Surrealasm's got it to a "T" .

I should add that my Betta and catfish lived together before I added my toads.

I definitely believe in cycling your tank first. If you've never had fish or aquatic animals, your tank will go through a bacterial burst, will get cloudy and stinky. This is important and allows the good bacteria to bloom and settle in. They will help keep waste product breakdown by the fish and critters in balance, to a point. A filter is still needed. During this time you might lose a fish or two if partial water changes are not done. This allows the bacteria to settle into your rocks and filter. It is good to start with a fish your not too fond of in case it does not tolerate the cycle. I've found that week 2 or 3 is about the time of the burst. Once your tank cycles through you can add your frogs or toads. I'm not very good at explaining it.

Surrealasm, any words or guidance to assist?