Rain fall terarrium for D. Tinctorius Powder Blue

[xeonic]

What do ya think? There is a Fourth frog in there somewhere.
This if my first attempt at a Dart Frog Vivarium.
The rain comes on Twice a day for 15 minutes.

[toxxxickitten]

That's very nice looking! Would it be possible to get pictures of the whole set up?

[KingCam]

You just inspired me. Thank you! Very very nice setup you have there. I'd very much like to hear details on how you've got it set up!

[Adam R]

awesome. how did you do it?

[xeonic]

I'll have to get back to you. I won't be home today to take pictures on the whole setup.

[xeonic]

First I created a false bottom using hydro balls and slate rock. I then used gravel to seal any cracks so the frogs cant sneak through. Keep in mind all the hydroballs and slate rock must be washed before you put them in your tank as they are covered in dust and minerals which will cause hard water. I then pulled out some live moss from my back yard. This moss had to be washed very well as it pulled up dirt with it, which we don't need in our water. the moss was placed on the slate rock to seal any cracks the frogs could use to fall under the false bottom, where they would eventually perish if not rescued.


I then placed a pump on one side of the terrarium on an angle so it shoots out of the water a bit and creates bubbles.. This is used to circulate the water to keep it from going stagnant, and also to replenish oxygen in the water as Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter need oxygen to survive.


I then placed a pump in the other corner of the terrarium, then ran 1/2 inch tube to the roof, I then fastened the tube using wire in a coil. I then poked holes in the tube using a hot needle, the more holes the better. I then placed the pump on a timer to go off for 15 minutes a day twice a day. My theory is that the rain will wash fecal matter down into the water which will feed Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter. Keep in mind the water must be cycled like a fresh water fish tank. How to Cycle through Water for Living Things from Pollywogs World of Frogs has a great guide on how to cycle water, and also inspired me to make a cycled vivarium. I simplified this process by buying cycled water from the pet store, and a bottle of bacteria, when the ammonia levels were to high I used the bacteria to bring the ammonia down. so far all seems well and stable, I no longer use the bottle of bacteria, and the ammonia along with nitrite and nitrate all seem stable. And that's it. I hope you find this useful.


For your viewing pleasure.