waterfalls and streams vs. a water soaking dish and misting?

[blanco]

I am confused. I am trying to set up a terrarium for a whites tree frog. I am getting closer to figuring things out but in regards to the water supply in the terrarium, I have heard everything from "it's ok to use damp paper towels that you change out every day and provide a large bowl with clean dechorinated water for soaking" to "setting up a running waterfall with standing water on the floor of the terrarium is the way to go." It sounds like some people created huge set ups with really deep layers of substrate while others do not. Which direction should I go?

Also, I have read that it is important to mist the terrarium daily. The lady at my local pet store, however, said that it would be best to buy a mister that I could put on a timer. Is that necessary?

Thanks for any help!

Laura

[blanco]

two other questions I have....I have seen in may pictures on here, people have put larger beautiful rocks in their terrariums. They do not look like the kinds of rocks one can buy at a pet store. How do you properly clean rocks you find outdoors? Are there any kinds of rocks that are unsafe to use because they give off minerals, etc.

-Is there such a thing as a self contained waterfall device that filters water through a pump, into a container and back up again without having to turn the entire terrarium bottom into the water fall? I guess I'm thinking something like those mini desktop waterfalls you can buy at Wal-mart except designed for use in a terrarium.

[deranged chipmunk]

I am confused. I am trying to set up a terrarium for a whites tree frog. I am getting closer to figuring things out but in regards to the water supply in the terrarium, I have heard everything from "it's ok to use damp paper towels that you change out every day and provide a large bowl with clean dechorinated water for soaking" to "setting up a running waterfall with standing water on the floor of the terrarium is the way to go." It sounds like some people created huge set ups with really deep layers of substrate while others do not. Which direction should I go?

Also, I have read that it is important to mist the terrarium daily. The lady at my local pet store, however, said that it would be best to buy a mister that I could put on a timer. Is that necessary?

Thanks for any help!

Laura

keep in mind that frogs have basic requirements that need to be met. once those are covered, all the aesthetics are for you, the viewer. how elaborate you go it entirely up to you. keep in mind that you can design an elaborate vivarium, but you also need to be realistic to what skills you are comfortable with.

in my opinion, the 2 most important tools you will have in your arsenal will be planning and knowledge.

misting will be important to keep your humidity levels stable. you can go automatic or mist by hand. that's a personal decision. you can even modify a home humidifier to create a fogger. there are many, many options.

using rocks from outdoors is pretty basic. stay away from limestone, it will release minerals you won't want into the viv. i have seen a lot of people who boil, bake, broil, and even run the rocks through the dishwasher. personally, i just use a good scrub brush and some soap and water. wash, rinse, repeat. just like doing the dishes...lol

there is a mini waterfall that, i believe, exoterra makes. i have heard good and bad about it, but have never used it. sorry about that one.

[elery]

i have seen some really cheap misters fogger things for just like indoor waterfalls, would this be ok for frogs?? they rather cheap and if they will work along with other water i might try 1 but im not sure if they can be harmful?? i saw some on ebay.