Natural Style - Dart/Mantella Tank 18x18x24

[DigitalPunk]

Thanks! Haven't had any additional escapes since the first mass exodus lol. This was by far the least expensive tank to date. I need to cover the sides and the back still but they seem to be loving it still!

I got a great deal on these vents and love them! They are very skittish and run to the back of the tank whenever I get within eye site of them lol.


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[jarteta97]

Just a question, do you prefer the natural rock bottom or egg crate when it comes to having a water feature/area?

[DigitalPunk]

I prefer the rock false bottom myself, but the egg crate cans be cut and molded to create some pretty intricate landscapes.


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[DigitalPunk]

Ugh this tank is going to be the death of me. I had only seen 2 of the vents the last couple days at feeding time. Which isn't overly odd since they seem to stay hidden all the time. Well curiosity killed the cat tonight so I did some "exploratory surgery tonight. 2 of the Vents were up in the normal night time spots down in the big broom. The other 2 are no where to be found. I looked everywhere. I took the split seed pods out and moved the tank so I could see the back side. Nothing Only the 2. So I assume they escaped... but I couldn't fine any points that they could escape from. So now I am considering tearing the whole tank apart and setting them back up in a new tank.

I will be incredibly sad if they are in fact gone and or dead. These would be the first ones I have lost so far :/

[jarteta97]

I'm sorry. I know how you feel. I once thought that I had lost my AGTF, or that it had been eaten by my other, slightly larger one. I tore up the entire tank, emptied everything of the tank except the thin layer of sub (this was in my newbie stage), and declared it lost. Three days later, I found it in the corner of the tank just sitting there. I hope that you can find them. Don't lose hope!

[DigitalPunk]

Now I am debating if I am going to setup the now empty 18x18x24 Exo Terra I have and transfer the 2 I know are still in there to it. Then I can slowly take this one apart and see if I have to missing frogs or 2 frogs who are really good at hiding.

I am a sad Paul tonight though. I was proud I hadn't lost any frogs yet. Guess it happens to us all eventually.

[jarteta97]

I mean, you gave them an amazing tank, and they look healthy. I like your idea of moving the two of them that are out. Hopefully the other two are just burrowing or hiding. I would wait overnight, and see if they show up by morning. Don't beat yourself up over it, you're an awesome caretaker

[deranged chipmunk]

Sorry to hear about the escapes buddy. It really sucks. I think most of us have been there and can empathize. Hopefully, you will find their escape route and correct it.

And yes, they will play follow the leader. My imitators did


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[DigitalPunk]

Bill,

The escape route is int he front left corner of the left door. Sometimes when the door closes it pulls then vent below it apart and I am assuming it was far enough for them to get through and then crawl right out of the tank :/


I started on setting up the spare 18 x 18 x 24 today. I'll start yet another build thread lol.

[MsBlueRose]

I am so sorry to hear that you lost the babies... It sounds like your exoterra may need some repairs if it is pulling apart. Is there any way you could exchange it for a new one where ever you got it from? I would hate to see the same thing happen again. Good luck on the new build and I wish you the best of luck on the new build and your remaining two babies.

[DigitalPunk]

I am working on a replacement tank for them now. I will repair this one once I have the 2 remaining vents safe in their new home. Hoping to have the new tank done and everyone moved in early next week.

[MsBlueRose]

Good luck with the rebuild. I do hope the last escapee is found alive?! They are just so tiny though, it is not favorable for them for sure...