Gear and care basics for frogs, toads, axolotls and salamanders
Clean water, the right substrate and a safe temperature range come first with amphibians. Here is what veterinary sources say to look for, plus gear picks backed by published ratings.
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. How we pick.
Pets this page covers
Amphibians
Water must be free of chlorine, ammonia, nitrite and heavy metals, and new arrivals should be quarantined. Salmonella hygiene applies to amphibians as well as reptiles. Rules differ by state, so check the rules where you live.
Frogs and toads
Terrestrial frogs and toads do well on damp, burrowable bedding, and planted bioactive setups are a popular style. Wild-caught frogs and toads can carry chytridiomycosis and ranavirus. Some states restrict certain frogs and toads, so check the rules where you live. Import and CITES issues for poison dart frogs were not researched.
Axolotls
Axolotls need cool water, gentle filter flow and sand rather than gravel, per a UK veterinary school factsheet. Some states restrict axolotls, so check the rules where you live.
Salamanders and newts
Salamanders and newts generally prefer cooler conditions than frogs. We did not verify any salamander or newt specific product, so the damp substrate, water conditioner and filter picks here are general amphibian options. Some states restrict certain salamanders, so check the rules where you live.
What to look for
- Water must be free of chlorine, ammonia, nitrite and heavy metals. Carbon-filter chlorinated tap water for at least 24 hours, and treat chloramine with a dechlorinating agent such as sodium thiosulfate first. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, Environment and Husbandry for Amphibians
- Give a thermal gradient inside the species' preferred range. Amphibians generally need cooler conditions than reptiles, and salamanders and newts prefer cooler than frogs. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, Environment and Husbandry for Amphibians
- Avoid cedar and pine mulch because of toxic oils. Soil must be free of fungicides and chemical additives, and any gravel must be too big to swallow. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, Environment and Husbandry for Amphibians
- UVB likely helps diurnal species with calcium metabolism. Replace bulbs every 6 to 8 months, keep fixtures within 18 in, and remember that glass blocks UVB. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, Environment and Husbandry for Amphibians
- Axolotls need water at 16 to 18 C and never above 24 C, pH 7.4 to 7.6, 10 to 20% weekly water changes, gentle filter flow, sand not gravel, and hides. They are mostly kept alone, and mixed sizes should be avoided. Source: Royal Veterinary College, Axolotl care and advice
- Quarantine new arrivals for 6 to 8 weeks on moist paper towel with easy-clean decor, and disinfect humidifiers and spray bottles weekly. Wild-caught frogs and toads can carry chytridiomycosis and ranavirus, which can be tested for by PCR. Source: Merck Veterinary Manual, Environment and Husbandry for Amphibians
- Salmonella risk applies to amphibians as well as reptiles. Wash hands after handling animals or touching enclosure items, and keep animals and gear out of kitchens. Source: Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV), Salmonella guide
Research picks
These are research picks drawn from published ratings and expert sources, not our own lab tests. Prices and ratings were seen on 2026-10-23 and can change.
Enclosure Frogs and toads Research pick Limited reviews
Exo Terra Glass Terrarium
Tree frogs, dart frogs, toads, and paludarium or bioactive builds. It has front doors and a foam-rock background style.
Glass terrarium with front doors, a screen top, and cord inlets. The 8 in Nano has a single front door.
Skip it if: You need fully sealed glass for humidity, unless you swap the screen top for a solid glass top as Josh's Frogs notes. Skip for axolotls and water-only setups, and use an aquarium instead.
Price seen: Nano 8x8x12 $64.99 (was $99.99) at Josh's Frogs. Other sizes: price not listed on the fetched page. | Josh's Frogs: 4.7 of 5, 20 reviews (18x18x24 page); 4.9 of 5, 9 reviews (24x18x18 page); Nano 8x8x12: 88% 5-star, 13% 4-star, 8 reviews
18x18x24 at Josh's Frogs 24x18x18 at Josh's Frogs Nano 8x8x12 at Josh's Frogs Not an affiliate link
Substrate (bioactive) Frogs and toads Research pick
Josh's Frogs ABG Mix Terrarium Substrate (4 qt)
Dart frogs, tree frogs and mantellas in planted, bioactive setups. It also suits springtail and isopod cultures.
A blend of charcoal, milled sphagnum, pine bark, tree fern and peat modelled on the Atlanta Botanical Garden mix. It drains well while holding moisture and breaks down slowly.
Skip it if: You keep axolotls or aquatic species, or you want a no-prep bagged soil, since the page says to premix and dampen with distilled or RO water. Peat and sphagnum can irritate skin in some low-pH-sensitive species, per Merck.
Price seen: $12.99 (Josh's Frogs) | Josh's Frogs: 142 reviews, 93% 5-star, 6% 4-star, 1% 3-star; no average shown
See it at Josh's Frogs Not an affiliate link
Substrate (bioactive) Frogs and toads Research pick Limited reviews
Josh's Frogs Dart Frog BioBedding Bioactive Substrate (4 qt)
Dart frogs, most tree frogs, mantellas and invertebrate vivariums. It is a version of the ABG idea without tree fern.
