Adding to my Zoo

[Maverrick]

Hello all, I am new here and have a question. I have a 6x2x2 ft aquarium that i want to turn into a firebelly frog sanctuary. I will have 3 ft center of water with 2 ft each side of land. 1) How deep to have the water. 2) How many frogs to house 3) most important i need VERY low maint. plants. Also will have several steams snd waterfalls. Thnx for any feed back

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF! First thing myself recommend is to read this article: Frog Forum - Fire-Bellied Toad Care and Breeding - Bombina orientalis and relatives since it will answer a couple of your questions.

Then go to vivarium section and look at this thread: http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...ion-101-a.html and also at the member's builds in there. Need to learn about drainage layers and false bottoms, because will have to use either of those since dry substrate area can't be waterlogged or it will become a bog.

Water depth will depend on your design, but be aware that if live plants are used, a false bottom and substrate layers can take around 6 in. of total height from tank. Adding water subtracts more from tank height and it will affect how the tank looks. You got 24 in. of height, a 6 in. water depth would result in dry area surface at around mid-tank height. Plan your design first and imagine how the whole thing looks, before you start actually building. That will save you a headache later, good luck !

[Maverrick]

Ok thnx for the info. Another question, if i want self contained ponds (ie, water dishes) do i need a false bottom or any special drainage.

[deranged chipmunk]

You would still need a drainage layer for the terrestrial portions. Regular misting will cause water to accumulate at the bottom of the tank.


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

[Maverrick]

Ok thnx however if i had some self contained running water through the tank with large water dishes, would i still need to mist? My objective, if possible, not to do false bottom

[deranged chipmunk]

If you are going to have any live plants, then misting is absolutely necessary. Also, the frogs will track water out of the water area, so you will definitely need some drainage.

If you are trying to avoid having any drainage system whatsoever, might I suggest a nice lizard? Lol


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

[Maverrick]

Yea lol already have a nice lizard. So. Ok, for instance i would lay down aquarium gravel, then build up the land portion with gravel. Would i need any other layer of material. The gravel would replace a false type bottom, right. Ok maybe fake plants instead of live.

[deranged chipmunk]

Yes, you could easily make a drainage layer from gravel. Don't forget to install a tube to siphon out the extra water. A piece of airline tubing will work.


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

[Mentat]

Yes, you can build a drainage layer with couple inches of gravel; then plastic window screen; then 3 in. ABG type soil for plants. Water must not reach the substrate layer. You can either drill tank (if glass not tempered) and install an aquarium bulkhead with valve to remove pooled water; or insert a 1 in. clear plastic tube into a filter sponge reaching all the way to tank's bottom. Then use a smaller flexible hose (gravel cleaner) and insert into tube to drain excess water out .

[Maverrick]

Ok that sounds better, thanks. Now what would be better, 1 big water area or couple smaller areas. Keep in mind i have 6x2 ft floor space

[deranged chipmunk]

The water areas are basically up to you and your design. The frog will realistically only care about whether or not there is water, not where it is.


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

[Maverrick]

Great, thnx for info