Need help with African Water Frog

[Susan Kay]

I have a 3 yr. old African water frog that has, for over a month, been unable to go/stay at the bottom of the tank, or maintain any other position in the water. There are no signs of bloat, also otherwise appears healthy. She (?) is sometimes, after a struggle, able to get under one of the submerged platforms/plateau provided. I have been hand feeding her blood worms about every 3 days, since she is unable to eat the sinking pellets. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!!

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF Susan! Well, not sure why the frog can't dive unless it has some sort of gas in it. Please answer the below questions and we will try to figure out the issue. Photos of your frog will be very helpful, 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. Describe frog's symptoms and/or recent physical changes; to include it's ventral/belly area.

16. How old is the frog?

17. How long have you owned him/her?

18. Is the frog wild caught or captive bred?

19. Any medications in the water (treatment doses and for how long)?

20. Any salt in water (how much)?

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

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

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

[Susan Kay]

Two frogs is 2 !/2 gallons, both are approx. 3 yrs. old in low traffic area. FeedingAquatic frog sinking micro pellets and bloodworms. No substrate so I can easil see if food is eaten. Lighting is tank overhead on about 10 am until 10 pm. No heate, but temp never falls (at night) below 72 degrees. Bpth were purchased from fish store. No medications in water and no salt. Filter system is run twice a week under supervision to prevent anyone from being stuck to uptake tube. Partial water change every week to 10 days. Biggest problem is excess algae due to lighting. There are hideouts -a piece that has several canopied areas areas and cut outs. Tap water is treated with a dechlorinator. Care is taken that water added is the same temperature. No signs of bloat and abdominal area looks fine. Over 4 weeks ago she suddenly could not maintain bottom or med level contact and just floated - splayed at the top. With a great struggle she could sometimes manage to position herself in the piece described above. Lots of shrill peeping during her struggle to dive. I have been hand feeding her blood worms at the surface. She even successfully molted. Wondering if the other frog is at risk and she should be quarantined. I was in the process of setting up a larger tank and wanted to acquire two more.

[mpmistr]

I have a 3 yr. old African water frog that has, for over a month, been unable to go/stay at the bottom of the tank, or maintain any other position in the water. There are no signs of bloat, also otherwise appears healthy. She (?) is sometimes, after a struggle, able to get under one of the submerged platforms/plateau provided. I have been hand feeding her blood worms about every 3 days, since she is unable to eat the sinking pellets. Any advice or help would be greatly appreciated!!

Is this Xenopus (African Clawed Frog - large, no webbed front feet, eyes on top of head) or Hymenochirus (African Dwarf Frog - small, webbed front feet, eyes on side of head)?

[Susan Kay]

"No this is definitely a dwarf frog".

[Mentat]

You can take a small water sample in sandwich bag to Petsmart or similar pet shops and get it analyzed for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates for free. Recommend get a bottle of Melafix and add to tank according to bottle label instructions daily for 7 days. Do a large 50% water change with dechlorinated same temperature tap water before starting treatment and daily before treatment. Let us know of any changes and good luck !