My toad trying to escape :D

[Jace]

I used to have my toads on coco husk and though they tolerated it, since I have swtiched to a soil base with moss top layer, they are much happier. I'm always for sterile supplies, as you just never know what might be lurking in the leaf litter outside your front door. However, for the time being, simply adding a layer of moss to your setup might make your toads more comfortable.

The best thing about these toads are they are pretty easy going. Whatever you make of their setup, chances are they are going to love it and thrive. For an example, I have six fire bellies in a 25 gallon aquarium. I have a thick layer of dirt and planted several live plants (my favourite is called Peperomia because they require low light, stay relatively short and have broad thick leaves that the toads love to sit on!), and then placed a layer of moist fresh moss on top. On one end, I have a rock and driftwood display and a feeding station (a plastic dish nestled into the dirt where I can drop treats in for them) and on the other, a sunken bowl that is approximately 6-8" deep. I suctioned a plant to the side of the glass and spread it into the water bowl for hiding and to help the toads climb in and out. To clean, I merely lift the whole bowl out, clean, and drop it back in with fresh water. However, I might switch this as I miss having a filter and heater in their water for them. Pretty simple setup and really easy to maintain. These toads don't like really high humidity, so I wouldn't put plants in there that require it.

As for the lighting issue, I have heard arguments for both sides. My personal experience with my own toads is this: I have a screen mesh over the top of the tank, and then an aquarium light setup on top of that. The light-a standard bulb that came with the canopy-sits on top of plastic "shield". It gives a bit of heat and plenty of light, but my toads are protected from being burned if they decide to go climbing. I have had my toads for over three years, and this system seems to work for them. Hope this helps or at least gives you some ideas.