Cleaning

[JeffX]

I use eco-earth in all of my amphibian tanks, and I spot clean from time to time. Then I do a thorough cleaning once a month or if I need to earlier. Eco-earth is fairly cheap and I keep a big bucket of it for when I need it.

[Moonspyder]

Thanks for the advice. The 2 books from the library on amphibian care
reccomended gravel substrates for toads. I recall reading on a forum
impaction has been caused by ingetsed moss too. How much a risk is this when they snap up a bit of debri along with their cricket?

[InfInIty13X]

The 2 books from the library on amphibian care
reccomended gravel substrates for toads.

I have read that on many pages. I simply can't imagine taking that risk of using gravel or pebbles.

[Kurt]

They cannot digest gravel/sand/pebbles so it often gets stuck in their guts. That causes the impaction and when feces can't move along which then lead to septicemia and death.

I have had many of my frogs accidently digest sphagnum moss, with no problem.

[John]

I'm going to contradict Kurt's advice in one respect - sand, if non toxic (pool filter sand and children's play sand are fine) is not harmful and passes straight through the body. In fact for some species it is very good (desert amphibians for example).

[into]

I thought I read somewhere that Fowler's Toads can sometimes be found burrowed down in beach sand.

[Kurt]

John, I am assuming you are talking about very fine sand.

[John]

And I assume when you say sand you mean grit.

[Kurt]

Yeah, a fine sand, almost powder.