Gray Tree Frog Vivarium Ideas

[LadyKeiva]

Hi everyone!

I've recently been looking into possibly setting up a vivarium next year, possibly less. Keep in mind No serious commitments as of yet, still just burying myself in research and planning. Reading up on Plants, Substrate, Lighting, Water, Inhabitants, and all that jazz. I've found TONS of really good information from browsing these forums, So thanks ^,^. After browsing different frog options I decided that I definitely wanted to work towards setting something up for Gray Tree Frogs (Hyla versicolor). Frog Forum - Gray Tree Frog Care and Breeding

While I don't have much experience with vivariums, or frogs in general (I rescued/raised Fower's Toad tads once but that's not quite the same). I've been successfully keeping multiple planted aquariums for almost a year now (55 gal, two 10 gals, and 5 gal). So I know that it all takes research and dedication in order to provide the best possible care for the creatures we decide to keep. We as keepers/owners are responsible for the well being of another living thing, and we should always try the best we can to provide the best possible conditions.

All that nonsense being said, while browsing threads, care sheets, forums, yada yada, I've been coming up with some questions regarding the vivarium tank itself.

First things first.. Vivarium Size/Type?

I was thinking I would like to be able to keep around 4 Gray Tree Frogs if possible (Maybe 5-6?). I think I want a relatively large enclosure.

I know bigger is usually better. I know it needs good ventilation. I know it'll need a drainage layer/area of some sort, whether its those hydro ball things or a false bottom, or a sump/pump system depending on a water area or not. I know that for the most part, for a tree frog, height probably has a higher value than floor space. Now I've seen some build threads where people flip a regular aquarium so the length is height, I've seen people who make the entire tank from scratch, I've seen some just as aquariums sitting regular, and I know they make terrariums/vivariums.

I was thinking of buying one of the Exo-Terra Terrariums (or something similar to this) (Exo Terra Terrariums, Reptile Habitats for Sale Online | PetSolutions)
I was looking into the Large/X-Tall 36"L x 18"D x 36"H but I was reading a lot of reviews saying that it seems flimsy compared to the other sizes, IE: the hinges on the doors breaking. With that being said, What about the Medium/X-Tall 24"L x 18"D x 36"H?

Notes:
-Was leaning towards a layer of the hydro balls for the drainage layer rather than a false bottom
-I prefer "low tech".. I follow the same approach with my aquariums)
-I want to do all live plants, wood, etc. (simple/relatively easy ones)
-I LIKE the idea of a water feature, but they seem like more hassle than they're worth, especially for creatures who don't really require much of one
-with the last point being said.. I REALLY like what one of the moderators on this forum has done with his drainage. Pushing aside the substrate/hydro balls a bit and creating a dam with river rocks and creating a small accessible drainage pool (I believe the person was "UncleChester")
-I like the doors on the front for ease of access
-I don't think I want to go through BUILDING my own tank


Any thoughts on what my best option might be would be greatly appreciated =)

Thanks ahead for the help or comments,
Jessica

(Sorry for the wall of text =X )

[deranged chipmunk]

honestly, you best option is the largest you can afford and have room for. i have seen the reviews of the tanks you mentioned. i kind of look at it as, ok, there are 50 bad reviews of this product, but how many do they actually sell? if you search hard and long enough, you will find bad reviews for every single product sold to consumers world wide. your best bet is to go to a store that sells them. take a look at it, if you like it, buy it. a few members of the forum have the larger ones and i have never heard them complain about them. in fact, i know of one person who has 2 of them.

i know that was kind of long winded and didn't really answer your question, but what i am trying to say is, you can't really go by a few people here and there, best bet is to check it out for yourself.

[LadyKeiva]

Thanks for the input =) I will probably go with the one I was initially interested in. Was curious to see if anyone else on here had heard of that problem. I'm always a fan of checking reviews and then seeing the product in store. Issue with this one is that I have never seen the larger sizes physically in any store.

I also wanted to see if anyone had any better ideas than one I linked =). And you're right. The bigger the better! I've had my 55 gallon aquarium less than a year and I'm dying for a 125 gallon >,<.

[deranged chipmunk]

don't even bother with a 125. get a 180 instead. same length, but deeper and taller you wouldn't believe how quickly you run out of room in a 125. within 2 weeks of having mine, i had wished i bought a 180.