Insect Lore ADF set up?

[Felis]

Hi,

As mpmistr wrote, the system is overpriced. Also, it is too small for the frogs to thrive. How is this "magic gravel" supposed to work?! The only possibility I can imagine is something like zeolithe which absorbs organic components, but this doesn´t work forever. After a certain amount of time, the absorbing capacities will be exceeded and you´d need to replace the gravel. As it is hardly predictable when this will happen, systems like this put the animals in danger. I´ve read quite a lot forum entries about similar system and it always ended up with sick, dying or dead animals.
I would go with the 10 gal. A filtered, heated and cycled aquarium with regular maintainance such as weekly partial water changes is the much better choice here (plus it´s cheaper). ADFs are widely sold, maybe you can even find a local breeder.

[Geoff]

The "aquarium" appears to be a 4 inch plastic cube judging from the main photo showing a frog in it.

[emberlisa]

Hi,

As mpmistr wrote, the system is overpriced. Also, it is too small for the frogs to thrive. How is this "magic gravel" supposed to work?! The only possibility I can imagine is something like zeolithe which absorbs organic components, but this doesn´t work forever. After a certain amount of time, the absorbing capacities will be exceeded and you´d need to replace the gravel. As it is hardly predictable when this will happen, systems like this put the animals in danger. I´ve read quite a lot forum entries about similar system and it always ended up with sick, dying or dead animals.
I would go with the 10 gal. A filtered, heated and cycled aquarium with regular maintainance such as weekly partial water changes is the much better choice here (plus it´s cheaper). ADFs are widely sold, maybe you can even find a local breeder.

Hi, I've been reading about "eco aquariums" and the bamboo plant survives with the help off living gravel and the plant acts as a "natural aerator." EcoAquarium Facts - Wild Creations

You can buy the living gravel and plant w/o the tiny tank. I wonder if it would work in a filtered tank.

[Felis]

Hm, I´m still sceptical about that. The bamboo plant doesn´t last long in many aquariums and it certainly cannot aerate the whole gravel enough for the beneficial bacteria to grow. If you provide a cycled, filtered tank normal gravel (or better sand will do). After cycling is done, it will become a "living" substrate as well.

[emberlisa]

Hm, I´m still sceptical about that. The bamboo plant doesn´t last long in many aquariums and it certainly cannot aerate the whole gravel enough for the beneficial bacteria to grow. If you provide a cycled, filtered tank normal gravel (or better sand will do). After cycling is done, it will become a "living" substrate as well.

What do you mean cycling? Cycling out the water?

[Felis]

Cycling means that you set up the aquarium with substrate, filter and water, but ideally without animals. After a few days, bacteria will start to produce ammonium out of organic compounds in the water. Later on, other bacteria species will transform the ammonium to nitrite. The last step is performed by a third group of bacteria that change the nitrites into nitrate. Ammonium (NH3) and nitrIte (No2) are highly toxic to aquatic life; nitrAte (NO3) is much less toxic and can be controled by regular water changes.
A tank is considered cycled as soon as there is no more measurable NH3 and NO2 present and NO3 is built up. Before this state is reached, first ammonium and nitrite will spike up until the so-called peak is over. After that, the system is safe for the animals. The time that is needed for this process differs from tank to tank, so it is a good idea to monitor the above-mentioned values on a daily basis with a liquid test kit. Usually, it takes about 4-6 weeks.
There are many homepages that describe the cycling process in more detail, maybe you are interested in reading further on this topic.

[mpmistr]

Hi, I've been reading about "eco aquariums" and the bamboo plant survives with the help off living gravel and the plant acts as a "natural aerator." EcoAquarium Facts - Wild Creations

You can buy the living gravel and plant w/o the tiny tank. I wonder if it would work in a filtered tank.

Most everyone here on the forums is knowledgeable and passionate about the hobby and keeping frogs, this forum has many people who are experts and are trying to give you sage advice.

You are reading the marketing tripe from a company that sells tiny enclosures in which the animals more often than not suffer and perish.

If you feel that the people trying to sell you $50 dollar aquariums with less water volume than a small tupperware container and magical filtration bamboo (not an aquatic plant, do research) and magical gravel are the secrets to successful amphibian keeping and we are all just not enlightened then I just don't what more to tell you.

[emberlisa]

Most everyone here on the forums is knowledgeable and passionate about the hobby and keeping frogs, this forum has many people who are experts and are trying to give you sage advice.

You are reading the marketing tripe from a company that sells tiny enclosures in which the animals more often than not suffer and perish.

If you feel that the people trying to sell you $50 dollar aquariums with less water volume than a small tupperware container and magical filtration bamboo (not an aquatic plant, do research) and magical gravel are the secrets to successful amphibian keeping and we are all just not enlightened then I just don't what more to tell you.

You're attacking me for no apparent reason. I don't see why you're getting so defensive about the forum's ability to give sound advice, when I never questioned it or implied that anyone is unenlightened. And talking about something I read online doesn't mean I'm taking it as fact or rejecting anyone's advice. Goodbye.

[reptileszz]

Wow sorry you feel that way. I am new here and have made mistakes. I would listen to these people, they knowmwhat they are talking about.

[rodsboys]

Start here with your reading. The Nitrogen Cycle

[rodsboys]

Most everyone here on the forums is knowledgeable and passionate about the hobby and keeping frogs, this forum has many people who are experts and are trying to give you sage advice.

You are reading the marketing tripe from a company that sells tiny enclosures in which the animals more often than not suffer and perish.

If you feel that the people trying to sell you $50 dollar aquariums with less water volume than a small tupperware container and magical filtration bamboo (not an aquatic plant, do research) and magical gravel are the secrets to successful amphibian keeping and we are all just not enlightened then I just don't what more to tell you.

I don't see how this is an attack.

[mpmistr]

I don't see how this is an attack.

It's hate on Mike day.. :X

Eco-Aquariums are the best products ever made and everyone should keep their frogs in them!

Nitrite is totally harmless and we should all place our aquatic frogs in tanks that are not cycled because nothing bad can happen!

Okay can we all be friends now???