Baby woodhouse's toad care

[Tom Highum]

I have 3 baby woodhouse's toads from Colorado. They are about the size of a nickle.
I am keeping them in a 10 gallon aquarium with some leaves, rocks, calcium sand and pieces of bark. They have a water bowl with dechlorinated tap water that's about 1/2 an inch deep that they spend most of their time in. Why would they do this? Do they need more moisture or is it too hot? (they are in my basement the average temperature is 70 degrees but they have a small light that's not meant for heat but still produces some) I am feeding them gutloaded crickets about 30 small ones (total) a week. I tried mealworms but one of the little guys took it badly (the protrusion). Should i still use the mealworms once in a while? am i feeding them too much? Is their habitat ok? or any other advice would be well appreciated.

[John]

I wouldn't bother with the mealworms - not very nutritious. Also, why are you using calcium sand? These aren't reptiles. Other than that it sounds fine.

[Tom Highum]

I am using calcium sand because it reduces the risk of impaction. Do you believe this to be a necessary precaution?

[John]

I am using calcium sand because it reduces the risk of impaction.

Says who?

Do you believe this to be a necessary precaution?

It depends what else you have as substrate - the particle size and consistency.

[SludgeMunkey]

I am using calcium sand because it reduces the risk of impaction. Do you believe this to be a necessary precaution?

Calcium sand does pose an impaction risk in amphibians.

[Tom Highum]

So far the sand is my only substrate what else should i use?

[adawinters]

Look into organic potting soil or eco-earth, or those coconut husk bedding products. Anything that could be easily passed through the digestive system if accidentally ingested. (The risk of this decreases if you feed your pet in tupperware, outside of the enclosure.)

Aside from impaction, I've read a few theories that calcium sand can cause respiratory distress. (These theories are based on regulations Re: humans working with calcium carbonate, i.e. the calcium component in the sand.) Frankly, that stuff shouldn't be on the market, as there is no animal for which I'd trust it. You had no way of knowing, though, since the packaging makes it sound kind of ideal for a lot of species... until you start reading about people's experiences with it.

[Tom Highum]

Thanks i think I'll swap to a mixture of play sand and organic potting soil.