New to FBTs. Enclosure and Questions (Pictures included)

[Amber Gyore]

I just recently got my FBTs. I got them from a friend, who had them in very poor conditions Their water was not cleaned, she used moss that grew wild outside of our area, they had no shelter and they hard hardly any water. However, when I got them, they were a bright, vibrant green colour (See pictures).

I put them in a new enclosure (See picture). They are in a 20 gallon tank, 40/60 land/water radio, with adequate water for submersion should they choose to. I have two areas where they can hide, and their land is covered with a layer of fresh sphagnum (I hope that's what it's called) moss (I heard that is best for these kind of toads). I also have a very low (15w) bulb shining on the water area for daylight (Turned off at night), as well as a water filter/waterfall. I read that it is best to keep temperatures between 75 and 78 degrees, so they have an underwater heater that keeps it at a constant 78 (This cannot be changed, and this heater was the only one available in my area). The water is not completely heated, and drops to about 67 degrees near land. At the deepest part of the water, I have two living plants, and a floating rock for them to climb on. I found when I heated the water (It was originally at 60 degrees throughout), my toads were a lot more active, and spent more time in the water than when I first got them.

They eat well (Except the largest one seemed to have ingested some of the moss, and won't eat in front of me, however the crickets have all vanished [I checked carefully to make sure they were not in the moss], and I don't think the smallest one at them all, so I'm assuming the bigger one is just a little shy.) I haven't noticed anything that would indicate they are sick, the larger one even chirped for a while today. However, they are no longer a bright, vibrant green. They are dark, almost black. I am very concerned.

I heard it could be caused by stress, or perhaps they are not used to the environment or they could be ready to "shed". The only thing that I could think of is that I have very hard water at my house (Not chlorinated), could this be the cause of the colour change? I heard maybe having bottled spring water might be a better alternative.

Please, if I am doing anything wrong, let me know. I just want these guys to have a good home.

[Amber Gyore]

I just changed out all the water and replaced it with natural spring water. I noticed that they changed lighter just by putting them in their temp. holding tank while I changed the water in their larger one (However, the holding tank had the same hard water and the same temperature)

[firebellygirl]

looks good. I have had firebelly toads for almost 15 years now. I have never used a heater in my water. mine also go from bright green to brown black. I think as long as the are eating and active they are fine. It may be that they are still getting used to their new home.Good luck.