New to PDFs, Newbie Questions

[GoTribe]

Greetings everyone;


Spent a good bit of time browsing these forums, have already enjoyed learning from you all and looking forward to continuing my education. My apologies for any questions that could be found searching; just so much information to sift through and it's difficult on my phone.


I am a turtle guy by nature. Have had turtles my entire life, even studied in college. My eastern box has been my buddy for 22 years now. My transition to Darts is in part a long time fascination, and part my two kids love for them. I learned a lot of responsibility through my turtles and I'm looking forward to passing that along with my children.


(1). I originally wanted to house an Auratus and a Leucomelas together. Being as they are considered great group frogs, I had assumed it was similar to different turtle species that can easily co-habitate. I believe the consensus is that is not a good idea - correct? If it is a bad idea, then it will likely be a pair (or maybe trio) of one of the above two or possibly Tinctorious instead? Any reason you would recommend one over the other?


(2). Secondly, as with most newbie questions, it's regarding the terrarium. I'm planning to live plant, and understand the basics of the set up. My main issue is what to use. I do know nearly everything needs some modifications. Are glass top additions really solid, or are there drilled vent holes? How much ventilation is too much and too little?


Originally planned on the Exo Terra in either 18 or 24 x18x18. I had also considered the Protean 18x18x18 or simply converting an aquarium. Any other type, size (bigger?) suggestions? What would you recommend best overall (taking appearance, cost, ease of or no necessary modification, etc)?



I think that's all my novice questions for the time being - all my brain can muster up at the current moment. I greatly appreciate your time and information.

[GoTribe]

Very sorry; this should've went to the beginners questions sub-forum. Off to a great start.

[flybyferns]

Good Morning,

We can just leave your post here......it's ok. Welcome to Frog Forum!

There was a thread yesterday with very similar questions.
I think you should find answers to all of your questions here:

http://www.frogforum.net/beginner-di...pply-list.html

Except, your question regarding ventilation. I don't recall discussing this.
Personally, I remove all of the screen from the top of the exo tanks and replace it with glass. ( photo in the link above) It is an easy fix ( if I can do it ...anyone can). I buy cheap picture frame glass as you don't want to get anything w/ UV protection. If you should need any help with this ... post your question here ...throw me a PM to give me a heads up

Remember, there are vents under the front doors and you will be opening the doors 1-2 times daily to feed.
Plus, there are the vents in the lid for cords and mist tubing. However, be careful if you are housing thumbnail darts , juvenile or small frogs as they can fit through that opening; especially the thumbs ! They are little Hudini frogs if they can get out ....they will !

Chime in if you should have any additional questions !

[jz24]

Hi Go Tribe,

Welcome to frog forum. You have been given a lot of helpful info. You are correct in that species should not be mixed. Either of your suggested choices would make wonderful first frogs. I personally have azureus and they are really great beginner frogs as I am pretty new to PDF keeping myself. Whatever you get, please do not forget to quarantine. There is a wonderfully helpful thread by Lynn on quarantining procedures. Most helpful. Good luck and have fun With your frogs.

Take care,

Judy

[Heatheranne]

Welcome to the forum and the possibility of some new darts!

Dart frogs are a great species to own and their are lots of options to choose from .

It is easiest to choose your species first and then plan a tank around their needs. Many Tinc's and larger dart frogs need a good amount of land space. Many enjoy climbing also. Most thumbnail dart species love to climb. Mixing species is frowned upon. It often leads to territorial issues and stress for the frogs, which can lead to illness. Keeping same species together makes for happy frogs .

Would you prefer a more terrestrial-type vivarium or more arboreal set-up, or both?

You may find that a more active and less shy species will be more enjoyable for you.

Here is a nice article by joshsfrogs. It sounds as if you've already done some research .
http://www.joshsfrogs.com/catalog/bl...nt-dart-frogs/

Dendrobates auratus:
http://www.joshsfrogs.com/catalog/bl...bates-auratus/

Dendrobates tinctorius:
http://www.joshsfrogs.com/catalog/bl...es-tinctorius/

Dendrobates leucomelas:http://www.joshsfrogs.com/frogs-for-...eucomelas.html

All 3 choices are great .

[Happy Frog]

Welcome to the forum. "All are welcome. All welcome."

I'm a turtle guy too. One tortoise and the the rest are pond turtles. No box turtles though...

I'm somewhat new to PDF's so any advice I give you is from personal and anecdotal experience. These frogs are very hardy and you don't need to be some great expert to raise them successfully.

1. Don't rush. Taken your time setting up your vivarium. I have both aquariums and several Exo Terra's. I like standard aquariums better because they are cheaper, more easily acquired, and I can control heat and humidity better. I use the back plastic strip that comes with the glass canopy to control humidity by drilling holes in them. If I need to increase the humidity then I just cover them with Saran Wrap? You don't need to start with fancy or expensive plants like you see in some people's enclosures. Most of the plants I have are from Wal-Mart or Home Depot. The exception being bromeliads like Neoregalias. As a matter of fact every new tank I've set up has been planted with cuttings from other tanks.

I like the idea of letting your tank grow in for awhile before you actually add frogs. I recently set-up a 38 gallon tank and it's been growing in for the last 30 days. I'm about ready to add my froglets any day now. Maybe even today!

My first tank I let grow in for nearly 2 1/2 months before adding my frogs.

2. Don't mix species.

3. Don't crowd the tank.

4. If you choose Tincs then know that they climb. I think they are considered a mostly terrestrial species but every single one of mine climbs.

Those are some of my basics but just ask anyone here and we'll help you. Good luck!!!