reBuilding my Vivarium

winyfrog1 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-30-2009, 02:41 PM

Hello everyone, I am ready to get back into the hobby of frog keeping and plants. I had a basic setup about 5 years ago with RETF unfortunatley they became sick and I lost my little ones. So now that I have taken my break I am back and super excited to get my vivarium up and running again.

I have a 44 gallon hexagon and will be keeping RETF's again.

I have seen that some people have used a humidifier for their misting system, I was wondering if anyone could shed some light on this for me, which would be the best types to use?

I have some eco complete substrate and was wondering if that would be okay to use for my substrate, I am assuming that it would be fine since it can be used in an aquarium, but wanted to make sure?

Thank You for your help

Austin · #2 (**permalink**) 05-30-2009, 07:16 PM

Fish can be used in an aquarium, aquatic plants can be used in an aquarium- does that mean that we should use them in a vivarium? No it does not. I'm not sure what eco complete substrate is but I'd just buy eco earth if I was you. Most people use it, its a compressed block of dirt that costs around 3-6$. You'll only need two blocks for your 44 gallon.

beckdg · #3 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 05:20 AM

eco complete can be used in a viv... sorry austin. it is more how you use it than anything. you see eco complete is just gravel that has been "cycled". in other words since it has been with animals or whatever (probably chemically simulated) it contains the balance and nutrients needed for aquatic or bog plants. for this reason it is a great substrate for aquatic plants. above water i doubt you would reap all the same benefits though. if it were not submerged i'm not sure it would have the same benefits. also gravel is not the best substrate for animals... especially smaller ones.

in essence austin hit the nail on the head with eco earth (coco husk). eco earth is basically coconut husk and hairs. it is a much better match for most animals viv-wise, especially frogs and small lizards. the eco complete would do great for any plants you may put in a small water feature or bordering it as the eco earth may not be the best thing to keep perpetually soaked.

bottom line... not soaked=eco earth... soaked=eco complete... but do not do an entire substrate out of gravel if it can be avoided.

winyfrog1 · #4 (**permalink**) 05-31-2009, 05:08 PM

Thanks for your good advice.

I have kept saltwater reef aquariums for over 18 years, so I understand to be very careful on what you use. I definately want to build the safest and healthiest environment for my RETF.

Any other information and suggestiong will be very helpful. - Thanks again