(Cheri) The news paper was placed on the outside of the tank so they would feel more secure in their enclosure,as suggested in articles. I put a black garbage bag around the sides, the back is a print of rocks and plants and I left the front unobstructed, but placed newspaper over that section leaving only a small section for them to look out. Every few days I moved the newspaper back more and more until the entire front is open and they seem comfortable with it. Sorry I wasn't very clear about that, but thanks for the concern. I am not sure what type of plant it is either, but I do have a house plant encyclopedia and I will look it up for you. I'll post it in a few minutes after I look it up.
(Kurt) I really live in the boon docks and there are very few pets stores in the area and the ones that are, are your typical mom and pop ones. I too was very skeptical about the ground walnut shells and found organic, sterile soil, which is what I am using in the tank. I have not used the walnut shells at all for the frogs. I did put it in the bottom of the container for the crickets, but when I captured them for frog dinner some of the granules made it into the "dining room" container. The frog were very unhappy when these granules got on them and they a lot of time trying to get them off of their little froglet bodies. After I realized how unhappy this made them I cleaned out the cricket container and now leave the container bottom empty. I only have a few paper towel tubes, a small dish with fish flake, a dish with a wet paper towel for drinking and a few rabbit pellets for food as well, also suggested by the pet store owner.
Thank you for your help and advice. This is very new to me and every bit of info helps me and my friglets.