Now that I know a bit more about where to get my tree frog from, I have a few questions I couldn't seem to find the answer to elsewhere on the site.
-if I get a whites tree frog, do they prefer living in pairs or is a single frog just as happy?
-I purchased the exo terra small, tall terrarium which measures 12x12x18. Is this large enough for a whites or should I get a different kind of frog?
-I've read so many conflicting ideas about basking/heat lamps and uva/uvb lighting that I am totally confused. is this kind of lighting necessary? If so, the terrarium I bought has a screen top but the screen s divided into two portions by a plastic strip that runs down the middle. Won't a heat/basking light melt that plastic? The lighting fixtures I currently have are from when I had a bearded dragon....I wonder if they would be appropriate for a frog (if they do indeed need light)
-I've been reading everywhere about installing a false bottom in the terrarium. Is that 100% necessary? If I do install one, how do I go about cleaning underneath it? ie: removing any nasty water that sinks down into the space below the substrate. unfortunately, the directions about creating a false bottom that are listed in the whites care guide don't make much sense to me. I'm not very handy
-I know frogs eat crickets....does anyone have any experience with feeding them the crickets that come in a can at petsmart? The crickets are not freeze dried but they aren't alive. I just wondered if that would be an option.
-if i do get a whites, how many crickets do they eat and how often should they be fed? That is another topic I've read conflicting information on.
-Last, I would like to use a real plant or two in the habitat. When you do use plants, do you plant them directly in the substrate on the terrarium floor or can you keep them in pots that you just place on the terrarium floor? I've also seen some varying opinions on which plants are good/bad for terrariums so does anyone have any recommendations?
I'm sorry I have so many questions! I have never owned a frog before and I want to make sure I get everything right before I bring one home. Thanks so much for any help!
"Now that I know a bit more about where to get my tree frog from, I have a few questions I couldn't seem to find the answer to elsewhere on the site.
-if I get a whites tree frog, do they prefer living in pairs or is a single frog just as happy?
*Frogs can live on their own or with others, they typically don't interact THAT much, but as long as there isn't too big of a size difference, it's mostly your preference (also provided the tank you have is big enough for the #)
-I purchased the exo terra small, tall terrarium which measures 12x12x18. Is this large enough for a whites or should I get a different kind of frog?
*I got this terrarium when I started off with my Grays, and am currently using it for my two Green Tree Frog (H. cinerea). I think I've read that that is smallish tank for a WTF (a bigger frog than the Gray or Green Tree Frog), so you may want to look into a bigger tank, definetly if you want more than one WTF.
-I've read so many conflicting ideas about basking/heat lamps and uva/uvb lighting that I am totally confused. is this kind of lighting necessary? If so, the terrarium I bought has a screen top but the screen s divided into two portions by a plastic strip that runs down the middle. Won't a heat/basking light melt that plastic? The lighting fixtures I currently have are from when I had a bearded dragon....I wonder if they would be appropriate for a frog (if they do indeed need light)
*I've got a heating hood in my tank (which is the same as the 12x12x18 you have now), and there's no problem with that plastic strip. Most of the lights used in frog tanks are emit very low heat, they're mostly there to activate the vitamin d3 for calcium absorption.
-I've been reading everywhere about installing a false bottom in the terrarium. Is that 100% necessary? If I do install one, how do I go about cleaning underneath it? ie: removing any nasty water that sinks down into the space below the substrate. unfortunately, the directions about creating a false bottom that are listed in the whites care guide don't make much sense to me. I'm not very handy
*This I don't have experience with, sorry.
-I know frogs eat crickets....does anyone have any experience with feeding them the crickets that come in a can at petsmart? The crickets are not freeze dried but they aren't alive. I just wondered if that would be an option.
*Nor this, sorry. I know some people use them along with a vibrating food dish (I think that's what I saw someone say they used to make the food seem "active), but I dunno anything else about it.
-if i do get a whites, how many crickets do they eat and how often should they be fed? That is another topic I've read conflicting information on.
*Typically feed them once every two days, anywhere from 2 (the number i usually give my frogs, again, smaller frogs) to 6 (I've seen some people say they feed their WTFs this many, but you may want to wait for a more experienced WTF owner to answer that one). Regardless, dust your crickets with calcium+vitd3 powder, and once a week with the multivitamin you can get at most vendors/petstores
-Last, I would like to use a real plant or two in the habitat. When you do use plants, do you plant them directly in the substrate on the terrarium floor or can you keep them in pots that you just place on the terrarium floor? I've also seen some varying opinions on which plants are good/bad for terrariums so does anyone have any recommendations?
*Another thing I don't have much experience with, but I do believe most people plant them in pots for easy removal.
