New to forum and need advice!

[frogwings]

Hi! I have just recently joined the forum. I have 2 dwarf African Frogs. I have had them for about 4 years and they have been very healthy. Recently I noticed one that looked like it was getting fat (I started a thread about this when I first joined several weeks ago) but now I think it is bloated. He is getting so big he looks like a balloon. What can I do, if anything, to help or is it hopeless? The other frog and the fish and snails are doing fine. I feed the frogs the frog and tadpole bits and they seemed to be in great health until now. Any input would be welcome! Thanks!

[Mentat]

Sorry your frog is sick . Please answer these questions to try and identify the problem. Thank you !

“Trouble in the Frog Enclosure”

The following information will be very helpful if provided when requesting assistance with either your frog or enclosure. To help with your questions, please utilize the below list and post the information in the proper forum area to get advice from FF members that keep the same frog. This will allow for little confusion and a faster more informed response.


1. Tank Size and volume of water in it (full, 1/2 filled, etc.)?

2. Number of inhabitants including all frogs and any fish?

3. Water source and any conditioner treatments?

4. Water Temperature and how is it heated (if so)?

5. Water chemistry levels: pH; Ammonia (NH3); Nitrites (NO2); Nitrates (NO3)? Note that if you do not have test kits, most aquariums/pet shops will do complimentary tests if you take a clean water sample.

6. Describe any filter system including model and media?[/COLOR]

7. Substrate type?

8. Tank set-up (plants (live or artificial), driftwood, hide outs and other decor? - How were things prepared prior to being put into the tank?

9. Main frog staple food and any treats? How often you feed?

10. CA, vitamins, and any other additives used (how often)?

11. Lighting set-up and hours it's used?

12. When is the last time frog ate?

13. Have you found poop lately?

14. A picture would be helpful including frog and tank (any including cell phone pics are fine).

15. How old is the frog?

16. How long have you owned him/her?

17. Is the frog wild caught or captive bred?

18. Any medications in the water (treatment dosis and for how long)?

19. Any salt in water (how much)?

20. Is the tank kept in a high or low traffic area?

21. Describe tank maintenance to include water changes, cleaning, media changes, etc.).



By Lynn(flybyferns), GrifTheGreat, and aquatic questions added by Carlos(Mentat)

[frogwings]

Thank you Carlos for replying to my question. Here are the answers that I think would give you the information you need.

1. 10 gallons about 2/3 full, substrate, plants and driftwood make up the other 1/3.
2. 2 dwarf african frogs, 5 neon tetras, 2 oto cats, 5 tiger nerites.
3. bottled spring water used since I got the frogs. No treatments used.
4. water temp: 78 degrees. Submersible heater.
5. All water chemistry is in perfect specs. I use the API master test kit.
6. AquaClear 20 with accompanying filter media.
7. Aquadurt and medium size gravel
8. Heavily planted, driftwood, stones, plenty of hiding places. Everything has been in place for over 4 years.
9. Frog and tadpole bits fed every other day on a glass plate so the frogs can find them.
10. No additives
11. One led light strip on for 12 hrs/day.
12. ?
13. ?
14. Photo of frog is impossible since he hides. I will attach a photo of the tank if I can.
15. 4-5 years
16. 4-5 years
17. captive bred
18. no
19. no
20. low
21. Water changes and cleaning about every 2 weeks, media changes in accordance with filter requirements.

I hope this gives you the information you need to give me some advice!
Thank you again Carlos!

[Mentat]

Not a fan of bottled water but imagine if delicate Neon Tetras are fine; it should be OK for frogs. How much water do you replace every two weeks and what are Nitrate levels before water change? Did Ammonia and Nitrites tested at zero? How old is your test kit and is it within periodicity?

If frog is bloated it could be cause by various reasons; but can't point to any particular one right now. Internal bacteria can do it by attacking organs regulating body water (Kidneys & Lymph Hearts). Bacteria are contagious and only one frog is showing symptoms so it's not a likely cause. Another cause is TOS due to bad water chemistry acting as toxins to frog. Again; that would affect both frogs. Another possibility is an internal disease (i.e. cancer) affecting the previously listed organs.

Only thing can recommend is to move the bloated frog into a separate hospital tank and add 1/2 tsp of Epsom salts per gallon of water. If that hospital tank is unfiltered; change 50% of water volume daily and replace the removed Epson salt according to volume changed. Good luck !

[frogwings]

All the water parameters you asked about tested at zero. I have had the kit since 2009 ~ I have no idea if it is in it's periodicity. I will check on that ASAP. I replace about 2 gallons of water with each water change plus adding 1/2 to 1 gallon to replace evaporated water. I will move the frog as you suggested and try the epson salt. Thank you for your advice and knowledge!