Set up for a more terrestrial C. orientalis

[katie]

My C.orientalis is a juvenile and seems to be much more terrestrial than acquatic. She spends hardly any time in the water at all. I was wondering what sort of substrate I should use in a terrestrial set up for her. Is gravel ok or not?
Thanks

 

[janice]

Katie,
My orientalis is mostly aquatic, only coming out of the water every once in a while, but since I didn't know that before I got her, her tank is half land/half water. I used potting soil that has no perlite and no fertilizer. I've found on this forum that others use topsoil or black earth. I have plants in the soil, and some moss on top; I made her a cave toward the back, which is often where she is if she's out of the water. Gravel could be a problem, depending on the size. If it's small enough for her to swallow, it could cause an obstruction. I'm still learning, but that's my experience so far!

Jan