I'm sorry I have so many questions! I have never owned a frog before and I want to make sure I get everything right before I bring one home. Thanks so much for any help!"
abraham covered quite a bit, but let me see if i can fill in the gaps for you.
white's are by nature solitary creatures. in the wild they live a solitary existence, except when mating. they don't need a "friend", but they are definitely tolerant of others of the same species in the enclosure with them,
a 12x12x18 will be suitable for a juvenile frog or two, but they would need a larger enclosure as they grow. they can get up to around 4", so keep that in mind.
uvb lighting is not necessary for them. just make sure you dust their food with calcium and vitamins
a false bottom is not necessary for the frogs. they would be fine using substrate as simple as unbleached, uncolored moistened paper towels.
i have no experience with the freeze dried crickets. so unfortunately, i can't help there. but i will say this, one of the most enjoyable things to me about white's is watching them hunt. and they require movement to pick out their prey, hence the reason Abraham mentioned the vibrating dish.
the amount of crickets is kind of a per frog basis. crickets should be no no bigger that the distance between their eyes. for young white's, a good rule of thumb is 3 or 4 small crickets daily.
as far as live plants, that is a subject near and dear to my heart. i'm a plant guy. lol how to plant them depends on many variables, i.e. what kind of substrate, drainage system, ect.
kudos to you for asking the questions first. i'm sure i speak for most on here that we wish most new owners would ask questions before getting their frogs.
i do want to mention one thing that you won't find in most caresheets: when you receive your new friend, do not be alarmed if he/she doesn't eat or move a lot for the first week or so. they will have been under a lot of stress by being shipped or driven around and need time to acclimate. this is where quarantining plays a huge part. a quarantine bin can be something as simple as a large tupperware bin with moistened paper towels, a water dish of de-chlorinated water, and a few branches/plants to climb on. this gives you an opportunity to assess the health of the frog because it's poo will be easily visible. a quarantine period of 30 days or so does a lot more good than bad for a new frog owner..
hope these answers help you out. any more questions, fire away, it's what we're here for
1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
0.2.0 Canines
1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
0.1.0 Bed Bully
Thank you so much for all the wonderful information! One more question I just thought of...I know frogs need de-chlorinated water. Is it safe to use the water de- chlorinater that I use for the water in my fish aquariums or are there special drops you use for frogs? In regards to the type of frog I get, another person on this forum said that it is better to get a green tree frog instead of a whites if I am a total novice to frog keeping. What is the difference between the two that would make the green tree frog a better choice? I am SO glad I found this forum! I really want to know as much as possible because I want to do right by my frog. Thanks again!
i use seachem prime for de-chlorinating water for my frogs. white's are a perfectly fine frog for a novice. the were my first frogs and they are very easy to care for. and they have a lot of personality
1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
0.2.0 Canines
1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
0.1.0 Bed Bully
Green Tree Frogs might be recommeded because their needs are basic and simple. They're interesting, but very shy, so if you're looking for a frog with a more outgoing personality from what I understand, a White's may be a better pick like Bill said. My personal recommendation for an awesome frog with personality is a Gray Tree Frog, but they seem to be a pain the get.
I just purchased a plant from walmart that is termed "tropical foliage" Are certain plants unsafe to keep in the terrarium or is it just a matter of what you can get to grow in that temp/humidity? I know I will need to replant the foliage in soil that has no fertilizer added....how do I make 100% sure the plant is free of any and all chemicals?
Also, I bought a long wood perch that is meant for a bird cage. I brought it home and cut off the metal end that is used for attaching it to a bird cage. This is a safe option for branches for a tree frog to climb on, right?
With a 12x12x18 terrarium, would I be safe getting 1 whites? I know that for a pair of them, I would need a larger house once they are adults, but what about just 1?
Thank again for all the help...this is so exciting!
Laura
a majority of the plants you will find in walmart are safe, but if you would like an actual id other than "tropical foliage", feel free to post a pic of the plant. and you are correct in assuming that some plants will not survive in different environments.
the only way to be 100% sure that there are no chemicals in the plant is to wash it down very thoroughly under running water, roots and all, replant it and grow it out for about 6 weeks. personally, i rarely grow them out for that purpose. i do however, rinse them thoroughly before planting. but that is just me.
the wooden perch should suffice. i sometimes use pvc pipe in my quarantine bins when i am in a jam. as long as they can climb, they will be happy with it.
that size terrarium will be ok for a juvenile, but not for an adult. it will definitely need more room as it grows. an 18x18x18 or 24 would be a good sized enclosure for an adult. they grow pretty quickly, so it's best to plan ahead.
1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
0.2.0 Canines
1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
0.1.0 Bed Bully
Hi Laura! You got some good answers already; so I'm just going to add some information to it. Please do read this: Frog Forum - White's Tree Frog Care - Litoria caerulea and if interested in other frogs visit the forum's Care Articles section.
