Just started my build, 1st timer :)

[mariebaby21]

My plants came today! So I decided to go with the hydroton. I used 10 liters of it which gave me about 2.5 inches at the bottom of the tank. I rinsed the hydroton about 4 times to get the water to run clear. Tomorrow, all of my dry goods should arrive, ie... ABG, leaf litter, screen for between the layers of hydroton and the ABG, lighting, coco huts.. I'm so excited! I've got springtails coming too
I made a couple of small errors by going to fast, but that was mainly not getting parts of the great stuff completely covered. I will just cover those areas with a plant I'll take pics tomorrow of my progress

[deranged chipmunk]

You're on your way. Can't wait to see pics!!

[mariebaby21]

Here are pics! All I need is to let it grow and then add my frogs! How many leucs can I put in this? It's 20g regular


First is of the finished product! Second is a top view looking down into it. Third is a pic I took outside before I brought it in and watered and misted it.
What do you think? I've never done this before so I'm pretty proud

[mariebaby21]

[deranged chipmunk]

that looks awesome Marie you did a heck of a job for it being your first time. be very proud of what you built if it were me, i would only put 2 leucs in.

[mariebaby21]

Two leucs it is. How long should I wait before I put them in? I want to make sure all my plants are doing well before I put the frogs in to trample them.

[tylototriton]

That tank looks awesome, good job!
I would wait a few weeks, although it isn't the end of the world if you don't. The wait will help the plants and springtails establish. I'd definitely feed the springtails so their population grows before adding the frogs.

All that said, I very frequently plant cages the day I add frogs. I definitely don't recommend that though.

I think leucs are an awesome choice for that tank. 2 is probably a good number, but you may be able to do more than that. I keep 3 in a 10 gallon and they're doing fine. However, you would definitely want to keep an eye out for aggression and make sure that all of them are staying healthy.
Plus, unlike some darts, leucs are so active that you'll always see the them, thus eliminating the need for extras.


I think I just talked myself in a circle! The tank is awesome and i'm sure the frogs you get will do great in it!

~Alex

[deranged chipmunk]

i like to wait a month before i add frogs. that way i know the climate is correct and any major changes won't be affecting any frogs. but i also have been known to plant and add frogs at the same time as well.

[mariebaby21]

what do i feed the springtails? how do i know they are in there? I added the whole container in but i never saw anything LOL

[mariebaby21]

That tank looks awesome, good job!
I would wait a few weeks, although it isn't the end of the world if you don't. The wait will help the plants and springtails establish. I'd definitely feed the springtails so their population grows before adding the frogs.

All that said, I very frequently plant cages the day I add frogs. I definitely don't recommend that though.

I think leucs are an awesome choice for that tank. 2 is probably a good number, but you may be able to do more than that. I keep 3 in a 10 gallon and they're doing fine. However, you would definitely want to keep an eye out for aggression and make sure that all of them are staying healthy.
Plus, unlike some darts, leucs are so active that you'll always see the them, thus eliminating the need for extras.


I think I just talked myself in a circle! The tank is awesome and i'm sure the frogs you get will do great in it!

~Alex

Thanks for the compliment! I'm very proud. When I was little I was infatuated with tree frogs. I always envisioned something like this, but I had no way of putting one together and my mom was no help! So when I found this forum, I was so excited and read all the threads I could find on builds. It took me 3 weeks, but it was mostly because I was waiting for supplies. I had a lot of fun building it and my family is very impressed My next project is for my veiled chameleons

[mariebaby21]

I'll wait until March 2nd to get my leucs. I dont think I can wait beyond then. I think that's about 3 weeks out

[mariebaby21]

is it normal to have mold/fungus already growing in my viv? will the springtails take care of it? do i need to worry?

[deranged chipmunk]

White fungus on wood is normal. It will go away in a few weeks. It may come back from time to time. But it will not hurt your plants, or frogs, but i know you don't have them yet

[mariebaby21]

What will the springtails eat in my viv since there are no frogs?

[tylototriton]

You can feed springtails yeast, uncooked rice, fish flakes, mushrooms. Lots of different things!

~Alex

[J Teezy]

they will eat leaf litter too

[mariebaby21]

I can see the springtails in the viv Now I know it wasn't just a bottle of coal I paid for LOL

[deranged chipmunk]

lucky you!! i recently ordered springtails, and all i got was a deli cup of coco fiber. oh, and a refund...lol first time it ever happened to me. of course, i just seeded the deli cup with 'tails from one of my other vivs. don't even ask why i just didn't do that in the first place....LOL

[mariebaby21]

lucky you!! i recently ordered springtails, and all i got was a deli cup of coco fiber. oh, and a refund...lol first time it ever happened to me. of course, i just seeded the deli cup with 'tails from one of my other vivs. don't even ask why i just didn't do that in the first place....LOL

at least you got a refund! and at least I have something to look at moving around in there march seems so far away! I already want to build another one

[Heatheranne]

Hey Bill! If they don't colonize quickly for you and the weather calms a bit, I'll send you some. I have tons! They are the temperate version.