Help(!) with Grey Tree Frogs

[Rebel]

I am no beginner with frogs. I've kept various types for over 30 years, and even bred both fire-belly toads and mantellas. So I'm perplexed why I'm struggling with what is supposed to be an "easy" species. I've attempted to raise grey tree frogs in various settings: In a shaded terrarium in the backyard, In a planted terrarium in a greenhouse, and in a terrarium in my basement with LED lighting. I used planted tall tanks between 20 and 40 gallons each time. The tanks were decorated with branches and bark. For substrate I tried topsoil, peat moss, and also sphagnum. Typically I kept about 1-3 inches of water at the base with plenty of bark islands. I read that these frogs are sensitive to excessive humidity so I've experimented with a 12-V computer fan on top for ventilation. Feeding is primarily crickets, supplemented with earthworms from the backyard, pillbugs, and waxworms. The frogs generally show no trouble feeding.

IN the backyard the temperature ranged between 60 and 80 degrees, much like in the greenhouse. In the basement, it remained close to 70. The frogs were never situated in direct sun.

But for an "easy" frog they never last long. I buy 6 or 8, and within 2 months I'm down to one or two. The frogs die looking well fed. Sometimes they appear bloated but not always. Often I see them sitting on the ground, then a day or two later they are dead.

What am I doing wrong?

[LilyPad]

These are one of the easier frogs. Please read the care sheet to double check that everything you're doing coincides with the recommended care - Frog Forum - Gray Tree Frog Care and Breeding

[Lija]

They are easy... Provided they are healthy.

would you please describe what was happening, where did you buy(get) them, did you quarantine them? Have you treated and what did you use? What type of water have you used? How this sphagnum look like ( long stings/milled)? What size of tank did you have for these 6-8 frogs? How old were these frogs?

Answering these qs might help to point out something.

[Rebel]

I ordered from either LLL Reptile or Underground Reptiles. The first tank i used was a 47 High. The bottom was topsoil covered wtg about 3 inches of water. That was in my greenhouse. Next i tried in my basement in a 30 High. The substrate is a mix of topsoil and ground peat (for gardening). I read that tree frogs are poor swimmers, so i reduced the water to barely over an inch. More than half of tye water surface is taken up by a cork bark island. The frogs arrived mainly as adults with a few subadults. They were very active, without bruising. Some ate crickets within a few minutes of being unpacked. None were skinny. The substrate blends i use for many other amphibians without issue.
Any insights you have would be much appreciated

[Rebel]

Oh and i used tap water, often aged for a day, but not always. Also, i use straight tap for a variety of other frogs and salamanders

[irThumper]

Oh and i used tap water, often aged for a day, but not always. Also, i use straight tap for a variety of other frogs and salamanders

That could very well be the problem right there. Strongly recommend you begin using a water conditioner asap!