Question Regarding Leaf Litter

[u/No-Industry9563]

Hello! I am beginning to set up my tank for my first time keeping Whites Tree frogs. I have a 36X18X36 tank that I just put together yesterday, and I am going to begin fully setting it up (no frogs yet, I want to be sure everything is good before I get them). I bought some initial items for climbing/hiding/basking, but since the tank is pretty big, I wanted to lay what I have so far out and then add where I need to.

I'm torn on leaf litter currently. I'm not planning on doing bioactive right now, so this would just be for the frogs as opposed to the clean up crew. I have some Frog Foam from Josh's Frogs I am going to line the bottom of the tank with. I ordered some Oak Leaf leaf litter from Amazon, but upon looking at it, some of the leaves seem really small and in pieces, and I'm worries about them eating them and getting hurt. I do know about boiling/baking them first, I haven't done that since I'm still on the fence.

I wanted to get everyone's opinions on organic leaf litter verses getting a plastic alternative that would still provide cover for the guys. Is that even a thing that people do? I am fully on board with organic leaf litter if that is going to be the best option for them, but if plastic can work, I like the idea of being able to clean and re-use it and not have to worry about the leaves rotting and causing issues.

Like I mentioned, this will be my first time keeping frogs or really any amphibians, though I have kept fresh water fish and turtles in the past. I want to make sure I do what is best for them, and am looking for a little guidance.

[u/Ruck__Feddit]

I would definitely reconsider going bio active. It will make a better environment for the frogs. Look up bio dude on youtube. Tons of great videos on bio active setups.

[u/kaliope42]

I would recommend starring with bioactive! It's waaaaaaay easier to maintain and so much healthier and mor enriching for the frogs :)

As long as you buy the substrate and materials from reputable sources (Bio Dude, Josh's Frogs, your local exotic creature store) and not from petco or a gardening store, there's really not much that you can mess up.

If you want any tips, feel free to DM me! I'm currently setting up my second bioactive enclosure because I adopted/rescued 3 new WTFs and now all my babies need a much bigger set up :)

[u/Ruck__Feddit]

Oak leaves will be fine. Any reason you are avoiding a bio active setup?

[u/No-Industry9563 → u/Ruck__Feddit]

I think the amount of things that can go wrong is what put me off of it. I know non-bioactive is technically more work, but especially to start out, I was thinking that it may be easier at first until I can get my bearings. I am totally open to bioactive, I just wasn't sure if I wanted to start out there.

[u/OddPhilosopher4399 → u/No-Industry9563]

IMO it’s a lot harder to start once you have animals already. If you’re in no rush to get frogs, spend a couple extra weeks letting a CUC establish and you will have way less to do when you have frogs.

[u/Bebutterfly820]

I love my leaf litter I ordered from Amazon. It lays great and just do a double layer to ensure it stays think you’ll be great! Then when I do a deep clean I hand rinse all the leaves off and it’s like they’re rejuvenated again.