Dendrobates leucomelas? What should i do?

[kev485]

So i went to the expo today and i found these bumblebee dart frogs for sale and i just had to get one for the price ($20) now the thing is i know a few information about them like they need high humidity, high temperature can kill them, etc. but i've seen a lot of people on youtube displaying theirs in those exo terras cages filled with plants resembling a rainforest pretty much....is it necessary to spend + $300 on equipment for just one frog? any ideas on what i can do for my little buddy? any advice? what he's currently in is those shoe boxes with coco fiber, alot of moss, and a coconut hide. Thanks

[DigitalPunk]

Grats on the new frog!

Sorry to keep this so short. Here is some care info on your new frog. As long as you tick off all the requirements with your setup your frog should be fine. Keep in mind what type of environment they like (do they spend all day on the ground, do they like to climb, Do they like to hide) and design around those needs.

[flybyferns]

I agree w/ Paul. You do not have to spend a fortune.

However, even though you have only one frog ( for now ) .........a 10 gallon setting ( eventually ) is best.
If you decide to keep a small group ( leucs do well in small groups ) .....a larger setting .......min 20 gallon/tall or larger should be in your plans.

A proper environment does not have to be expensive. I'm sure you agree that it has nothing to do with the cost of the frog.
Free or a $600 pair of O pumilio all need, as Paul mentions, to be kept in a proper setting > for a happy ,healthy,froggy life.

You are right about the temps....if you should see 78F ....it should set off an alarm in your head !
Open the take immediately to vent and get the temp down.

Leucs are very entertaining....This hobby does have a contagious effect so plan ahead

A minimum 10 gallon aquarium / w a screen lid/ cut a pc of inexpensive glass and silicone it to the inside of the screen lid.
You don't have to cover the interior sides or back with any background material.

A simple pc of tall/ smooth wood with a vine going on it will be fine. Leucs LOVE to climb if given the opportunity ( look at the "natural" bird perches at petco or pet smart ), sometimes they have nice sales Take the hardware of it /bake it in the oven at 275 for 45 min to get rid of any 'bugs' out.

Layering the substrate --- bottom up ^ with gravel ( aquarium pea size ) - barrier/screening - and a bag of ABG soil will keep the plants healthy.

Plain eco earth will eventually get really yuckie and start to smell. With exception of the bag of ABG all of these supplies can be purchase at a big box pet store. For barrier , I use 3/4 " poly quilting batting purchase by the yard at a fabric store ( probably all of 3$) . Or use a pc of fiberglass screening for Home Depot. If you don't want to buy a lg roll ---find a cheap replacement screen w/ (fiberglass screen) and cut the screening out?

ABG- ( as well as other supplies ) can be purchased at Josh's frogs...ABG, Atlanta Botanical Gardens Mix | Reptile Substrate | Josh's Frogs

For the glass (for the underside of the lid ) find a cheap picture frame on sale - cut the glass to fit. Cheap picture frame glass w/ NO UVB protection is better so light gets through to the plants.

A dollar mist bottle for spraying level and a good thermometer.......your good to go

Your leuc can remain it the starter enclosure as you build his new home.

And of course fruit fly supplies:
You will have to make a new culture ( or 2 ) every 2 weeks to keep the food supply going. I would make 2 ( or 1 every week to 10 days ) just in case a culture crashes you have another right around the corner. Don't bother w/ culturing Drosophila Hydei Fruit Flies as they are a pain and take longer to culture. Culturing melanogaster fruit flies is a simple process and they are easy to culture.

Have fun ! and Welcome to Frog Forum
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