If you can trade up at store; would get the 18x18x24 for the Whites (more pleasant for climbers than 18x18x18). That will allow more space for frog and even let you keep a couple. Also, the hood will have more lighting options than the single bulb 12.
Light's are mainly for observation and heating tank; no light is required if you dust your frogs food with CA supplements as previously stated. The 2 major brands have different maximum watt limits in their fixtures, so do read the warning on top manual. The Exo-Terra is 25W; while the Zoo Med is 60W (better if room is cool or with taller habitats). Exceeding those limits could damage the light fixture and terrarium. The advantage of 18 in. unit is that it has 2 bulb sockets with which you can play some combos (1 blue or red for day, 1 black moonlight for night). Think ZooMeds unit comes with double switches, not sure about others. Also, have not checked if you can fit an enclosure from one manufacturer and the top from another.
It's not necessary! I use a modified version to help maintain humidity in Pacman enclosure; but you can spray for that too. Also, you can use SaranWrap affixed with tape to plastic 1/2 top edges and seal it to reduce humidity loss. When I clean my enclosure (monthly) I vacuum out the coco substrate and rinse Hydra-balls (2 layer height) in de-chlorinated water. Bacteria growing on it reduce frog urine to Nitrate and water there does not smell. By keeping that layer wet (my mod includes a plastic watering tube that goes to layer) I control moisture in coco substrate better.
Dusted live crickets are better! Also, live Dubias (beetle like roaches) and earthworms are good stuff! If you find bugs repulsive just get familiar with them for a while and in no time you will get over it. Handle large crickets with tweezers; they do bite.
If using live plants do rinse them outside! Rinsing out soil in tub or sink can get you an expensive surprise visit from a plumber. Good luck !
Remember to take care of the enclosure and it will take care of your frog !
Thanks again for the information! I was able to go back to my pet store and upgrade to an 18x18x24 terrarium! It is much more spacious and gives me more options in decorating it too.
I've seen sever people mention hydra balls. What are those?
I was able to get a hold of two wonderful birch branches which I stripped all the bark off of. Should I bake it to make certain it is ok for the terrarium of am I ok, given that I did not see any bugs/mites or mold under the bark? That, and everything has been frozen here for several months.
I bought one of the bricks of substrate that you soak in water to make it expand. I am obviously not going to use it all at once, so if I soak the entire brick, what do I do with the unused portion so it doesn't mold or anything before I go to use it?
Is it necessary to buy my artificial plants/ ivy from a pet store or is the stuff from a craft store acceptable too?
Last, I'd really like to keep some bamboo in the terrarium. Is that safe? Is it ok for me to put it in the terrarium in a small container of water because I'm not so sure it would do well being rooted in substrate.
Thanks for the help!
Laura
One thing I should have mentioned about the birch branches is that they came from a tree in my grandpa's yard. he has had that tree growing there for over 40 years and it has never been sprayed with pesticide. I did read the article someone else posted in the terrarium forum and it listed birch as a no-no. It then said to avoid the woods listed because of their higher chance of pesticide contamination. Is that the only reason they should not be used or is it because the wood itself is toxic?
I guess I'm thinking I should just go buy some wood from the pet store....unless someone can tell me a type of wood they've safely used that I could possibly find here.
good deal on the upgrade. your future frog(s) will thank you for it
hydroballs are just a company's trade name for leca or hydroton (another trade name). it will suffice just fine if that is the route you are going.
birch is a nice hardwood and should do well in a viv. the bark must be stripped, washed thoroughly, and either baked or boiled for a good amount of time. just because you don't see anything, does not mean there are not dormant critters, eggs or larvae. ALWAYS err on the side of caution when it comes to field collecting anything. woods i have used in vivs without any problems are oak, sycamore, manzanita and mopani. i only collect wood from dead fall in the woods. one thing to look for when collecting wood is to make sure it is a) a hardwood and b) dead, dead, dead. did i mention any wood you collect should be dead?
i really can't offer much advice on artificial plants. i don't use them.
when you say bamboo, i assume you are talking about "lucky bamboo"? this actually is not a bamboo, but a member of the dracaena family. i have never grown it, but it would be happy in a nice, well drained soil. true bamboo is far from vivarium friendly due to the immense sizes it can grow too. there are some small papyrus plants that would do well planted in a small bucket of water, but may not grow as well under the lower humidity that white's require.
as far as the brick o' substrate. you can use a saw to cut that sucker in half and re-hydrate the half you are going to use. otherwise, re-hydrate the brick, and store in plastic zipper bags. i recommend either leaving the remainder out in the sun to dry or baking in the over to dry it and then storing. it will have a shelf life of forever dry and you will never have that mold question in the back of your head.
