Thinking of setting up a tank for a mata mata turtle. I know that the way that mata matas eat makes substrate really important. I'm wondering if ada aqua soil would be a good substrate or an impaction risk. In the alternative I have considered using submerged eco-earth, organic peat, organic soil, spagnum moss, dry dead leaves or some combination of the above.
I plan putting my tank in front of a south facing window for heat and light. I probably will plant some simple plants along (something reed like to grow out of the tank) the two sides and the back of the tank to give the turtle some sense of security and to limit the direct effect of the sun on most of the tank. (In other words, the idea is to use the sun to help grow a reed border and heat the water, but limit algae growth, because sunlight will not hit most of the tank.
I realize that any of the substrates that I'm considering will stain the water. I don't mind yellow or slightly brown water as long as it doesn't hurt the plants or the turtle and I can still see the turtle from time to time.
Anyone have any thoughts?
I plan putting my tank in front of a south facing window for heat and light. I probably will plant some simple plants along (something reed like to grow out of the tank) the two sides and the back of the tank to give the turtle some sense of security and to limit the direct effect of the sun on most of the tank. (In other words, the idea is to use the sun to help grow a reed border and heat the water, but limit algae growth, because sunlight will not hit most of the tank.
I realize that any of the substrates that I'm considering will stain the water. I don't mind yellow or slightly brown water as long as it doesn't hurt the plants or the turtle and I can still see the turtle from time to time.
Anyone have any thoughts?