Tiger Sally substrate

**mortaltreason777** · 03-29-2006, 09:58 AM

Hey yall! I just gave my Tiger Salamander viv a make over, and instead of using just soil, I used a soil/peat moss mixture. Then, I heard somethin about that being bad because of the acids peat moss has...is this true? Also, I'm not sure if I used peat moss or sphagnum moss, so how do you tell the dif between the two?

**CodyW** · 03-29-2006, 11:14 AM

Welcome to HC mortal.

Yes sphagnum is bad for Tiger sallys due to the acidity of it. Sphagnum peat moss and Sphagnum moss are one in the same just different forms, peat is the compost of the moss, it dies and grows on top of itself forming peat on the bottom and the moss on the top. The peat looks like dirt and the moss (when dried, which is probably how you are finding it sold) will look similar to spanish moss just a lot thicker.

**mshrmheadcharge** · 03-29-2006, 12:59 PM

Welcome to the HCN

**mortaltreason777** · 03-29-2006, 03:04 PM

Thanks for the reply! Well that stinks because I just set up his tank all nice, but I guess I'll have to change it now...I'll just stick to straight potting soil.

**furryscaly** · 03-29-2006, 06:08 PM

Welcome

Yeah, I use topsoil for my tiger. Just make sure there's no chemicals in it, like pesticides, fertilizers, perlite, etc.

**titus** · 03-29-2006, 06:17 PM

I use coco bedding with a drainage layer of ECP(Expanded Clay Pellets) cover this with Live forest moss or Java moss(grows slowly), you can syphon out the water when needed or build a sump tank to keep it from getting swampy. Also use rotting out wood for hides after properly cleaning it.

**Lyn'sSteve** · 03-29-2006, 10:30 PM

Hi mortaltreason777!

Welcome to Herp Center! You've come to the right place for answers ... I though .... am still learning!

Steve

**kiwitwist** · 09-18-2006, 08:51 PM

Yeah, I agree with the coco fiber. I use straight up coco bedding, but I've heard it is best to mix topsoil in with it, since cocofiber tends to dry quickly.