Aggressive fire bellied toads?

[rivkah]

to keep gravel or other things from getting sucked into the inlets of filters I have done a couple of things: I have used tule, the sheer fabric used to make bridal veils available at any fabric store for less than $1.00 per yard, and it comes in many colors. (It is also the best thing available for wiping down the sides of a fish tank and removing any algae growth) I wraped some around the bottom covering the inlets and secured it with a rubber band or string. By doing this, I use hardly any substrate in the water section, making keeping that portion clean much easier.

I have also threaded java moss through plastic canvas (used for needlepoint) then made it into a box to cover inlets to protect small fish from being sucked into filters. Over time the moss attaches itself to the plastic canvas, making a living wall.

I believe in making things as easy to maintain as possible, while still providing the best possible housing for the creature, allowing me more time to simply enjoy my charges. Oftentimes, the easier the maintenance, the more often it will get done. I have seen fire belly toads keep in mostly aquatic with 4-6 inches of water and very little land area (1/4 land - 3/4 water). I have also seen them housed in what I called primariy "dry" with only wet "moss" or "cage carpet" and only a dish of water to sit in. Basically there is no "one right way" to house your toads (there are, of course very wrong ways). The enclosure also should be something that you enjoy looking at, otherwise it could get ignore.

I love firebelly toads... they can be so comical. Give them something to do, somewhere to go and they will reward you with years of delight.

[emandkel]

Thanks for your input. I have plastic canvas around the filter base, makes it easy to take the entire filter out without disturbing the gravel and rocks around it, but I never thought about tule. I wanted a waterfall in the aquarium, thus the reason for the build up around the filter (although it makes it just a waterfall, too much gravel I think to filter it). But I may end up redoing it. I did add some water to make the water part a bit deeper (not much, but maybe an inch) and so far they are staying more of the land area. If they seem to like deeper water, I'll make sure it's deeper. Right now, it appears like they prefer it to be more shallow.

[emandkel]

I redid my FTB aquarium to give them a section of deeper water. Still not sure they will use it, but now they have the option of going in there.

My FTB's would eat 6+ crickets a day if I let them. Still not sure how much is too much such that it could cause issues (constipation or just getting fat), but am putting about 3 dozen in there at least every other day and they eat them all up quickly. There's still some aggression/eager eaters but it seems to have decreased.

The "deep" section is around 2" deep. A picture of their new setup (completed tonight):

[Froggie85]

Can I ask you where you got you light ? and what kind is it ? Im new to fire bellies as well and sometimes mine will just hide and not eat sometimes they do . I am thinking its the size I use medium crickets not sure if that ok I think the bigger the fuller they are lol . I like your tank set up Ill show you mine . I started off with stuff like the moss etc but they would get it there mouth while hunting crickets so I took it out . all I have is rocks a tetrafuana waterfall filter and fake plants .

I am so sad that when its feeding time they dont jump towards me to feed they just run and hide :/

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