New Owner of Two White's Tree Frogs... Need a Little Help!

[deranged chipmunk]

most likely not. the chlorine will off gas in about 24 hours from the water, it won't permeate the substrate. to keep your substrate less moist, fill the water level to about an inch below the false bottom. egg crate has a tendency to wick moisture up into the substrate, causing a bog condition.

if you do not have dechlorinator, you can fill bottles of water up and let them sit for about 24-48 hours to allow the chlorine and chloramine to off gas, then it will be safe to use.

[Gage]

most likely not. the chlorine will off gas in about 24 hours from the water, it won't permeate the substrate. to keep your substrate less moist, fill the water level to about an inch below the false bottom. egg crate has a tendency to wick moisture up into the substrate, causing a bog condition.

if you do not have dechlorinator, you can fill bottles of water up and let them sit for about 24-48 hours to allow the chlorine and chloramine to off gas, then it will be safe to use.

OK, thanks Bill, done. You mentioned the egg crate - I actually used a different crossing plastic frame to create the false bottom, since I didn't have any egg crate available. What are the advantages of the egg crate over any other plastic trellis? Aside from more support cause mine is a little flimsy...

[deranged chipmunk]

you just answered your own question. stability. flimsy stuff will sag, allowing your substrate to enter the water column, creating a bog. now, this isn't an issue, if you have bog plants, but without bog plants, nasty bacteria can grow in a wet substrate, and possibly get your frogs sick. egg crate also has really nice, big holes, allowing for water to drain from the substrate freely. i could probably go on, but those are the main points.

[Gage]

I gotcha, I suspected that was it. I'm not too satisfied with the whole first terrarium attempt right now. My number one goal is to give the frogs some peace and quiet for a few days, and then I will put together a bigger better, happier home.

[elly]

Good luck, I know terrariums can be a pain to set up if you don't know how, but if they're put together well you shouldn't have to do much maintenance at all. Or so says this forum.
Only drawback I can see with my Whites is that they get big. Bigger climbing frog= taller tank= harder to find and more money than most tanks. Also harder to move if you have short arms.

I'm not satisfied with my terrarium either, but eventually I hope to make one with a water feature rather than just substrate and a bowl I have to change every day. You've always got time to change things around though.

4-5 crickets in two days sounds like your frogs are getting enough food at least. White's tend to be piggy (so I've read) so maybe not going after more is a sign they're stressed or sick. I don't really know. I am also a newbie.