hope this helps. if you have anymore questions about building your tank. try posting them in the vivarium section so that more people can learn from the discussion
1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
0.2.0 Canines
1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
0.1.0 Bed Bully
Yes ....you should purchase something nice ...........that is frogs safe
such as:
New England Herpetoculture LLC - Natural Wood Vines
Current Collection
Dendrobates leucomelas - standard morph
Dendrobates auratus “Costa Rican Green Black"
Dendrobates auratus "Pena Blanca"
Dendrobates tinctorius “New River”
Dendrobates tinctorius "Green Sipaliwini"
Dendrobates tinctorius “Powder Blue"
Dendrobates tinctorius "French Guiana Dwarf Cobalt"
Phyllobates terribilis “Mint”
Phyllobates terribilis "Orange"
Phyllobates bicolor "Uraba"
Oophaga pumilio "Black Jeans"
Oophaga pumilio "Isla Popa"
Oophaga pumilio "Bastimentos"
Oophaga pumilio “Mimbitimbi”
Oophaga pumilio "Rio Colubre"
Oophaga pumilio "Red Frog Beach”
Oophaga pumilio "Rio Branco"
Oophaga pumilio “Valle del Rey”
Oophaga pumilio "BriBri"
Oophaga pumilio "El Dorado"
Oophaga pumilio "Cristobal"
Oophaga pumilio "Rambala"
Oophaga “Vicentei” (blue)
Oophaga sylvatica "Paru"
Oophaga sylvatica "Pata Blanca"
Oophaga histrionica “Redhead”
Oophaga histrionica "Blue"
Oophaga lehmanni "Red"
Oophaga histrionica "Tado"
Ranitomeya variabilis "Southern"
Ranitomeya imitator "Varadero"
Ranitomeya sirensis "Lower Ucayali"
Ranitomeya vanzolinii
http://www.fernsfrogs.com
https://www.facebook.com/ferns.frogs
can you guys get sumba veined coastal vines over there, got two the other day and they are gorgeous
Congrats on your bigger terrarium Laura! Will try to answer some questions here today. Can find lot's of information on Hydraballs or LECA here: HydroBalls™ Lightweight Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate. In the frog world, LECA are usually used below a substrate like coco (separated by plastic screen) to create a water laden layer or to "lift" the substrate above the terrarium water table when it's of a mixed water/land type. The advantage of LECA over other possibilities like pebbles is the increased surface area provided by LECAs natural porosity. This allows them to contain a much larger ammonia/nitrite reducing bacterial colony. Also, if used to help maintain humidity they will hold water inside them for a while and continue their job if water level drops.
If ZooMed's EcoEarth I would be extremely observant when mixing & crumbling (use de-chlorinated water) because have found pieces of wire, rope, plastic and other stuff in it. Their loose product is fine, although costlier. If ExoTerra's Plantation Soil; those bricks are easier to deal with and I have not found any debris on them. Their loose product is fine too and what I use on my frogs. Once you soak the brick and got coco re-hidrated separate the portion you will use and add more water if required so it clumps when you close fist but does not drip water out and it's ready to use. The rest you can get in a clean plastic bag and leave open for a few days. It will dry up and then you use it as needed without fear of it molding (just add water as necessary). Also, I'm not sure if true; but was told once that salt was added to bricks during manufacture so they would form up.
Although have used artificial plants and stuff from "Michael's" for my spider set-ups; would never recommend that for frogs due to their absorbent skin. Get silk plants designed for reptiles, amphibians, or fish at an appropriate shop that will probably never spray insecticides. Good luck !
Remember to take care of the enclosure and it will take care of your frog !
Another question....are there certain times of the day that it is best to mist the terrarium?
Hi I am new to the forum! I'm not sure how to make my own question so I'm going to piggyback on yours! I'm currently in the process of creating a new terrarium for my froggy friends out of an old curio cabinet. I have everything sealed with aquarium silicone and mod podge to be sure no harsh chemicals get through, however I created my waterfall using a pretty small amount of duct tape..some of the tape is exposed, and the rest is firmly in place under the rocks and "pond and stone" "great stuff". Its not going to come off easily, so I'm really hoping I didn't screw up..basically all I need to know is, is the duct tape toxic to my whites tree frogs or will they be safe? I've got two 13 yr olds and two 6 yr olds.. I've had them more than half of my life and am not willing to put them in any danger..All answers appreciated!!! Thank you!!
Hey, there should be a "create new thread" or something like that on a button at the top of each section in the forum. Anyway that's a good question and if you made a thread about it in the Enclosures Terrariums and Vivariums section I know you could find someone to answer it. I think there's already a thread about the safety of duct tape somewhere.
There its a create new thread button actually. Are you talking about for tapatalk? If you mean tapatalk then you go to options on your phone you can create a new thread in whatever section of the forum you are in
0.1.0 Psuedacris regilla
0.1.0 Pseudacris regilla (r.i.p. Green Beauty)
0.0.1 Bufo boreas boreas? (r.i.p. )
0.0.4 Dendrobates tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
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