Non-messy substrate?

[Mentat]

You do not want a muddy mess; that would rot the soil and create a bacteria bloom. Please take a look at this thread and read the part about building a false bottom under the dry area: Frog Forum - Building Dart Frog Terrariums / Tropical Terrarium Construction . Pretty much, you create a space either with egg crate material or clay balls, to raise the soil/shredded coco above the max water level. I would not use gravel in tank at all, leave the water area without substrate for ease of cleaning and use the shredded coco over the false bottom. Good luck !

[fish4all]

Flower pots stuck in expanded clay or other media. No mess when you need to remove the plants or do anything. You can be very creative with what you use for a flower pot to make it look nice and fit in.