Substrate Help!!

[GreenTreeFrog14]

So,Iam makeing vivarium's for my newts and salamanders and also my tree frog,and what I want to know is what soil/substrate should I use for live tropical plants that dose'nt have fertilizer's since they harm the amphibians sentitive skin,is zoomed eco-earth or exo-terrs plantation soil good for live tropical plants,I don't know what live plants are going in there yet but what substrate is good for growing most live tropical plants?Have you used this substrate?

[ViperJr]

From what I have read, Exo-terras plantation soil is excellent for salamanders, especially if it's a burrowing species. And from my own experince, it's works well to set plants directly in it.
I also know that it's used by a lot of people, both here on the forum and in general.

Zoo med might work equally good, but I have not really read anything about that, or used it myself, so I can not speak about it.

[LilyPad]

I love the zoomed eco earth. I don't have any burrowing species, but my tropical plants are growing wonderfully in it.

[GreenTreeFrog14]

Ok thanks,I'll use eco-earht mixed with plantation soil,might have a greater effect.

[Dizzl]

In my set up there is a drainage layer of bio-balls and gravel, covered with screen. My soil that goes on top of the screen is a mixture of coco fiber, clean soil, and crushed lava rock. I even tossed in a couple of earth worms.

[GreenTreeFrog14]

Ok,where do you get the regular soil from? And why do you have earthworms and crucshed lava rock for airatoin right??