Whites Tree Frog Substrate?

[kueluck]

I use the core mats but have layered it. Hydroton, core mat, sphagnum moss, core mat. The moss holds moisture for the spring tail to live in & helps with humidity in the tank. Now if a feeder bugs gets out of the bowl I don't worry about impaction because of substrate & Meshack LOVES to stalk the occasional free runner. They really don't spend much time on the floor, but then they are tree frogs and seem to love all the other optional hang out places provided for them. Also the tank has a nice clean smell to it now.

[laurag99]

Thanks! I forgot to mention that I do already feed my frogs in a little glass bowl in their tank so the risk of impaction hasn't really worried me. This was all very helpful. I have them with moist paper towels as a substrate for now. Are the springtails hard to manage? Are they useful in a setup like Gail has described?

[laurag99]

Oh and what is core mat?

[kueluck]

Core mat is compressed cocofiber, also called CocoTek & it's 100% organic. Most hydroponic stores carry this, and yes the springtails are very helpful in this. If there's poo on the floor they clean up what I don't get.

[Mentat]

I use the core mats but have layered it. Hydroton, core mat, sphagnum moss, core mat. The moss holds moisture for the spring tail to live in & helps with humidity in the tank. Now if a feeder bugs gets out of the bowl I don't worry about impaction because of substrate & Meshack LOVES to stalk the occasional free runner. They really don't spend much time on the floor, but then they are tree frogs and seem to love all the other optional hang out places provided for them. Also the tank has a nice clean smell to it now.

Hi Gail! That is an interesting substrate method. What maintenance do you give it and how often do you need to replace the top or other layers? Thank you !

[kueluck]

I went with this method back in Dec 2013. I was checking out WTF vivs and came across this method from a guy in Europe who's been doing this for years. I love the idea that if there's a free runner bug I don't have to worry about the frogs ingesting any substrate. I really haven't done anything with it except spot clean the poo that the springtails don't get to before I find it. And I check every morning for poo when I clean the water & feeder bowls. I'm going to rinse out the mat & moss the end of this month just for GP & will replace it when it appears to show wear, like loose fiber. I also love the smell.....................so clean!!