Substrate Help!!

[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??

[John]

The frogs side of things is dealt with pretty well on this site. The substrate choice for the salamander is a different matter. To give you a good answer for that one, could you please tell us what kind of salamander it is? If it's a burrowing salamander, like a tiger salamander or a spotted salamander, stay away from coconut fiber unless you're prepared to change it often. You'll have better look with a top soil mix sold at the hardware store. Just make sure it's free of artificial additives like fertilizers and perlite.

[GreenTreeFrog14]

I have semi-aquatic newts,no salamanders I'am going to use the substrate for live plants and I want to know which is best.

[John]

For live plants I would avoid pure coconut fiber - it has zero nutrients in it.