newbie in need of help

[omarrascon44]

So I'm planning on starting my first poison dart frog vivarium. I know the basics. So I have the option of using a 55 gal tank 48 inches long and 12 inches wide and 19 inches long. Or a basic 10 gallon tank I am not sure which one to use since it is my first vivarium. Now I would like to use abg mix as my substrate but it is a little pricey to fill the 55 gal tank so if I do go that route could I use the exo terra plantation soil that comes in 3 packs and the other half of abg mix. Another thing is I'm not sure what plants to use I want something that will give the effect of a grass and cover the substrate and other plants that will grow very very fast! And what is a good species of dart frogs that can stay together in big groups and will take advantage of all the space I can provide. Also I live in a very dry town so humidity will have to be in check constantly. And since I can't be home all day I was thinking of using the the exo terra monsoon will it be enough to cover the whole tank. And what would be a good lighting option that can have night options and help the growth of the plants. Thanks for all the help ahead of time.

[sp13126]

I'm in the process of building my second tank. I started this hobby with a exo-terra 18x24x18 tank. From that tank I have learned a few things. Egg-crate is easy to build the false bottom with and cover with fiberglass screen. Make sure to add some kind of support under the egg-crate. In my first build I didn't so I have a sag in the middle of my first tank. In my first tank I didn't use a mister, I used a fogger to help with the humidity but its not enough. I have to mist the tank a few times a day to keep water in the water dish I have in there. I'm not sure if this will help you out, but I know your in the right place to get help. They have helped me with the questions I had.

[deranged chipmunk]

If it's your first tank, I would recommend using the 10g and start out with a pair of darts. Get some experience. While you are enjoying them, move onto building the 55. The key to keeping humidity in the tank is sealing the top. Darts do not need a lot of ventilation. In fact, opening the tank for feeding or misting each day will provide enough air circulation for them. The monsoons, in my experience, are hit and miss. Some people have success with them, others, like myself, haven't. I went through 3 in a year. I would recommend a mistking system. It's expandable, so you'll be able to add the 55 to the system later on. And the mistking is comparably priced, about $100 for a starter kit.

If you haven't already, read over my construction thread. It's a stickie at the too of the page. I have covered the beginning basic elements so far, and will be adding more to it soon. You may find some of it helpful.


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