Interesting post. You change out substrate more often. I don't do daily cage maintenance. I flip (fluff up/turn over) substrate every three days. I use a 1/3 land 2/3 water with a big canister. I haven't changed substrate in 3 months. He ***** in his water after every feeding, 1-3 times a week. I net out the big stuff, the filter does the rest.

Your muddy substrate will, I say again, will, grow bacteria a lot faster than moist substrate. You will go through more sub as well. They need to be able to fully burrow, so 1.5 inches is not deep enough. If it works, do it buddy. I know they appreciate being able to fully burrow, and submerge in water.

As far as the Attenborough docs, I have only seen clips during breeding season. These frogs spend a lot of their time on land, and under the soil even when not brumating.

My big guy goes through cycles. He'll spend a week straight in the water feature, then three weeks on top of, or under the substrate.

My 2 cents

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Thanks
DW