The ideal substrate for green tree frogs should maintain humidity, be safe if accidentally ingested, and support a healthy, clean environment. Here are the most recommended options based on expert advice and experienced keepers:
1. Coconut Fiber (Coco Fiber)
- Widely recommended for its ability to retain moisture and maintain humidity.
- Firm enough to support frogs and safe if a small amount is accidentally ingested.
- Often used as the base layer in both simple and bioactive setups.
- Can be messy, so many keepers add a layer of leaf litter or moss on top to minimize substrate sticking to frogs and to reduce the risk of impaction.
2. Sphagnum Moss
- Excellent for humidity control and soft on frogs’ skin.
- Can be used alone or as a top layer over coconut fiber or soil.
- Not recommended as the sole substrate in deep layers, as it can become compacted and overly wet.
3. Leaf Litter
- Used as a top layer over coconut fiber or soil to provide cover, enrichment, and to prevent frogs from ingesting loose substrate.
- Helps mimic natural forest floor conditions and supports beneficial microfauna in bioactive enclosures.
4. Soil-Based Substrate
- Plain, organic topsoil (free of fertilizers and pesticides) or a mix of topsoil and coconut fibre is suitable, especially for naturalistic or bioactive setups.
- Allows for live plant growth and supports a cleanup crew (springtails, isopods).
5. Coarse Orchid Bark
- Easy to clean and found to be safe for green tree frogs, with a low risk of accidental ingestion.
- Maintains good humidity and is practical for spot-cleaning.
Substrates to Avoid
- Abrasive or small-particle substrates (e.g., sand, gravel, or fine bark chips) can cause skin abrasions or impaction if swallowed.
- Astroturf or artificial grass can cause abrasions and does not help with humidity.
- Paper towels are safe and easy to clean for temporary or quarantine setups but do not support natural behaviours or humidity long-term.
Bioactive Setup Considerations
- For a bioactive enclosure, use a drainage layer (e.g., hydroballs), a mesh barrier, and then a mix of coconut fibre and soil, topped with leaf litter.
- This supports live plants and a microfauna cleanup crew, creating a low-maintenance, naturalistic habitat.
Summary Table: Recommended Substrates
| Substrate Type | Pros | Cons | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coconut fiber | Retains moisture, safe, natural look | Can be messy if dry | Base layer, bioactive |
| Sphagnum moss | Excellent humidity, soft | Can compact if too deep | Top layer, small setups |
| Leaf litter | Natural cover, prevents ingestion | Needs regular replacement | Top layer, enrichment |
| Soil (organic) | Supports plants, natural | Must be chemical-free | Bioactive, planted tanks |
| Coarse orchid bark | Easy to clean, low ingestion risk | Less natural look | Simple setups |
| Paper towels | Safe, easy to clean | Not natural, low humidity | Quarantine, hospital tank |
In summary:
The best substrate for green tree frogs is a slightly moist, naturalistic mix such as coconut fibre or organic soil, ideally topped with leaf litter or sphagnum moss. This combination maintains humidity, reduces the risk of impaction, and supports natural behaviours. For bioactive enclosures, add a drainage layer and clean-up crew for optimal health and ease of maintenance.
