

What kind of retail sells leaf litter? Pet store? Plant nursery?

Herp and reptile stores

[Sarosaurus]

@ Lynn -- I did read the article. It was very useful. And I am just asking questions and trying to gain some insights before I actually go and do something that might hurt my frogs. Trying to be as prepared as possible.