Where.to.start..?

[froglover27]

Just recently convinced the family to make a PDF terrarium.....I was just curious to know 'the necessities' for poison dart frogs. Also, what are good starter frogs that are hardy and not too shy?? Thanks!!
~Justine

[DonLisk]

Baasicly your going to crete a high humidity enviorement. They will tolerate temp down to about 60 and no higher than 85. Best to be between 80 and 82 in my opinion. To keep the humidity up you would be using a full glass top for the tank or if using Exo-Terra or Zoo Med enclosure, covering the top screen completely.

Since you will be feeding fruit flies, you will need to bug proof a exo or Zoo Med enclosure since there are many places for the flies to escape around the doors and through the installed vents.

As for a frog choice, the most common starter dart is the Dendrobates Leucomelas Bumblebee Dart Frog. Bold and does well in groups.

[froglover27]

Baasicly your going to crete a high humidity enviorement. They will tolerate temp down to about 60 and no higher than 85. Best to be between 80 and 82 in my opinion. To keep the humidity up you would be using a full glass top for the tank or if using Exo-Terra or Zoo Med enclosure, covering the top screen completely.

Since you will be feeding fruit flies, you will need to bug proof a exo or Zoo Med enclosure since there are many places for the flies to escape around the doors and through the installed vents.

As for a frog choice, the most common starter dart is the Dendrobates Leucomelas Bumblebee Dart Frog. Bold and does well in groups.

Wait, so do they need any ventilation at all? And I will be feeding fruit flies. Just found out the LPS near me sells 'em Also, any idea of where to get a dendrobates leucomelas Bumblebee dart frog?? They are BEAUTIFUL!!!

[froglover27]

Oh and also....can you give me any feedback for Dendrobates ventrimaculatus? thanks!!

[DonLisk]

Dendrobates ventrimaculatusare is an intermediate level for keeping but if your tank setup is right, then they should be fine.

Many of these frogs are available through breeders and some of them sponsor this site so i myself would be looking there first.
You can also watch for a local or nearby reptile expo and then select some at the show. Many of the sponsors also attend the expos so you can deal with them prior to a show for bringing along just what you want and held for you.
This would save you on shipping and possible shipping problems. I haven't had issues myself but weather does rule shipping since they won't be shipped if its too hot for their survival.

As for ventilation, most dart tanks are completely closed up. They don't require air flow like a tree frog and your occasional opening of the top or door to add flies or do maintenance is more than enough for them. Now, some plants do like ventilation so some build in special fans to move air in and out of the tank without creating a place for the flies or frogs to escape.
I don't have fans on my tanks.

[cbrousseau]

I was in your spot this time last year . It's vary exciting isn't it? (and it can get addicting vary fast) I got 4 d.tinctorius matechos for my first frogs i got a group hopping that I would get a breeding pair witch i did and just got my first eggs. I love the tinctorius's because they are big bold frogs you look in the tank and they are always out so that was a huge plus. I wouldn't go with The smaller frogs like the thumbnails size ones because of the size.. They are beautiful but i don't know they don't do anything for me I like to be able to see my frogs you know? Just do your homework and read up before you do anything so you know what your diveing into that's what I did and everything went great

As for ventilation like don said some people do the whole fan things I wouldn't worry about it for your first tank keep it simple!

Good luck!!!,
cameron