40G Build Diary f/ Poison Dart Frogs

[ToadPaparazzi]

Thanks for the great response Paparazzi. I have read some conflicting articles about auratus. Most definitely say they are shy. The only thing I have against Leucs are from what I have read, they have a loud call. Is this true?

Leucs do have a relatively louder call than other darts... I can hear mine clear throughout my house if the door is open.

I need to make sure I find a frog that also has a very quite call. This will be in my office. There is very little foot traffic. The only thing moving around is usually me sitting at my desk looking at a computer screen while trolling on FrogFurm! I really wanted something that was blue/black or bronze. I'm really in love with the idea of the Highland Blue and Bronze I think is what they are called. Would it be worth the gamble to get auratus that may or may not be shy. Any other ideas on frogs?

If you aren't dead-set on group frogs, d. Tinctorius are large, beautiful and very bold... Their call is almost not audible. They are always out and about but don't do well at all usually in groups; it is recommended to keep them as pairs or male-heavy trios. If you like blue and black, check out d. Tinctorius Azureus.

The false bottom on my RETF and my geckos does work great. Thanks for reminding me on that aspect. I have also added a little heat at the bottom corner of my frog tank and that does help evaporate the water a little quicker.

I wouldn't recommend adding any heat on a PDF tank... You want to keep temperatures below 80°.

Is there anywhere else I can get leaf litter right away that you guys can think of? We have thousands of oaks around our area but I'm assuming I can't go and use those. Do I have to get them from a frog dealer or is there somewhere else I can get some safe leaf litter? I will get that quarantine tank setup right away! Thanks for the heads up.

I use California live oak and magnolia leaves. Collect it from a pesticide/fertilizer-free area and bake at 325° for at least 10 minutes. It does smell a little though... I sell baked leaves (only in bulk though).

-Christian

[AReaHerps]

The original PDF I wanted was the Azureus morphs. I've been infatuated with them for years. I was so disappointed when I found out how they don't do well in groups. The other reason why I wanted Tincs in the first place was because they are the bigger species. I love that about them. I honestly feel like a 40G for 3 frogs is overkill though. The heater I use on my RETF is very low wattage and is non existent on the top of the substrate level. I figured I would be safe if I did the same for these guys. I will stear clear though and just add a way to remove/siphon the water out easily if I need to.

I use California live oak and magnolia leaves. Collect it from a pesticide/fertilizer-free area and bake at 325° for at least 10 minutes. It does smell a little though... I sell baked leaves (only in bulk though).

-Christian

I live in CA too. Central Coast actually. Monterey Peninsula. Tons of Magnolia tree around too in Salinas. Out of curiosity. Could you PM me your prices and package quantity please. I think I may prefer to purchase some as to not take any chances on making a mistake in the preparation process.

[J Teezy]

the loudness of a leuc call is something you need to hear to determine what loud is too you. I find it not very loud at all. I keep my tank in my office / game room as well and i actually enjoy the call, but i'm an outdoors kind of person and enjoy the sounds of nature. Barking dogs are annoying to me, calling frogs are nice. I think of it more as the frog is singing. I wish he would do it more often. You'll want some sort of false bottom drainage layer no matter how you plan on introducing humidity whether its an eggcrate style or hydroton so that you can easily remove access water. I prefer drilling my tanks for drains so i use eggcrate. As mentioned if you want something bold and active and want several i'd suggest luecs but if you want blue color Azureus but as mentioned they do best in pairs or trio of 2 male 1 female max. I strongly recommend investing in a mistking, you will be very happy with it, not to mention Marty will give you probably the best customer service you have ever received anywhere.

[AReaHerps]

the loudness of a leuc call is something you need to hear to determine what loud is too you. I find it not very loud at all. I keep my tank in my office / game room as well and i actually enjoy the call, but i'm an outdoors kind of person and enjoy the sounds of nature. Barking dogs are annoying to me, calling frogs are nice. I think of it more as the frog is singing. I wish he would do it more often. You'll want some sort of false bottom drainage layer no matter how you plan on introducing humidity whether its an eggcrate style or hydroton so that you can easily remove access water. I prefer drilling my tanks for drains so i use eggcrate. As mentioned if you want something bold and active and want several i'd suggest luecs but if you want blue color Azureus but as mentioned they do best in pairs or trio of 2 male 1 female max. I strongly recommend investing in a mistking, you will be very happy with it, not to mention Marty will give you probably the best customer service you have ever received anywhere.

I'm totally with you Josh about enjoying the calls. I LOVE frog calls...they would put me to sleep as a kid. I need to be sensitive to others in my general work area though which is why I would prefer a quiet call. That way it never becomes annoying to anyone else. Do you know where I could find a good quality video with audio for a Leuc call to put it in perspective for me. Also, if the tank is basically completely sealed except for the small gaps for cords (if needed), how audible is it through the glass really?