Firebelly questions

[John]

I've considered Red Eyed Tree Frogs but I'm starting to think maybe they wouldn't be too happy in a wide aquarium that they can't climb in.

Well, that size of aquarium is pretty small for adult red eyes.

I'm considering Poison Dart frogs but it has come to my attention that maybe they won't be the easier thing to sustain on crickets. (Hunting through my aquariums for small crickets will probably take a long time.) and that they are generally difficult to keep.

Sustaining Dart Frogs on crickets is a challenge unless you have a dependable supply of very small crickets. The one exception is the Golden Poison Dart Frog, Phyllobates terribilis. They eat very large prey, and adults have been known to swallow adult size crickets (though 1/2" crickets are more suitable for adult Golden PDF).

So, without totally abandoning any plans, now I investigate the possibility of a Firebelly toad. My current source of information is http://allaboutfrogs.org/info/mypets/firebellies.html but it seems a little inadequate.

That's a good choice of frog/toad. We're actually in the latter stages of finishing up a comprehensive Care and Breeding Article for fire-bellied toads here on Frog Forum, but it'll be a couple of weeks I think.

1 How many can you keep in a 20 gallon? Do they also prefer a tall aquarium over a long one?

They don't really climb so horizontal is best for them. If you lay it out right, I would say 4 in a terrarium that size. Others might say more but 4 would be a comfortable size in my opinion.

2 What temperature do they need? (I'd rather not have them trying to hibernate like my White's was.)

They won't hibernate if you keep the temperatures in the early 20s Celsius (70s F), with a permanent water source for them to get in and out of or hang out.

3 This person says chlorinated water is very dangerous, if I boil it for 12 minutes will it be safe?

If you want a permanent, filtered water pool in the terrarium, you can't use straight tap water. Boiling only works for water that has only been treated with chlorine. However in many places the municipalities also add ammonia to the water. This combines with chlorine to form chloramines. These won't boil of as easily as chlorine gas. The easiest approach is to use a dechlorinator product like Tetra Aquasafe or Amquel. They're easy to use and ~instantaneous in effect.

4 Are they territorial like poison dart frogs?

Not in the way you are thinking. They are relatively tolerant of each other. Regarding dart frogs and territoriality, many species of dart are not territorial, or at least they are not hostile to others - it just depends on the species of dart.

5 Is there anything else I should know about them before I consider getting one? I hear they are durable.

They are pretty tough. Provide them with a good terrarium, correct temperature range, and a regular food supply and they will do well for you.

[Kurt]

I would also add that getting them dewormed is a very good idea, as most fire-bellied toads are wild caught. Also, I think you should be able to get about 6 or so in a 20-long comfortably. I keep mine in about an inch or two of water with floating platforms for them to climb out on.

[chrisbliss]

The care sheet for fire belly toads is up. I just read it and it's full of great info. Sectioning off the tank so it is 1/2 water and 1/2 land is a great way to set up a tank (just fill 1/2 with gravel and silicone in a peice of plexiglass). That's what I've done and my frogs love it (I also have a waterfall but you don't need to get that complicated). One word of advice: fire bellies are excape artists!!! Thay can climb glass no prob and squeeze out of the tiniest holes so make sure you have a good lid. Other than that they are pretty easy to care for. Have fun!