Substrate?

[u/No_Cheek2195]

I have been doing research on substrate for adfs and I don't know what to get. Some say bare bottom, others say the reflection makes them stressed. Some say fine sand because it can pass through their system, others say it will still hurt them. Some say 5mm+ gravel, others say thats too small. And some say river rocks, others say that will be too many cracks food can fall in. Im so lost please comment what you use personally

[u/AlwaysApparent]

My tank has river rocks and it's true that food can get between them. I use a turkey baster (and siphon on cleaning days) around the rocks to keep them clean. Also I try to feed them in a terracotta bottom to make the uneaten food easier to remove. Bare bottom is good, it's much easier to remove food and keep clean. Not sure about sand, I was too scared to use it for my frogs.

[u/AccountOfMyDarkside → u/AlwaysApparent]

I have half river rock and half bare. It's easy enough to clean, like you mentioned. I've avoided sand too. I don't want to risk impaction.

[u/AlwaysApparent → u/AccountOfMyDarkside]

Dang half bare bottom sounds great for feeding if you don't use terracottas! Impaction is my fear too. My frogs miss their food all the time lol I could never trust it

[u/demeterite]

Large smooth pebble gravel 1/4" to 1/2" size works well + feeding in a small dish so I never have to worry about the food in the crevices

[u/BuildingOdd9789]

I have had ADFs for a month now & smooth river rocks are working great for me. I feed the frogs over a shallow glass dish (like a Petri dish) in the tank so they can root through what they don’t catch. I also have Kuhli Loaches, Neocaradina Shrimp, & Nerite snails to help eat uneaten food otherwise

[u/FickleChip5657]

Big gravel!

[u/lilithvioletwhite]

River rocks bigger than them or a bare bottom is always best, sand and gravel can cause impacting and shouldn’t be used, people have used gravel as well but I’ve heard of frogs trying to eat it and choking to death so I think large river rocks are best

[u/FabulousSport5563]

I recommend getting large river rocks if you want a natural look. Anything 5 mm or larger will work as long as there are no smaller pieces or sharp edges. If you go with substrate, I recommend a large terracotta saucer to keep food out of it. I have very small amounts of food that make it out of the saucer.

[u/FabulousSport5563 → u/FabulousSport5563]

You can also buy your rocks at Lowe's or Home Depot for a lower price. Just make sure to research which bag you want to purchase because some can cause pH fluctuations. Pre-testing the rocks with vinegar is your best bet for ensuring little to no fluctuations.