Some Froggy Questions

[Wyomingite]

Alright, so I'm still a few weeks away from actually puttin' my idea into the works. Kinda hangin' out here, readin' and absorbin' information. And plannin'. I like to be prepared.

I actually drew up a basic layout for my vivarium. Actually, its more of a paludarium. I want to mimic a stream bank in Suriname or French Guiana. I'm utilizing a 20 long with a bottomless 29 on top of it. The landscaping design will allow the tank to be viewed from either side and one end. Filtration for the aquatic portion will be via a small canister filter. The intake hose for the filter will be hidden behind the landscaping, while the return hose will discharge relatively high in the tank, creating a small waterfall and stream.

Species to be housed are either a small school of X-ray tetras (Pristella maxillaris) or glowlight tetras (Hemigrammus erythrozonus) in the aquatic section, most likely the former as they are more likely to be captive-bred, less reclusive and hardier in general, and a small group of clown tree frogs (Dendropsophus leucophyllatus) in the upper portion. To accomodate the frogs, branches will protrude from the bank, giving them access to what I'm estimating to be 80-90% of the volume in the 29. Plants will be water lettuce, a common, climbing philodendron and some combo of a coupla humidity-loving epiphytic bromeliads and/or an epiphytic orchid I found on-line which are native to the region. I have 'em all bookmarked but I don't recall what species they are. A few rocks will round out the landscaping.

The land portion will cover approximately 55-60% of the surface area, and will start just below the junction of the two tanks. My plans are to use eggcrate as the base, supported by PVC (camoflauged underwater by driftwood, most likely manzanita). On top of this will be a sheet of plastic mesh, mainly to prevent the bottom layer of the substrate from falling through the eggcrate. This bottom substrate layer will be LECA, molded to give basic shape to the terrain. On top of the LECA will go another layer of some kind of mesh, then the top substrate. Here's where the questions begin...

1. What kind of substrate above the LECA would ya'll recommend for this set-up, and what kind of mesh to keep it separated from the LECA? I've been surfin' and found recommendations ranging from high quality, insecticide-free potting soil to coconut husk to peat and more, and to put it bluntly I'm lost. I've used the potting soil following the Walstad Method for planted aquariums, and never had problems with livestock.

2. How deep should I plan on the substrate being?

3. In another post, John recommended the substrate be colonized by tropical woodlice and springtails. No problem understanding the biological reasons for doin' so. Will this species of frog feed on them, like darts will? Do they reproduce, or does the colony need to be supplemented on occasion?

4. How many frogs? I know a small school of 5-7 tetras will thrive in this set-up, but not sure just how many frogs would be comfortable. The only tree frogs I've ever kept were green tree frogs, and that was 2 in a 10 gallon tank years ago. I'm guessin' 4 maximum. Need some experienced people to chime in here.

Any other input is welcome. I'm still brain-stormin' the whole "keepin' the food confined" thing we discussed in my introduction post, Kurt, but I'm confident I can solve that relatively easy once the rest falls together.

Thanks in advance. I know answers will breed more questions, though.

WYite

[Kerry1968]

Sorry I can't help you by answering any of your questions, but the set-up sounds fantastic! It'll definately be a project I'd like to follow closely.

[Tom Highum]

1. The three ideas you listed sound great but it is critical that if you use soil that it be organic.
2. An inch, these frogs don't borrow but deeper, as deep as needed for area with the plants.
3. They will probably be eaten a bit but not enough to destroy the population. Springtails and woodlice like to borrow and hide and your frogs will spend most of their time climbing. You will just have to worry about over feeding your frogs.
4. Ohh Kurt where are you?

[Kurt]

The substrate I would use over the LECA is sphagnum moss. It should keep any other substrate placed upon it from sinking below the egg crate. Also some plants will grow fine in sphagnum. I have two bromeliads in my dart tank, their roots hang down to the reservoir. Some other plants have popped have popped up in there too. I have no idea what they are or where they came from. The substrate should be at least two inches, but it can be thicker, thats including the LECA.
I think in the size tank you mentioned, 6 - 8 clowns will be fine. They are very small frogs. You will most likely be able to get some next spring. When you do get them, don't throw them in immediately, quarantine them elsewhere for a minimum of 30 days, 60 would be better. You want to make sure they are healthy before they meet there new home, that way if they are sick, they won't infect the tank for the next occupant.
Not sure if the clowns will eat the springtails, as they are very tiny. They might, I just don't know for sure. I think the fish will though.