New to all... RETF vs Dart Frog for Beginner

[tinkgirl77]

Hey guys,
I have been an avid animal/pet person my whole life. I've worked in several fields with a variety of different animals including working at our local Zoo and Aquarium for 7 years and a Veterinary Hospital for 8 years. My spouse gave me a 12 x 12x 18 Zoo Med "Frog Kit" for Christmas. I have ALWAYS wanted to have Dart frogs or RETFs. I have researched them many many times and just never got a chance to have any of them (at the time also my parents would not allow me to have them but now I have my own home so whole new ballgame!) I am a TRUE beginner but am ready to invest the time (and money) into fulfilling this dream. I need some advice on which path to go down... Red-Eyed Leaf Frog or Dart frogs? And also what to do with the habitat. I am taking any and all advice. Thank you so much for any time or advice you may offer.

[Heatheranne]

Hello and welcome .

First thing to do is find which frog(s) will make you happiest. Then you can decide on making a home for them. A 12x12x18 limits the number of frogs you can get, but they're nice tanks. A smaller frog may be best.

Here is a great article to get you started. http://www.frogforum.net/content/choosing-frog-147/

[tinkgirl77]

Ok, update, I swapped out the first aquarium for an 18x18x24 Exo terra and I think I'm going to go with the RETF. Any advice on set up?

[Heatheranne]

Ah, nice . Now you have choices.

I have both retf's and darts and love them both. Red eyes are nocturnal. Is that ok for you?

If so, then I have a few suggestions...

I would peek around the vivarium section and google tropical vivariums. It will start some great ideas for you.

I would recommend creating a false bottom. It keeps your substrate cleaner for longer, decreasing risk of diseases and also helps with plant drainage. I like the eggcrate method over the hydroballs method because it gives a larger water reservoir than the clay balls. I have both (different tanks).

One of the easiest plants to grow in a vivarium...pothos. They do not need much light, have sturdy leaves, and love to climb. I have some in all 3 of my retf tanks and my frogs love to sleep in them.

Red eyed tree frogs need a humidity level of 70-80%, so your plants will have to be able to tolerate some moisture.

You'll need a small quarantine tank on hand to monitor them for a bit before they go into their big home. It is nice to keep a 10 gallon with a screen lid aside. It can also be used as a hospital tank if needed.

Do you need a list of everything you'll need for your frogs?

[tinkgirl77]

Yes please! that would be great!

[Heatheranne]

Sure thing. I'll type it out tomorrow for you. Getting a bit sleepy.

[Heatheranne]

I sent you a nice PM with a list of needed quarantine items to get started.