Suitable frog(s) for a beginner?

[Priya04]

Hi, I have a 20g high (which previously was a cichlid tank, a fw planted communityr and very recentyly,land hermit crab terrarium. I upgraded the hermits to a 55g)which is sitting empty. I was always interested in frogs...but never really researched the topic up until now. I know there are many species of frogs available, but that's the thing. How do I know which is the right one for me and vice versa (they have preferences too!)?

I would love have:
*A semi-aquatic environment with floating plants (but tree frogs are OK too)
*A single (or a pair, or few) low maintenance frog (I own other critters and totally know ALL living things come with needs, but the more easygoing they are, the better right?)
*Diurnal (I have my hermit crabs. They're nocturnal enough for me)
*Inexpensive set up (I have the tank, Bio-wheel filter, heater etc..the big stuff. Just need the hood. I want something that won't require elaborate set ups. Like something that will give me the option to go all out if I want to, but can live simply too).
*OK with eating pellets, shrimps, freeze-dried things (ie no bugs, insects or worms plase )
*A great beginner frog!!!

I am in Toronto, Canada and don't know many places other than PetSmart which sells frogs. Local classifieds don't seem to have many posts either (currently researching so looking for options ahead of time). Thanks!!!

[Bombina Bob]

Hi prya04, Great beginner frogs would be African clawed frogs, Pacman frogs, and Whites tree frogs. One whites could fit in the 20 gallon and a pair or maybe a trio of African clawed frogs in the 55 gallon, Another option would be dart frogs but they require more work and care but aren't hard to take care of. These are only three frogs but there are so many more

[Priya04]

Thanks for the suggestions, Ryan. I am interested in the ACF after someone else told me about them...but don't know if I'll find anything in my local PetSmart. It's a great store which treats their animals well and thy do have a few species of frogs (saw last night) but no ACF. Most probably because of the season..because I didn't see their hermit crabs either. I only have the 20g to use (the 55g is for the hermits)..if I do find a ACF, do you think I can keep one in there? Do they do fine alone or need to be in pairs? My husband is leaning towards the semi-aquatic and so am I. We like the idea of having both the elements (plants, water and some dry land). However, I'd love to find all my options before making up my mind/coming across one particular frog...so a list of other beginner acquatics would be so much helpful!

[Bombina Bob]

Yea I've never seen ACFs at Petsmart before, I have however seen the dwarf frogs
there. Are there any aquarium shops within your area that you could maybe ask
about ordering ACFs? Clawed frogs do not need land, they never use it. You can
keep a frog in a 10 gallon as a minimum but one would be more comfortable in the
20 gallon. Other good beginner aquatics would include Axolotls and fire belly toads
Lastnote on Clawed frogs is to use sand instead of gravel, This is because of
impaction risks.

[Tongue Flicker]

Yea I've never seen ACFs at Petsmart before, I have however seen the dwarf frogs
there. Are there any aquarium shops within your area that you could maybe ask
about ordering ACFs? Clawed frogs do not need land, they never use it. You can
keep a frog in a 10 gallon as a minimum but one would be more comfortable in the
20 gallon. Other good beginner aquatics would include Axolotls and fire belly toads
Lastnote on Clawed frogs is to use sand instead of gravel, This is because of
impaction risks.

I don't think axolotls should be considered a good beginner amphibian. Yes, they are hardy to some degree but according to the TS's needs; axolotls are not semi-aquatic, not diurnal, does best in a small group, should not be kept on a pellet or a freeze-dried only diet (they need live food i.e. worms, fish, non-hairy insects) and definitely not a frog. I agree with the fire-bellied toads, though. ACFs/ADFs are illegal or may require some license in some countries and some US states so they may not be readily available all the time since their breeding and importation is limited

[Bombina Bob]

yes they aren't frogs but i was under the impression of aquatics. Ive owned axolotls for a while now and i've seen my male out every day. I do agree that their diet should be varied and they arent semi aquatic, i feed mine Hikari blood worms and night crawlers. Amphibians in general do not get "Lonely" and don't have that affection towards each other. African clawed frogs are pretty common in some states but because they are an alien species, their ownership within some states is illegal. They are bred with hormones quite often and are very rarely if ever wild caught.

[MatthewM1]

If you don't want to feed live insects you are pretty much left with just African clawed frogs, fully aquatic species, aggressive eaters and will gladly eat pellets, but still a varied diet of live prey is much better.

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[demon amphibians]

the bugs part is a must when owning frogs. All frogs are predators. They can only see prey items that move. Kinda like T-rex on Jurassic park. A great frog for you would be fire bellies. They meet all the requirements you listed aside from eating pellets.

[Mentat]

If eating pellets is required; you are limited to African Clawed Frogs as Mathew mentioned and could keep a pair in a 20H. Still, their diet should be varied, so need to add other items to it. Also, you could keep 8-10 African Dwarf Frogs instead. Either way, recommend keep water level couple inches below tank surface and use a tight fitting top. Both species are escape artists and when they get out; it usually ends in frog's death.

Demon mentioned FBT's and they are great beginners frogs; but those will only eat live moving stuff and will ignore pellets. Good luck !

[Tongue Flicker]

If eating pellets is required; you are limited to African Clawed Frogs as Mathew mentioned and could keep a pair in a 20H. Still, their diet should be varied, so need to add other items to it. Also, you could keep 8-10 African Dwarf Frogs instead. Either way, recommend keep water level couple inches below tank surface and use a tight fitting top. Both species are escape artists and when they get out; it usually ends in frog's death.

Demon mentioned FBT's and they are great beginners frogs; but those will only eat live moving stuff and will ignore pellets. Good luck !

Agreed. +1