Soil for ambystoma

[kara]

I recently bought some organic soil for my terrarium, but when I bought an additional bag of the same soil, it said it contains perlite...peat, humus and compost as well. I can't recall if perlite is a safe substrate or not so I am holding off completing the viv until i know! hurry I am eager, lol!

 

[kara]

Okay, been researching online and perlite is definitly out...I am using strait moistened coco fiber. At what humidity level is best for tigers? Should I mist the tank every day, other day?? People who have been keeping tigers, take me under your wings!

 

[dane]

I'd say try and mist everyday, or at least so the soil dosnt get dry

 

[kara]

thanks dane. what kind of soil do you use in your terrarium? right now like i said, i only have the coco fiber...what else do you do to keep your tigers happy??

 

[dane]

I dont have any tigers right now, but I have other mole salamanders

so, the substrate, I am using some topsoil, but I have used cocoa fiber before, I like the look of topsoil more though, its darker and not that brown color

 

[heather]

Hi Kara, I have had my tiger for about 3 1/2 - 4 years, and have always used the cocoa fiber bedding. I also house my sal in a plastic sweater box with a lid instead of a traditional tank because it was cheap and had more appropriate dimensions for a tiger (short and wide versus tall and narrow). Because of the nature of the enclosure I don't mist at all - the container retains plenty of moisture on its own. Have fun with your tiger, I think they are fun and outgoing little guys/gals
Heather

 

[Jan]

Coco-fiber by itself or mixed with organic topsoil is fine. I have used both with my tigers. Re moisture,if using fiber alone, I find that using one block of coco-fiber reconstituted with 4 liters of water (preferably spring water) provides a suitably moist environment. I don't routinely mist until the top layer of fiber begins looking dry. I keep the depth of substrate at 3-4 inches and completely change substrate every 4-6 weeks...with spot cleaning of poo a few times a week. Mine always do their 'business' where they hide. I use heavy shallow water dishes and that is where they burrow and hide. PVC tubing can also be used. I also use silk plants (have used real plants and they tend to dig around and destroy these) and flat pieces of natural wood...more for cosmetics and a natural look than anything else.

 

[kara]

great advice everyone, thank you. I bought a heavy water dish with steps for easy accesability for him... He is about three inches long, and I am feeding everyday, three small SMALL crickets. Any other advice would be great!

 

[dane]

two words, get earthworms

 

[kara]

Dane, I am just using the coco fiber alone, no soil. Would that be appropriate for worms? I am going to be feeding him an earthworm this evening, but I don't think I should let any go in the enclosure...He is a juvenile, and only about three inches long. Any other advice?