Filter foam or aquarium sponge filter media is a relatively new innovation to keeping dart frogs. Overall, as a substrate it is an effective way to keep your dart frogs happy while also growing vivarium plants well. Filter foam has some unique advantages over organic substrates, such as ABG, including its longevity, ease of use, and affordability. In this article we will review what type of filter foam to use in your vivarium, the advantages of filter foam substrates, some potential pitfalls, where to get the best deal on this substrate, and some tips on how to complete your vivarium with filter foam.
What type of filter foam or sponge should I use?
Filter foam comes in many different varieties and styles including black aquarium filter sponge/foam and matala mats. When shopping for aquarium filter foam you may notice a number followed by PPI such as 35 PPI this stands for pores per inch and helps measure how dense the it is. The larger the number the denser the foam block. For vivariums I typically use 30-35 PPI, but I know of hobbyists who use 20-25 PPI and some who use 40 PPI. It really comes down to personal preference and your use case. I find that 30 PPI is a good middle ground allowing for a decent amount of water in the drainage area while also providing a solid structure to carve and for plants to take hold of.
Advantages and disadvantages of filter foam for a dart frog enclosure
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| No need for a separate drainage layer | Less area/organic matter for isopods/springtails (although both springtails and isopods will still survive and maintain a healthy population) |
| Much lighter than typical false bottoms/substrates | Less nutrients for terrestrial plants |
| Cheaper than ABG mixes | More difficult to find |
| Does not degrade over time | Unnatural looking |
| No need to replace it | |
| Can be carved and shaped | |
| Plants will grow in it | |
| Well-draining |
Where to buy filter foam?
Locating a supplier of filter sponge/foam is surprisingly easy because of its use in the aquarium hobby. If you are looking for the quickest option I would suggest buying from Amazon.
For a more affordable option, I usually buy my aquarium sponge in bulk on AliExpress. The only negative is it takes significantly longer to arrive from China. Both filter foam from Amazon and AliExpress usually arrive in similar packaging, compressed and packaged into a ball. I like to buy large 3×2 ft pieces of filter foam and cut them to size for my vivariums.
Buy Filter foam for your vivarium here:
- 36”x12”x1” – https://amzn.to/41ntoVD
- 19.5”x 19.5 x 2”- https://amzn.to/41m74fd
- 39.5”x 19”x 2” – Foam Sponge Filter Black Multiple Size | Fish Tank Water Filter Sponge – Aquarium – Aliexpress
How to set up your vivarium with filter foam
If you received your foam online from either Amazon or Aliexpress, you will most likely have to wait for it to expand and flatten out. You can soak it in a bathtub, but I found using a 5 gallon bucket works just as well. Once it is fully saturated you can lay it flat on a towel to dry out and maintain its shape. From here it can be cut to size and used in vivariums or grow out bins.
To learn about how I put together grow out bins check out this article: How to set up a Dart Frog Grow Out Bins or Temporary Enclosure – Monmouthfrogs
Filter sponge used as substrate for grow out bin
What else is needed to set up your vivarium?
Really the only thing you absolutely need is leaf litter and your substrate is complete. There are some other additives that you can use to ensure your vivarium and dart frogs will thrive. For example, to overcome one of the major disadvantages of filter foam as a substrate, you can add in fluval stratum to provide your plants additional nutrients. This can be readily found on amazon or any local pet store.
To address the issue of limited surface area for your clean up crew I recommend adding either horticultural charcoal or a clay substrate. This is incredibly useful for your springtails to colonize, but also if you use clay you have the additive benefit of supplementing additional calcium for your dart frogs. Both of these can be found at any online dart frog vendor like Glass Box Tropicals.
For a more DIY method you can always break up some lump charcoal from big box hardware stores or use turface from tractor supply. The final addition I add is a little sphagnum moss to help root new plant cuttings. Usually the amount is minimal and just around any new cuttings, but I do use it to speed up the plant growth in my vivarium.
Here is an 18x18x24 Exo-Terra vivarium set up with sponge filter as the substrate.
My personal experience with foam as a substrate
Initially I was skeptical on using filter foam as both the false bottom and primary layer of substrate with concerns on how well my plants will grow, would it sustain my microfauna, and how would it affect the frogs. After speaking to some more seasoned hobbyists, I gave it a shot and have not looked back. Overall, I did not notice much of an impact in terms of plant growth or having less microfauna. I will say I do think it is easier and quicker to root plants in a traditional soil based media like ABG, but the difference is pretty negligible. By adding a thick layer of leaf litter and some calcium bearing clay substrate, the population of microfauna has thrived in my vivariums. Currently, I have been using filter foam in all my new vivariums and grow out bins.
Should you use filter foam instead of organic substrate like ABG?
Filter foam has proven to be a highly effective and innovative substrate option for dart frog vivariums. Its advantages including its longevity, ease of use, and affordability – make it a compelling alternative to organic substrates like ABG. Using filter foam as a substrate in your vivarium is a great option.
My personal experience with filter foam has been overwhelmingly positive. Concerns about plant growth and microfauna sustainability were largely unfounded, and I’ve found that with minor adjustments, this substrate supports a thriving vivarium environment. The ability to carve and shape the foam allows for greater customization, and its long-term durability makes it a cost-effective choice for hobbyists.
For those looking to simplify their vivarium setup while maintaining a healthy habitat for both dart frogs and plants, filter foam is a fantastic option. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced keeper, this substrate is worth considering for its practicality and versatility. As I continue to experiment and refine my setups, filter foam remains a staple in my vivariums and grow-out bins and I recommend you try it out in your next enclosure!
Disclaimer: Some of the Amazon links on this page are affiliate links. I will receive a commission if you purchase something through these affiliate links.
