Help me figure out which species is right for me (please)

[plants]

I am completely new to frogs.

I have kept planted aquariums stocked with fish for years. However, I found that I like the plants much more than the fish. So I figured lets dump all the water out and actually start growing some real nice stuff I am in the process of building a 30gallon cube paludarium (very small amounts of open water).

Dart frogs have always interested me, but I dont even know where to begin. Any frog will do, but I tend to like the looks of dart frogs more.

I suppose Ill list a few of the things I am looking for and see if you guys can point me in the right direction of where I should start looking.

1. I like small frogs that wont mechanically damage my plants.
2. I am not sure If I could deal with annoying noises coming from the tank. Quiet frogs would probably be best.
3. They must be somewhat hardy. I dont want to be sweating bullets over everything and it will be my first frog.

Anything fit the bill?

Thanks so much.

[nos187]

Hey there! Exciting to see you taking interest in dart frogs! I would recommend D. Tinctorius! There are many morphs of different colors and are not as loud as other common beginner dart frogs. This species is very bold and active.. also very hardy making for a great beginners frogs. Although, this frog may be one of the largest dart frogs they really are not that big. No more than a couple of inches. I found a link for you!

Tinctorius Care - The Kapok Tree

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Anymore questions? I would be glad to help!

Take care!

[Frog Tropics]

Congrats on joining the hobby! It is a fun one!

While tincs are certainly quiet and hardy, they will wreak havoc on your plants, especially any of the more delicate specimens. By contrast, most of the smaller species are a little more sensitive (owing primarily to their diminutive size and resulting lack of food stores) and can be a tad louder, although most are not per se loud. Before proceeding, you may need to decide what is most important to you. If it's the plants, then you may want to go with one of the hardier thumbnail species (vents are a good choice) or a mantella species frog. Most thumbnails, including vents, have audible calls, but not overly loud or obnoxious ones. They are a little bit ambitious for a first time frogger, but will do the least damage to your plants.

Good luck and keep us posted!