My terrarium needs a Helping Hand....

[tinyandbuddhasaquarium]

Hi i am New... To start i would like to say that the Habitats on this Page is nothing short of Spectacular, i thought mine was going to look nice, then i saw the ones here and i fell into a deep depression <Now that i am done Sucking up > I need help. I am getting <to start> a pair of D. Azureus and i need to know what should i use for my substrate? Some people say just to use the gravel and others show multi-layer Going. I can not for the life of me find coco-fiber anywhere near me. 7 "Garden Stores" and non Carry it. What should i do? should i go with the Stones? Which is better? the 3 Layer? And is there a Sub for Coco-fiber <I really do not want to have it shipped>. Thanx again and the ones here are hot looking... I hope to have my pics up soon.

Buddha <I thought the Pom-poms looked neat, sorry >

[Tindomul1of9]

HI!

Where do you live, in the US???
Here in the US you can find something called Bed-A-Beast, which is the same Coco-Fiber, at pet stores that sell reptiles.
But you don't need this for your substrate. Usually I have expanded clay balls (LECA, or Prime-Agra) that they sell at Hydroponics stores. I use this as the drainage layer, and I hide it from view using aquarium gravel.
Then I put down a screen mesh to separate the gravel and the LECA from whatever it is I want to put ontop. THis way the top stuff won't sift down to the bottom of the tank.
Now, for substrate, the top layer, I use Jungle Mix made by Exo-terra. You can use any free draining soil that doesn't have chemicals, and I try to avoid soil with perlite(The little white balls they put in potted plants for drainage).
Then on top I like to plant live moss, that way the frogs won't walk around with soil on thir bellies and feet. But many people also use dead sphagnum moss instead of soil, and many others use leaf litter (especially for dart frogs). The leaf litter is just dead leaves littered on the ground of your vivarium. Its reccommended that you use Almond leaves, or Oak leaves, or Magnolia leaves, becuase these are the trees whose leaves contain tannic acid which prevents molding and helps tadpoles/frog eggs.
So whatever substrate you decide it is ok, but I really really reccommend the LECA/Gravel, or just Gravel drainage layer. Your plants will be happier.

[tinyandbuddhasaquarium]

Thank you... I live in Delaware.. I found the Items at Petsmart.. does any aquarium gravel work? Does the dye matter? i mean my wife would like pink to contrast the Blue frogs? or should i go for the Plain? they sold moss also, that i soak and it will grow... Thanx again. and i will name my 4th child after you "Tindomul1of9 Angel Alexander" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Thanx again
Buddha B Buddhism

[ChromeLibrarian]

In general, I try to stay away from any chemicals or dyes. Might not hurt them, but it can't help them.

[Tindomul1of9]

The more natural the color, the happier you and the frogs will be in the end. Plus those paints eventually leach out and or chip off.
That dead moss usually doesn't grow back.

[Tindomul1of9]

Originally Posted by tinyandbuddhasaquarium

Thanx again. and i will name my 4th child after you "Tindomul1of9 Angel Alexander" HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! Thanx again
Buddha B Buddhism

Awww chucks!

[Pavel]

If you wish to use coconut fiber [also called coire], you might check with orchid venders. Most will likely carry the coconut chunks. I've never checked any of them for coire so I can't say for sure.

[zaroba]

instead of gravel you could also make a false bottem by cutting egg-vcrate to fit in the bottem of the tank and supporting it with short pieces of PVC pipe. then put a screen on and whatever substrate you decide to use.

gravel is good, cheap and easy. but eventually, substrate and small particles WILL sift down into the drainage layer. gravel will clog easier then an open bottem which could be cleaned. if your building a smaller tank and ever have to move it, that gravel will be quite heavy.

[Repti-Racks]

H ave you thought about a false floor first?

www.repti-racks.com
Custom Acrylic Vivarium Designs