Need approval and suggestions on my new tank setup please

[Laurie]

I am getting tadpoles soon (mostly tree frogs) and I've read so many different direions on care and habitat that I just need to know if this setting will be fine for my new tadpoles, and when they grow into frogs. I filled the tank with distilled water for the new tadpoles and a filter. I have a gradual ramp for them to get to land when they get to be little froggies. I just read on this forum that I may need a heat lamp when my tadpoles turn into frogs? I have live plants on the land side and fake ones on the pond side. This is a 55 gallon tank, by the way.

[kueluck]

What kind of frogs are you getting? I've never raised tads in the winter, just the spring/summer (Cope's Grey Tree Frogs,Fowlers & Southern Toads) so I didn't use any kind of heat source. Also make sure that your tads don't get sucked up into the filter.

[Laurie]

I ordered tadpoles from online. The ad said it's from a variety of: TREE FROGS (GREEN, SQUIRREL,ETC), CHORUS FROGS, CRICKET FROGS, LEOPARD FROGS, The filter has small slits on the bottom, but I will keep an eye on it for my new tadpoles when I get them.

[kueluck]

Wow, you sure have a variety of tads coming in, and I'm not sure about the different kinds, but I would be worried that the larger tads might eating the smaller ones. I know the filter you have, I used the same one. I use the sponge type filter sheets and rubberband to cover the slits.

I ordered tadpoles from online. The ad said it's from a variety of: TREE FROGS (GREEN, SQUIRREL,ETC), CHORUS FROGS, CRICKET FROGS, LEOPARD FROGS, The filter has small slits on the bottom, but I will keep an eye on it for my new tadpoles when I get them.

[Laurie]

OH! They might eat each other! That would be terrible! I'll seperate them if need be. And thanks for the tip on overing the slits on the filter.

[Bdimas]

Yes depending on tadpole size they can definitely eat each other. Also once they morph they will need separate tanks. Some may be fine together but your larger frogs, especially the leopards will eat the smaller frogs.

I would do a lot of research on each specie...

[TheSnakeGuy]

What you have there is a 40 gallon. A 50 gal is longer, taller, and not as deep. It's fine for your purposes. Just an observation from a pet store employee.

[Laurie]

I bought it myself. It's not a 40 gallon.

[deranged chipmunk]

I bought it myself. It's not a 40 gallon.

I have the exact same tank i use for my mantellas. It is identical to my 40b. Sorry to.say, but snake guy is correct. And you can use a foot off of pantyhose to cover the slits in the filter. Been doing that with fish forever.

[Laurie]

Yep, you guys were right. It is a 40 gallon. I was told it was a 50 gallon. Sorry I doubted you. I still have a question about the water. Some websites say to use distilled water, and others say to use spring water. I filled the water side with distilled water and now I'm worried about putting my tadpoles in there.

[UncleChester]

I bought it myself. It's not a 40 gallon.

You can measure it, there's 231 cubic inches per US Gallon.

I've never raised tadpoles myself, but there's info on raising Gray treefrog tadpoles in the care sheet that should be relevant to the treefrogs you get Frog Forum - Gray Tree Frog Care and Breeding

[deranged chipmunk]

I wouldn't use distilled water, it lacks vital minerals and vitamins that your tads and eventually frogs will need. Dechlorinated tap water will work fine

[Laurie]

I wouldn't use distilled water, it lacks vital minerals and vitamins that your tads and eventually frogs will need. Dechlorinated tap water will work fine

Okay, thank you! That's actually a good thing. I plan on putting goldfish on the water side and I know they can't survive in distilled water. I read a website that was just posted for me (thank you) and I'm thinking my water is too deep for tadpoles.

[Laurie]

Thanks! That was very helpful reading.