Substrate questionairre type thing

[RubyTiger]

Doing a study and as part of it I just basically want to find out the most commonly used substrates either alone or in a mix so if you could kindly either copy/paste, reply (either on this thread or pm) and put an x between the [] beside the substrate(s) you use (or just erase those you don't use or just tell me what you use - whatever is less hassle lol).

That alone would be greatly appreciated!! but would be extra helpful if you could state which species you have, which variation/brand your substrate is and perhaps also state why you use that/those substrate(s) Thanks in advance!

Paper towels []
Coir/coconut fibre []
Sphagnum moss []
Live moss (would be helpful if you state which variation) []
Bark/mulch (please state whether it's orchid, cypress etc.) []
Soils (please state what kind e.g. topsoil, potting soil, compost) []
Leaf litter/loam []
Sand []
Gravel/stones []
Carpeting/artificial turf []
Foam rubber []
Other (please state) []

 

[Jan]

This is a very broad discussion. Might be more meaningful if it was broken down into 3 separate questions dealing with terrestrial, aquatic and semi-aquatic enclosures. Have you seen these articles from Caudata Culture?

Caudata Culture Articles - Aquarium Substrates

Caudata Culture Articles - Vivarium Substrates

 

[RubyTiger]

Ah sorry I meant to also mention I was looking at non aquatic species. Terrestrial, arboreal and burrowing.

 

[Lugubris]

Paper towels []
Coir/coconut fibre [X]
Sphagnum moss []
Live moss (would be helpful if you state which variation) [X]
Bark/mulch (please state whether it's orchid, cypress etc.) []
Soils (please state what kind e.g. topsoil, potting soil, compost) [X]
Leaf litter/loam []
Sand [X]
Gravel/stones [X]
Carpeting/artificial turf []
Foam rubber []
Other (please state) []

My species are 2 A. lugubris and 1 E. eschscholtzii xanthoptica.
My substrate is a thick layer (2") of coir for my Ensatina since he likes to burrow, and a slightly thinner layer (1") for my A. lugubris since they do not burrow. There is a layer of sand beneath for drainage, and on top are large river rocks mixed in with moss growing on maple branches.
I'm no bryologist (one who studies mosses and liverworts) but I believe the moss is Claopodium crispifolium and Homalothecium fulgescens. Moss identification is hard even with a microscope.

I used to make my own mix of topsoil and sand but coir is easier to prepare and holds moisture longer.

 

[JoshBA]

For my tiger salamanders: I use a mixture of about 85% coco-fiber, 5% cypress mulch, and 10% sterilized organic topsoil (harvested from CRP land on organic ranch). CRP is land reserved for conservation. I find this mixture works really well for a deep substrate (8-12 inches) for holding up the salamander's deep burrows.
For planted vivariums, I use a mixture of equal parts: Coco-fiber, tree fern fiber, and orchid bark (I think its just fir bark). I have found this mixture keeps a perfect moisture level in the substrate, as well as providing excellent drainage (especially good for vivs with water features).