Should I save up for a bigger tank?

[AnnaBeach18]

Hello. I captured a female Green tree frog ( Hyla Cinerea ) for about 6 months, and decided to keep her. Her terrarium is taller than it is wide, and is maybe a 5 gallon tank if memory serves correct. Before buying it, I asked a worker at my local pet shop, whom I've known for many years, if this cage is acceptable, and he said that the frog would never outgrow it.

About a week ago, I captured a male Hyla Cinerea ( He chirps enough for me to know he's male ). I've just introduced him to the cage after quarantining him. Both seem to get along just fine, and I've watched for any ill effects from them. Both are pretty active at night, and have a healthy appetite.

My question is, would I need a bigger cage for them? And if not, what more could I do for the cage to make it more homey for them? Also, how can I prevent them from mating? And if I can't, where could I take the eggs to should it happen?


Here is a picture of the tank ( with the male in the water dish ):

http://fc00.deviantart.net/fs70/f/20...v2-d54vptd.jpg

And here's the two of them chilling in the corner of their cage:

http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/f/20...v2-d54vqcg.jpg

[Reptilegal]

Well I'm no 'expert' but I will go by what iv heard,
I think it's illegal to take frogs out of the wild but anyhow I can't talk as I did that once
With the tank the general rule of thumb is one gallon per frog, though another site said 12 gallons per frog..Though they say the bigger the better , as for 'the frog will never outgrow it," a lot of pet store ppl have no clue what they are talking about (I hope I didn't offend anyone by saying that, it's just what iv been told and what I have experienced... )
they will only lay eggs in at least 12 inches of water (I heard)
If they do lay eggs, release them in a pond or water source near where u caught the frogs
I could be very wrong in my advise but I'm just saying what I have read up,

[Kristen]

Well I'm no 'expert' but I will go by what iv heard,
I think it's illegal to take frogs out of the wild but anyhow I can't talk as I did that once
With the tank the general rule of thumb is one gallon per frog, though another site said 12 gallons per frog..Though they say the bigger the better , as for 'the frog will never outgrow it," a lot of pet store ppl have no clue what they are talking about (I hope I didn't offend anyone by saying that, it's just what iv been told and what I have experienced... )
they will only lay eggs in at least 12 inches of water (I heard)
If they do lay eggs, release them in a pond or water source near where u caught the frogs
I could be very wrong in my advise but I'm just saying what I have read up,

It isnt really illegal in America (though some states vary I think), their laws are alot less strict that ours.
General rule of them is TEN gallons per frog, though I think its less for American Green tree frogs as they are tiny.
But I don't know either. It's best to get advice from someone who keeps them.

[Reptilegal]

Lucky america lol

[UncleChester]

I have 1 adult in a ~13 gallon which I feel she's outgrown (a ~29 gallon is nearly grown in enough for the move), so I'm of the opinion that 5 gallons is too small for one adult, and certainly too small for 2. I have pictures in my albums of my vivariums. I'm a fan of way more plants than you have. Lots of cover for hiding and lots of different perches for them to hang out on.

As for the breeding, I can't be much help as my experience is with the lone one I have (they're also not native where I am). I'm pretty sure mine is a she due to lack of calling and she didn't appear to be carrying eggs over the winter when kept at room temperatures that regularly dipped to 14C (~57F). "She" could still be a quiet "he" though. Definitely don't simulate a rainy spring season:P.

It isnt really illegal in America (though some states vary I think), their laws are alot less strict that ours.

It varies not only by state but by breed of frog as well.

General rule of them is TEN gallons per frog, though I think its less for American Green tree frogs as they are tiny.
But I don't know either. It's best to get advice from someone who keeps them.

Hyla cinerea are small compared to the "Green treefrogs" from down under, but they are also quite acrobatic!

[Heatheranne]

Just wanted to mention that Petco is having their $1 per gallon sale right now. Great time to snag one up of you're looking to go bigger. A 20 gallon tall would be great and would only cost $20 .

[Chaser]

"I am no expert" Is something we all hear a lot, but I am not expert! I would get a bigger tank, And the sale will make it more "budget friendly". So go for it!

[mrzoggs]

Kristen and Brian are correct. 5 gallons is too small for 1 frog let alone 2.... TEN GALLONS per frog is correct. check craigslist for good deals on a tank. a 20 gallon high would be fine for them. also petsmart is having a sale on exo-terras and they are the cheapest ive ever seen them. $79.99 for a 18x18x24. plus you wouldnt have to get it shipped

[toxxxickitten]

I would definitely go for a bigger tank. As others have already mentioned a 20 gallon high tank would be much more roomier for your two Green Tree Frogs. I would also think about putting more things to climb/perch/hide on in your new tank once you get it. They are adorable!

[AnnaBeach18]

Ok. I measured my tank and the dimensions are 18x18x12. Would an 18x18x20 be a good upgrade? That's the biggest tank offered at my local pet store since Petco and Petsmart are quite a drive away.

[UncleChester]

Ok. I measured my tank and the dimensions are 18x18x12. Would an 18x18x20 be a good upgrade? That's the biggest tank offered at my local pet store since Petco and Petsmart are quite a drive away.

Assuming those dimensions are in inches your current tank is nearly 17 gallons and there's no rush to move to the bigger one (see Conversions and Aquarium Volume Calculator @ petfish.net). However it wouldn't hurt and 18x18x20 would be a great upgrade. As a bonus if move to a bigger size you can use the smaller tank to house new frogs.

I'd pend your money now on adding some real plants. Pothos (devils ivy) is an easy to care for vine. Some of the upright growing Peperomia obtusifolia would give some instant cover and perches low heights and will eventually fill upwards. There are hundreds of other options.

[BlueisallIneed]

I would go 18x18x24 at least or let them go. Just remember you caught them, they came from the wild and now they are stuck in a small enclosure. Bigger will always be better, and you need a lot more things in the cage, hiding spots and so on. (What others already mentioned)