What substrate is safe for African Dwarf Frogs in a planted tank?

Java Moss, Java Fern, Anubias and Amazon Swords are among the easiest live plants to care for and cultivate in an aquarium. You can use aquarium soil or aquarium sand depending on the species of plant(s) chosen. When medicating fish, it is best to remove them to a hospital or quarantine tank. This will spare live plants as well as beneficial bacterial populations, especially if an antibiotic is used. Medicated food is also an option.

Pothos or philodendron can be used in your vivarium. Be sure to avoid using any potting soil or soil with fertilizer. Artificial plants are also an option since they will survive any "frog stomping".

Our Standard Aquarium Plant Pack provides a convenient solution for your dilemma. This package includes Micro Sword or Dwarf Hairgrass, Anubias Nana or Anubias Barteri Round Leaf, Java Fern, Red Cryptocoryne or Green Cryptocoryne, Water Sprite, Hornwort, and Cabomba. http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=768+2145+2146&pcatid=2146 A substrate specifically designed for live aquarium plants such as CaribSea Eco-Complete Plant Substrate is recommended for long-term success. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=9087 Be sure to provide proper lighting conditions by employing aquarium light fixtures specifically designed for planted aquarium use.

As long as the bark pieces are large enough, the chosen substrate should be fine. Small bark pieces could be accidentally ingested though, so care must be taken when feeding. Other options include reptile carpet or a moss/soil mix.

Thanks for reaching out about Q'Bert. Is there a visual blind between him and the female? If he can not see her, that might calm him down. Coconut fiver is not a normal substrate but is commonly used. It should be changed regularly to avoid fungal and bacterial overgrowth. Frogs can release pheromones, so separation of the male and female might require more distance. Good luck.

An acceptable substrate would be river rocks or large gravel. Anything smaller could potentially be ingested causing an impaction or obstruction. You could also leave the bottom bare. The basking area doesn't necessarily need substrate. A ramp out of the water leading to a simple platform is acceptable.

Leopard geckos can be very finicky. I probably wouldn’t change his substrate unless he is having problems with the current one. You can attempt to change it but you need to monitor his activity, appetite and attitude closely. I also don’t recommend any sand substrates as they commonly cause intestinal obstruction because they like to eat it. Honestly, the best substrate is an AstroTurf type material because they can’t eat it and it is easy to keep clean, but this can be a big change if he isn’t use to it. I hope this helps!