Substrate Question

[crimsonzele]

I have a pair of RETF and WTF's. I have cleaned and potted plants for their enclosures with eco earth. I am feeding them out of glass bowls so there wont ever be food in their enclosure on the substrate. I want the plants potted so I can water individually and move them around. I washed the pots well too. I am wondering what substrate I can put around the pots in the enclosure. I dont want to just use paper towels. I have more of the eco earth, I have cypress mulch and I have sphagnum moss. Are any of these ok to use with my frogs as a substrate?Can I put the eco earth down then something over it?

[Mentat]

100% EcoEarth is not a great substrate for plants. In it's place would use ABG soil. Around the plant pots, can use EcoEarth. Cypress mulch is an impaction risk (and could be toxic if exposed to chemicals). Sphagnum moss sold for vivariums should be OK if you feed in bowls and insects never escape. Do be aware that if a frog eats it, there is an impaction risk. Good luck !

[poison]

I personally have a different opinion on the ecoearth. I think it is great for plants. I have had much success with it.

[crimsonzele]

Im glad someone has had success with it because I already planted them in it. If I lose the plants I will just get new ones. I think I will use ecoearth around the pots as it does look nice and theres less of a chance of impaction if Im understanding correctly?

[Pac man]

I've never used it but abg will work

[deranged chipmunk]

It all depends on the plants as far as ecoearth is concerned. Keep in mind it has no nutritional value in it for the plants. Frog waste and minerals in your misting water (if not using distilled) are the only nutrients they get. Some plants are heavy root feeders and will survive on only those, but will not thrive. Others, like pothos and coming philodendrons feed from aerial roots growing every few inches or so and epiphytes will grab nutrients in other ways, provided you give them to them.

[deranged chipmunk]

Sorry, climbing, not coming. Stupid autocorrect

[poison]

Good point Bill.

I guess it also helps to have all these bugs in the enclosure as well. Earthworms and springtail's waste matter does act as a natural fertilizer.