Simple Water Vivarium

[daziladi]

After re-reading Kurt's care guide I'm wanting to do the "simple" water vivarium instead of a false bottom. The size of his tank is 18 wide, 19 tall and 10 deep. Plans are to fill the bottom with 2 inches of water populated with large, fist-sized rocks, one artificial tree stump, his water dish and several large-circumference bamboo plants for him to climb on. I'll have a heat wave lamp above his wire mesh cover. Does this sound right? I still have the egg crate, PVC and silicone for a false bottom setup but this sounded less complicated!

Do I need a water filter? If so, what kind?

How do I clean - partial water changes?

Should I use distilled water at the bottom to avoid staining?

Should I still mist his enclosure several times a day?

Where will he sleep? He usually sleeps/hides under his hollow log.

I'd like one live "bushy" plant as well, any suggestions?

Will I be able to support two dumpy's in this setup?

Thank you!!

[Kurt]

Do I need a water filter? If so, what kind?

It would probably be a good idea. I use Marineland Duetto submersible filters.

How do I clean - partial water changes?

Siphon off about 25 - 50% of the water into a bucket. Then replace the old water with fresh, clean water.

Should I use distilled water at the bottom to avoid staining?

No, distilled water lacks essential trace elements that the frog needs. Instead, use dechlorinated tap water. By staining I assume you are talking about mineral stains. You can use a water softening pillow, available at most pet/aquarium shops, to remove minerals from the water..

Should I still mist his enclosure several times a day?

Not really needed, but monitor conditions and mist if needed.

Where will he sleep? He usually sleeps/hides under his hollow log.

In the spare bedroom or the couch. Seriously, mine sleep on the wall itself or on an artificial piece of driftwood that emerges from the water. You can see a picture of my set-up in Steve Grenard's book "Frogs and Toads: Your Happy Healthy Pet" (2nd Ed)
http://www.amazon.com/Frogs-Toads-Yo...9918063&sr=1-6

I'd like one live "bushy" plant as well, any suggestions?

Not really. The plants in my tank are all plastic and are fastened to the back of the tank via suction cups.

Will I be able to support two dumpy's in this setup?

Depends on your financial situation. Seriously, your enclosure seems a little small for a pair White's.

[daziladi]

Kurt you're so silly, lol! Saw the photo at Amazon, holy cow would be worried he would fall in but your photo shows a dumpy in much more than just 2 inches so I'll just have to trust it will be safe. I'll wait on the second dumpy until we get a 50 gallon then. Thanks so much for the advice I'll post a photo as soon as its up <g>

[Kurt]

You're welcome. I was not aware that you could see the photo at Amazon.com. I will have to go take a look.

[daziladi]

Yep just click "surprise me" to the left hand side and be patient until it appears. It's a great looking setup can't wait to see how this all turns out.

[daziladi]

I'm just about to assemble everything! I need to double-check regarding silicone.. the package says it's cured in 24 hours. I used silicone to attach a foam-based platform to the top of a resin tree base thing, and also to repair the nipple on a water fountain unit. Is it safe to assemble these into the water portion of the tank after the 24 hours wait time? This has been a bigger undertaking than I expected, Chester has his own Taj Mahal no doubt!

[daziladi]

Got home late tonight and transferred Chester to his new "treehouse". Must have re-done this setup at least twenty times to make it all copacetic but judging from him climbing all over the place I think its a two thumbs up! Still worried he'll fall in the water but I'll just have to trust that tree frogs know how to climb <g> Thanks for the help Kurt!

[Kurt]

You're welcome. Don't worry treefrogs have no problems climbing out of water.