Home

miracle gro in amphibian terrarium?

Aug 31, 2008 by cherryxliner | Posted in Other - Pets

is miracle gro ok to use in a terrarium with newts and salamanders if not what would be a good soil to use?

Newt and Frog Fish Tank Terrarium

Half Freshwater Aquarium Half Amphibious Tank aquarium "fish tank" plants freshwater shrimp "cherry shrimp" moss exclude ...

Zoo Med Frog Moss Returns to Life in Your Reptile or Amphibian Terrarium

For more info: www.bigappleherp.com Zoo Med's All Typical Frog Moss is a living moss that works as an superlative substrate for high humidity ...

reptile/amphibian community terrarium

this is my community tank. I got two rural anoles and a green tree frog. I had two but my other green tree frog escaped the tank:(

Live Plants in Amphibian Terrariums - Pesticide Concerns | That ...

by findiviglio

Live plants are very useful in creating amphibian terrariums that are both attractive to the eye and beneficial for the animals housed therein.  However, amphibian skin is permeable to substances as small as oxygen molecules.  Several readers have recently questioned whether pesticides used on terrarium plants could harm amphibians through physical contact.

Most chemicals do readily penetrate the skin of frogs and salamanders and can kill them in short order.  Pesticides on plants are a concern, even though they will not be consumed.

A coworker of mine once lost a group of Blomberg’s Toads and Smoky Jungle Frogs after confining them to quickly-rinsed enclosure that had been cleaned with Nolvasan, and I witnessed a Leopard Frog expire after being put into a pail that had previously housed a Fowler’s Toad (the stressed toad had apparently released skin toxins). 

Some commercial growers who cater to zoos and the pet trade claim not to use pesticides.  The reptile department of your local zoo, if reachable, might be a good place to start when searching for reputable plant suppliers.  Pet stores specializing in tropical fishes usually buy pesticide-free plants as well. Some, especially those that carry plants for outdoor ponds, may stock emergent species or others suitable for use with amphibians.

If you are unsure of pesticide presence, discard the soil that arrived with the plant and rinse the plant, roots and all, vigorously.  Finish up by submerging the plant and swishing it about underwater.  Some recommend a light soap solution, but I have not found this to be necessary.

A greater potential concern is posed by systemic pesticides, which do not remain on the surface but rather work their way into the plant’s tissues.  Fortunately, these are not commonly used with on commercially raised plants suitable for terrariums. 

Read more...