Impaction

[LeClownBlanc]

Now, I am not trying to convince you to go dirt, because I really don't give a flying one. But flooding the forums with threads when you get advice from other threads is just basically, putting one member against another. Not your intention, I am sure, but it is the reality of the situation. I myself, will have no more of it. As far as advice, I am done with you. But I at least wanted to validate WHY I have dirt as a suggestion. Good luck with your tank and your frogs.

I mainly lurk on here to see advice from other people, and I've read through this entire thread. This thread seems to be more about substrate and if it will cause impaction rather than trying to make members oppose each other. Remember, differing opinions do not mean one is trying to pin people against each other.

I do not believe there is any problem with getting multiple opinions on a topic...isn't that what forums are for? As a moderator, one would figure that a mod would be more patient and understanding rather than being short with someone who is new and trying to figure things out.

I fear for rude replies, one of the reasons why I lurk as opposed to posting often.

"Flooding" the forums seems to be an overstatement, if anything this site should be grateful that Elliot is posing legitimate questions and bringing traffic and activity to the forums. I've gotten a lot of useful advice from his posted threads, and have not felt any sort of nuisance.

As a moderator myself on other sites, I am conscientious of other's feelings and possible reactions that may happen on the other side of the screen. Bad feelings should not result from a forum that is about amphibian care and advice. I was not aware that there is a limit to how much advice one can be given before the other person is "done".

And back on topic, this thread seemed useful for me as I am trying to figure out substrate options for myself. I am thankful for users that are helpful and kind.

[LeClownBlanc]

BACK ON TOPIC:

I bought play sand for the aquarium and did a fairly thorough washing of it. However, I did not sift and there are a few small rocks here and there. I am not sure of the risk. The frogs are nearly 3" and each rock seems to be .25" max. How much of a danger is this?

[mpmistr]

Hmm, well I did not intend to give contradictory advice here. Just figured if the goal here is substrate replacement then perhaps just sand would be a more simple method since dirt would require a complete breakdown. There certainly is no right or wrong way to go. All I can really advise is what I know from personal experience. I do know with proper lighting clawed frogs produce plenty of waste to provide nutrients to water column feeding plants with sand as substrate.

Soil is a great way to go and it's better than root tabs but it also depends what type of plants you want. I like vals and water sprite and even duckweed, the goal for my plants is to provide a lot of hiding locations, basking for the frogs, and act as a biofilter so I've selected fast growing plants with few demands that see feed on nitrates from the water column.

[LeClownBlanc]

Hmm, well I did not intend to give contradictory advice here. Just figured if the goal here is substrate replacement then perhaps just sand would be a more simple method since dirt would require a complete breakdown. There certainly is no right or wrong way to go. All I can really advise is what I know from personal experience. I do know with proper lighting clawed frogs produce plenty of waste to provide nutrients to water column feeding plants with sand as substrate.

Soil is a great way to go and it's better than root tabs but it also depends what type of plants you want. I like vals and water sprite and even duckweed, the goal for my plants is to provide a lot of hiding locations, basking for the frogs, and act as a biofilter so I've selected fast growing plants with few demands that see feed on nitrates from the water column.

I don't think you were the cause of any problem. The advice is good for a beginner and even then I make mistakes with what sand to buy.
Do you know if the API root tabs plus iron have any ill effect on the frogs?

[flybyferns]

BACK ON TOPIC:

I bought play sand for the aquarium and did a fairly thorough washing of it. However, I did not sift and there are a few small rocks here and there. I am not sure of the risk. The frogs are nearly 3" and each rock seems to be .25" max. How much of a danger is this?

I believe there is a very real risk of the frog ingesting a 1/4" pebble.
It is amazing what they can fit in their mouths!
If fact, if they are smaller - the risk is even greater ----they will accidentally be 'inhaled' if/when the frog eats off the substrate and collect in its stomach.

Here is a FF thread you may want to read.
http://www.frogforum.net/aquatic-cla...avel-help.html

[Louis Charles Bruckner]

The chances are minimal but still present.
I would use a small net to remove them as you see them during cleanings.

Good luck,

[LeClownBlanc]

I hand feed them...so they don't really feed from the bottom.
I got a picture of what the sand looks like and one can see the pebbles that are causing a concern for this compaction issue..

[LeClownBlanc]

I hand feed them...so they don't really feed from the bottom.
I got a picture of what the sand looks like and one can see the pebbles that are causing a concern for this compaction issue..

And what to do with the sand? Most sifters would probably let that grain through. Should I pitch the stuff and go with more expensive aquarium sand?