Substrate question

[Sj111296]

Hi everyone! I'm new here, and also new to frogs. I have been a bit obsessed with frogs since I was in high school, and when I had the opportunity to get a couple of Whites Tree Frogs about a month ago, I jumped at the chance.
I am using Eco earth as their substrate, as I know small gravel and other substrates aren't great due to their eating it accidentally when feeding. However, tonight I watched one of my frogs (I have two, Leonard and Sheldon) eat a big mouthful of substrate when going for a cricket. They often get some of it in their mouths, but this was the first time I have seen one of them actually get so much of it. He had so much substrate that he only got half the cricket in his mouth and the cricket actually ended up escaping. It freaked me out and I am worried about impaction. I read that moist paper towels can be used and are much safer (just doesn't look as nice).
Any advice on what to use? Is the Eco earth coconut substrate bad for causing impactions? I want them to be as healthy and safe as possible, so I am fine with changing substrate to whatever is best for them.

[Sunshine]

He should be ok but if you are worried keep an eye on him to make sure he passes it. Watch for bloating, lethargy, not feeding/pooping etc. Have you considered feeding in a bowl?

[Sj111296]

I didn't know that was an option until tonight. The only pet store we have is a newly opened Petco, so it may be something I have to order.

[irThumper]

Due to sanitizing purposes I do not use any soil-type substrates. For temporary & QT enclosures I use paper towels. For longer term I use repti-carpet and have plenty of objects for the frogs to sit on so they are not in constant contact with said carpet. It is easy to pop in a clean piece while the other piece is being cleaned, so that's nice. I have also used BPA free white or opaque cutting matts for the bottom of tanks. They aren't as rough as the repti-carpet, but not as slick as a plain tank floor, and are even easier to clean and sanitize than repti-carpet is.

[Sj111296]

Are you talking about the flexible kitchen cutting mats? Just want to make sure I understand. I've never heard of repti carpet, will have to look it up. Mine never sit on the floor and only end up on the substrate when diving for food. Otherwise, they are always on their plant or vine.

[Sj111296]

I bought a brown terrarium liner today. Says it is absorbent and non abrasive. Is it ok to use? If so, should I place it directly on the bottom of the terrerrium or on top of a layer of the Eco earth?

edit: the brand is Zilla.

[Sunshine]

That should be fine. Take out the eco earth and just use the liner on the bottom.

[irThumper]

Mine is the Zilla brand also; I prefer the green myself. Norpro is the brand cutting mat I have: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Norpro-Jumbo...item4d33dfa31f

[Sj111296]

Thank you guys so much! I'll make the switch. They have been doing ok with the Eco earth, just getting a tiny bit in their mouths every now and then, but seeing one of them get a big mouthful worried me. I'd rather just switch to something they can't eat!

[Sunshine]

Welcome!