New to Dart Frogs, need some advice

[XmusJaxonFlaxonWaxon]

Hey everyone. I recently purchased a Dendrobates leucomelas, and would like a couple of questions answered please.
1. How often should I dust prey with Calcium/vitamin supplement?
2. Would a Reptifogger be good for keeping humidity in the tank?
3. Should I purchase another poison dart frog to go in there, and if so, should I do the same species, or can I do another one?
4. What size tank is recommended for a successful vivarium?
5. What else should I do to improve my 20 gal. tank?
Thanks!

[flybyferns]

Hello,

1. How often should I dust prey with Calcium/vitamin supplement?
calcium daily -( vits less often) I have a rotating schedule: .....Rapashy ( which has vits in it ) ,repcal vits, and repcal ( cal w/vit D)

2. Would a Reptifogger be good for keeping humidity in the tank?
Yes ! But....Sorry ....I have never used this product- ( I only have experience w/ mist king)

3.Should I purchase another poison dart frog to go in there, and if so, should I do the same species, or can I do another one?
Yes ...same species! Leucs are quite comfortable in small groups. Mixing dart species should only be attempted by very experienced dart frog keepers. If done , only certain species are mixed. A very, very large enclosure is needed.

4. What size tank is recommended for a successful vivarium?
This really depends on the species. You can't go wrong with a 24" high enclosure.

5.What else should I do to improve my 20 gal. tank?
Turn it vertically ?
Consider a layered substrate...."naturalistic tropical vivarium": keep in mind this takes up 5-6 " of ( height) space
Naturalistic Vivarium Substrates | Reptile and Amphibian Substrates | Josh's Frogs

Lynn

[XmusJaxonFlaxonWaxon]

Hello,

1. How often should I dust prey with Calcium/vitamin supplement?
calcium daily -( vits less often) I have a rotating schedule: .....Rapashy ( which has vits in it ) ,repcal vits, and repcal ( cal w/vit D)

2. Would a Reptifogger be good for keeping humidity in the tank?
Yes ! But....Sorry ....I have never used this product- ( I only have experience w/ mist king)

3.Should I purchase another poison dart frog to go in there, and if so, should I do the same species, or can I do another one?
Yes ...same species! Leucs are quite comfortable in small groups. Mixing dart species should only be attempted by very experienced dart frog keepers. If done , only certain species are mixed. A very, very large enclosure is needed.

4. What size tank is recommended for a successful vivarium?
This really depends on the species. You can't go wrong with a 24" high enclosure.

5.What else should I do to improve my 20 gal. tank?
Turn it vertically ?
Consider a layered substrate...."naturalistic tropical vivarium": keep in mind this takes up 5-6 " of ( height) space
Naturalistic Vivarium Substrates | Reptile and Amphibian Substrates | Josh's Frogs

Lynn

Thanks for the reply! I have a decent vivarium for my mountain horned dragon, so I'm looking to revamp all my pets enclosures. Would a 12x12x18 work for a Viv w/ two of these guys?

[flybyferns]

I have 5 in a 24 H x 36 wide exo . The use EVERY speck of space; including climbing ll the way to the screen. Mine are like little tree frogs! I would go with a 24 high. Petsmart has them for 89.00 right now-good buy ! The glass needs to be pulled out of the screen lid and replace w/ 1/4 glass. It's an easy project.-but I cheat- I have the glass cu . It goes in very nicely with aquarium sealant. The back/lid has openings ( for cords etc) that can be left in the open for ventilation.I place a small battery operated fan in the front -facing the door vets ---for extra ventilation when needed.

Remember, once you add 5" of substrate - you have really affected the # of sq inches of leftover space. It all matters.
if you use the 12x12x18 ...........after substrate you have 12x12x13
if you use the 12x12x18 (which is 11 gallons )----after substrate it's now 8 gallons
Too small in my opinion.

They enjoy climbing:
http://www.frogforum.net/members/fly...2-24-2013.html

[XmusJaxonFlaxonWaxon]

I have 5 in a 24 H x 36 wide exo . The use EVERY speck of space; including climbing ll the way to the screen. Mine are like little tree frogs! I would go with a 24 high. Petsmart has them for 89.00 right now-good buy ! The glass needs to be pulled out of the screen lid and replace w/ 1/4 glass. It's an easy project.-but I cheat- I have the glass cu . It goes in very nicely with aquarium sealant. The back/lid has openings ( for cords etc) that can be left in the open for ventilation.I place a small battery operated fan in the front -facing the door vets ---for extra ventilation when needed.

Remember, once you add 5" of substrate - you have really affected the # of sq inches of leftover space. It all matters.
if you use the 12x12x18 ...........after substrate you have 12x12x13
if you use the 12x12x18 (which is 11 gallons )----after substrate it's now 8 gallons
Too small in my opinion.

They enjoy climbing:
http://www.frogforum.net/members/fly...2-24-2013.html

Ok, I'll look at getting a 24 high. Thanks for the help!

[flybyferns]

Ok, I'll look at getting a 24 high. Thanks for the help!

You are welcome !
Keep us posted.

[DartEd]

Just to tag onto Lynn's excellent response, I have used the reptifogger and its nice. It helps increase humidity which can never be too high for darts unless they're swimming. It also looks pretty cool to show off for guests. A 20 gallon high is fine for a pair to 3 Leucomelas. Provide ledges wood and plants for them to perch from and your viv will be very suitable for them.

The best substrate to grow plants In my not so humble opinion is ABG. Many frog retailers carry it and it usually goes from 5-7 a gallon. For a 20 H vivarium you'll need approximately 3 gallons to cover 1.5 -2 inches. If you want to id be happy to share the name of the retailer i use for most of my supplies but in private so as not to upset any sponsors. Best of luck and take lots of pictures.