{"id":904,"date":"2018-06-23T02:33:02","date_gmt":"2018-06-23T02:33:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.frogpets.com\/?p=904"},"modified":"2022-02-26T19:37:39","modified_gmt":"2022-02-26T19:37:39","slug":"substrate-guide-for-frog-enclosures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frogpets.com\/substrate-guide-for-frog-enclosures\/","title":{"rendered":"Substrate Guide for Frog Enclosures"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Finding the perfect substrate for your terrarium can seem like a daunting task. Whether you’re in need of soil to support live plants or you’re just using fake plants, this guide is meant to help you get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I’ll start by explaining the difference between a substrate used in a ‘terrarium’ and in a ‘vivarium’. Although these two terms are generally misused nowadays, I will go on to explain what is most often utilized in both setups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One thing you might be wondering is why I don’t mention traditional mulch or even sand. While there are plenty of substrates to choose from, the ones listed below are the kinds I personally like. And they’re most suitable for frogs, but they will work for some reptiles as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, these substrates are considered safe from causing impaction. Impaction occurs when an animal accidentally eats something it can’t digest. Take aquarium pebbles, for example. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your frog eats a cricket and accidentally eats a small piece of rock, the cricket will be digested but the rock will not. Over time, this buildup will lead to health problems and often results in death. While sand can be impacted, it’s generally safe to use when mixed with other substrates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, now you know why I haven’t listed every substrate imaginable. The substrates listed below are generally considered safe for frogs and other amphibians. They’re widely available, fairly popular, and I like them. So let’s get into it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the reptile and amphibian world, the terms “Terrarium” and “Vivarium” are essentially umbrella terms for enclosures containing cold-blooded creatures. Technically speaking, however, a terrarium is an enclosure containing plants and soil; no animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once you place an animal in a habitat, it becomes a vivarium.<\/strong> You may be wondering what this has to do with the substrate. I will get to that, I promise. Just keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your average hobbyist nowadays refers to terrariums as empty containers meant for housing reptiles or amphibians. In most cases, fake plants will be used but, depending on who you talk to, it can contain real plants too. Where the enclosure transitions from a terrarium into a vivarium in kind of a gray area. At least nowadays. And depending on who you talk to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When most people reference a vivarium nowadays, they’re talking about a terrarium with live plants, animals, possibly a drainage layer, and a clean-up crew, known as Microfauna. Microfauna usually consists of springtails and isopods. This is what I consider a “bioactive” environment.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So, to keep things simple, let’s just say a terrarium is an enclosure with fake plants, some decorations, and, of course, your pet frogs. We will call a vivarium an enclosure with live plants, frogs, some decorations, and microfauna. Now that we’re on the same page, it’s easy to see which type of substrate you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you need the substrate to support live plants and microfauna? Just real plants? Perhaps you don’t need either. That’s fine, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n For terrariums, a substrate that doesn’t need a lot of nutrients to support live plants, check out the substrates listed in the first section below. For vivarium substrates, seek out the information in the following section labeled “Bioactive Vivarium Substrates”.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most terrarium substrates aren’t packaged with plant growth in mind. They will, to a certain extent, support live plant growth but that’s not their forte, so to speak. Should you decide to use fake plants in your frog’s enclosure, then hey, your average terrarium substrate will work perfectly. That’s what this section covers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coconut fiber substrate is easily the most popular substrate for amphibians. It’s made from the husks of coconuts, it’s cheap and readily available. It’s also known as Coir and has many uses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For horticulture use, it’s second to none in terms of water retention. As for availability, well, you can find it online, in pet stores, and home improvement stores. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As for the brands targetting the pet market, you can find loose or compressed bricks of coconut fiber. Zoo Med’s Eco Earth is reputable for being one of the best on the market. I’ve heard wonderful things about Exo Terra’s Plantation Soil<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTerrarium Substrates<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Coconut Fiber<\/h3>\n\n\n\n