Pre-mixed charcoal, milled sphagnum, fir bark, minerals and trace elements. It works with a false bottom and substrate barrier in misted setups.
Skip it if: You need proven reviews, since only 6 exist so far. Skip for aquatic setups.
Price seen: $12.99 (Josh's Frogs) | Josh's Frogs: 5.0 of 5, 6 reviews
See it at Josh's Frogs Not an affiliate link
Substrate Frogs, toads, salamanders Research pick
Zoo Med Eco Earth Loose Coconut Fiber (24 qt)
Terrestrial frogs, toads and salamanders that need damp, burrowable bedding. It is marketed for reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates.
Loose coconut fibre that absorbs waste and odour and is best used damp for tropical species.
Skip it if: You run a dry setup. Keep it damp but not dripping, and expect regular misting.
Price seen: $25.98 (Chewy) | Chewy: 4.7 of 5, 395 ratings, 203 written reviews (product page)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Water conditioning All amphibians Research pick
Zoo Med ReptiSafe Reptile Water Conditioner (8.75 oz)
Misting water, dishes and amphibian tanks. The label lists amphibians and says it supports the slime coat of amphibians and fish.
Neutralizes chlorine and chloramine and binds ammonia and nitrite. Follow the label directions for dishes and aquatic habitats.
Skip it if: You already condition water another way, or you keep sensitive species that need RO or distilled water, such as some dart frog keepers.
Price seen: $7.99 (Chewy) | Chewy: 4.8 of 5, 412 ratings, 115 written reviews (product page)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Filtration Axolotls, newts Research pick
Aquarium Co-Op Green Easy Flow Coarse Sponge Filter
Axolotl tanks. A sponge filter gives gentle flow, and the Royal Veterinary College warns strong currents stress axolotls.
A weighted sponge with an air collar and optional flow accessory, with no replacement cartridges.
Skip it if: You do not have an air pump, tubing and check valve, which are needed and not included. Skip for terrestrial frogs.
Price seen: Nano $9.99, Small $11.99, Medium $12.99, Large $14.99 (Aquarium Co-Op) | Aquarium Co-Op: 3,453 reviews, about 92% 5-star, 4% 4-star, 2% 3-star, 1% 2-star, 1% 1-star; the page says some reviews come from related products grouped with this one
See it at Aquarium Co-Op Not an affiliate link
Substrate (aquatic) Axolotls Research pick
CaribSea Super Naturals Crystal River Freshwater Sand (20 lb)
Axolotl tanks. The Royal Veterinary College says sand is the best choice and gravel can be swallowed and be fatal.
Freshwater aquarium sand sold in 20 lb bags. It appears on both frog substrate and hermit crab substrate lists on Chewy.
Skip it if: You need a documented axolotl-safe grain size. Grain size and axolotl suitability were not verified from the manufacturer, only the general 'sand not gravel' rule.
Price seen: $19.99 and $23.79 on two Chewy lists | Chewy: 4.8 of 5, 54 ratings and 4.9 of 5, 89 ratings (two list pages)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Decor and bioactive litter Frogs and toads Research pick
SunGrow Mini Catappa Frog and Gecko Leaf Litter (50 count)
Bioactive frog and toad vivaria that want a leaf layer for cover and a springtail and isopod food source.
Dried catappa (Indian almond) leaves for terrarium floors.
Skip it if: You need documented pesticide-free sourcing, which was not verified. Skip for axolotl tanks.
Price seen: $6.97 (Chewy) | Chewy: 4.4 of 5, 118 ratings (list page)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Cleanup crew and feeder Frogs and toads Research pick Limited reviews
Josh's Frogs Isopod Culture Kit
Bioactive frog enclosures. It includes 25 dwarf tropical white isopods (Trichorhina tomentosa), a 6 qt container, 4 qt isopod substrate and Repashy Bug Burger food.
Isopods break down waste and aerate substrate and can be an occasional snack.
Skip it if: You want a ready-to-drop-in cleanup crew, since this is a culture starter. Only 1 review exists.
Price seen: $47.96 (Josh's Frogs) | Josh's Frogs: 5 of 5, 1 review
See it at Josh's Frogs Not an affiliate link
Hygrometer Frogs, toads, salamanders Research pick
Exo Terra Analog Hygrometer
A quick glance humidity check in frog, toad and salamander tanks.
Self-adhesive analog dial showing relative humidity as dry, moderate or humid ranges, with no batteries.
Skip it if: You need temperature too, since Chewy Q&A says it does not read temperature, or you need accuracy, since analog dials are rough guides.
Price seen: $7.99 (Chewy) | Chewy: 4.0 of 5, 26 ratings, 20 written reviews (product page)
See it at Chewy Affiliate link
Check current price and availability before you buy. Links go to retailers and brands, and none are affiliate links yet. We have not checked recall databases for every item, so look up recalls before you buy.
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