I've been reading up on substrate (had to do something while at work today) and it looks like that will be where I need to start. I'd like to use plain pea gravel as a first layer. How thick should this be? I have any number of things available to me, just need to know what to get. I keep fish so I usually have gravel or sand around (not going to put sand in a toad tank though. I feel like that could end in disaster). I'd like to use Miracle Grow Organic Sphagnum moss as my "dirt" layer as I fully plan on using live plants. I also have a large number of oak leaves available to me to use as leaf litter.

I was also googling the water feature of a natural vivarium and the potential issues caused by too much moisture in the base layer of substrate. Would it be better to use a water dish, or leave the water area open to the gravel layer? I'd really rather not get any nasty bacteria in the tank.

I'm sure I'll have dozens of questions. I'm literally a toad virgin LOL. I've been a good girl though, stalking Josh's Frog blog and the LLL reptile site. I did find them, but wanted to check with the experts here as you never know the quality of info you're getting from vendor sources.

I did want to ask, if I can source the toads from a local shop, should/could I deworm them before putting them in their permanent tank? Should I quarantine the second round of little guys before adding them? I'm told frogs and lizards from big box stores tend to have parasites when they come home and I'd really like to keep my toads alive, haha. If I order them online from a reputable breeder, I'm less concerned about the potential for illness, though I will obviously still take care when introducing new animals into the habitat.