New to frogs!

[mightymouse]

Hi! Im new to everything froggy, I hope to be getting my viv in the next week and Im unsure on what sizing is best. I have an idea on what frogs I would like, USA green tree frogs, are these good for beginners? Ive been doing as much research as I can but there is so much conflicting info out there, I was even told by a stockist that a heat mat isnt essential?! Ive joined here to help me be the best I can for my new frogs, any tips or advice is greatly appreciated.

[LilyPad]

Welcome!!! American green tree frogs would be a great starter tree frog. They are pretty hardy. You could follow the same care instructions listed for grey tree frogs which can be found Here. I am not sure about breeding, but tank size, temps, humidity, foods and etc would all be pretty much the same.

A heat mat is not essential unless you get some crazy low temperatures in your house. I try not to ever let my grey tree frog tank fall below 65 degrees though and will put a heat mat on to warm it up if it seems to be chilly for a long period of time.

I would also recommend UV lighting even though many will say it isn't needed. We are not sure how it affects frogs but my frogs seem healthier with it. Also, if you're growing live plants in your tank (which you should definitely consider,) it's a must have in order to keep them alive.

Has anyone considered typing up and AGTF care sheet??

[mightymouse]

Thanks for the reply. Ive noted that both are quite similar
I live in the uk so things can get a bit chilly but the room where the set up will be is at a constant (ish) temperature year round. I had thought about planting the tank but on reading that the substrate needs replacing every clean (dont know if this is true or not) I felt planting and the up rooting would be of no benefit to the plants, could keeping them in the pots be an option? I dont know how much frogs poop?! How often do people clean the viv out with the larger frogs? I dont mind getting grubby, I have a horse and two dogs so poop and daiky cleaning is the norm for me

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[LilyPad]

If you do a drainage layer and introduce springtails or isopods into your viv, you can go a year or more without changing the substrate. I've had my viv built and planted for 3 years and have only changed the substrate twice. Once because a frog died and I wanted to make sure everything was clean, and another time because all my plants died and I was worried something was off. Springtails or isopods will clean up any frog poop or dead bugs that end up in your viv floor and it all works together to make fertilizer for your live plants and a self sustaining vivarium. I only clean frog poop off of leaves, branches or glass. The rest gets left. I do change the water every day using distilled dechlorinated water.

I'm pretty sure there is instructions somewhere on this forum on making a drainage layer. Personally, I do a layer of hydroballs, a layer of fiberglass screening, and then a layer of substrate, coco fiber or plantation soil. I have a pump in the layer of hydroballs to pump out any water that gets in there, but you could just put in a tube to siphon the excess water out. I know some people drill a hole into the tank if it's nontempered glass and drain that way.

[mightymouse]

Ok, I'll have a go at that. I like the sound of your set up! Frogs are a bit like gold dust round me so I'm in no hurry. Im getting the exo terra small/tall. Ive had a look at some of the builds others have put up and I feel so overwhelmed at the idea! I'll just take my time I guess.

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[LilyPad]

It's not hard once you get going Taking time is a good thing, rushing the process and then rushing to get frogs in it is when people start to have issues. If you have any questions as you build, just ask, everyone here will be more than helpful! I also recommend taking pictures as you go, it's very fulfilling to have a completed vivarium and look back through the process. Plus, it helps others in the future.

[DigitalPunk]

hey Mighty, Welcome to the forum!

Green tree frogs would be a great starter frog as Amy has already mentioned. The one thing to keep in mind with tree frogs is getting a tank that is at least 18 inches tall. 24 Inches is preferable (46cm - 61cm) .ree frogs love to have a lot of vertical space to explore.

Live plants are def the way to go. You won't have to worry about a wire in a fake plant stabbing your frog and it adds to the things you get to observe in the terrarium.

Doing a proper drainage layer is key to the soil substrate lasting a good long time. Also as Amy said adding Springtails to the soil will help ensure the soil stays clean. On top of the Springtails add nutrients back into the soil for you plants.


Drainage layers can be done any number of ways. I have done it 3 or 4 different ways and my favorite way is to build a false bottom using egg crate and then placing screen over the top of that and then the soil. This creates a void of air in the bottom of the tank for water to drain into. It ensures water never touches the bottom of the soil (having soil sitting in water will cause a very foul smell and force you to tear the terrarium apart to clean it and throw everything away).

Taking your time on the build is key. There are quite a few build threads on the forum and around the web you can look through to get ideas how others have done it. It can all be a bit over whelming, but if you take it a step at a time and go slow you will do great!

Paul

[mightymouse]

Thank ypu both fpr the fab advice! I will be posting once I get my viv

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[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF! The vivarium section has many thread builds explaining how to create a false bottom, this is one of my favorite ones: http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...aludarium.html. IRT water, some members add a filtered water feature, or you can have a daily cleaned and replaced water dish with dechlorinated tap water. You can use distilled water to mist the enclosure, since it does not leave deposits on glass; but avoid spraying the frogs. Good luck !

[deranged chipmunk]

Hey there MM, welcome to the forum! I don't have much to add, just wanted to say welcome!!


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

[deranged chipmunk]

I would also recommend UV lighting even though many will say it isn't needed. We are not sure how it affects frogs but my frogs seem healthier with it. Also, if you're growing live plants in your tank (which you should definitely consider,) it's a must have in order to keep them alive.

Actually.....not true. Plants do not require uv lighting to live. Plants use the color spectrum and intensity of light to promote photosynthesis. I have been growing plants indoors for over 2 decades and never have I used ultraviolet lighting.

Sorry Amy



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

[LilyPad]

Actually.....not true. Plants do not require uv lighting to live. Plants use the color spectrum and intensity of light to promote photosynthesis. I have been growing plants indoors for over 2 decades and never have I used ultraviolet lighting.

Sorry Amy



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

I feel stupid, I honestly assumed UV light must have the correct color spectrum. I checked the color spectrum before purchasing the LED on my grey tree frog tank but now that you mention that, I didn't check it on my new build. Just bought UV lights and assumed it was right! Thanks for the correction...as I go to the website to check the specs on my other lights...

ETA: I'm good, they do say full spectrum

[Heatheranne]

Some UV lights do also have full spectrum lighting. Vivarium plants will do best in a range of 6500k to 6700k. Plants such as pothos, some philodendrons, and some Chinese evergreens will tolerate a slightly lower k range. The closer to 6700k you can get, the easier it is for the plants to make energy for growth. A little healthy frog poo pushed into the soil makes for great fertilizer.

[mightymouse]

Wow I didn't realise plants needed specific lighting too haha I'm getting a single bulb canopy, what bulb should I get that will do both the frogs and the plants some good and not frazzled them

[Tongue Flicker]

Hey there welcome aboard!