Some Beginner Questions

[Joshuaseidman94]

Hey guys!!

My name is Joshua. I am very excited to be a part of this forum! I have a few questions about the vivarium I am looking to set up for dart frogs and wanted some insight if you guys wouldn't mind helping me out.

So, I have a 30 gallon extra tall tank that I plan to make into my vivarium. From what I have read so far I understand that I need to create a falls bottom to allow the soil to wick up water as it is needed. Additionally, from what I understood, the frogs do not require any special lighting and so the lighting is just necessary for the plants ( I am familiar with plant lighting from a panther chameleon I own). Next, I had read that the frogs are fine at room temperature and that a slight temperature drop at night is a good thing. I also had read that humidity should be maintained between 80-100%. Below if it is okay I posted a few questions that I still have. If someone wouldn't mind answering them that would be amazing!!

1. As far as a falls bottom is concerned, what is the best way to construct the falls bottom and what materials should I use?


2. It seems like dart frogs can live on a diet of pin-head crickets, isopods, and flightless fruit flies. Is it okay to leave an excess of isopods in the tank to act as "garbage men" to keep the soil clean and eat all decomposing matter?

3. My biggest concern with setting up my vivarium is odor. I have a panther chameleon that had live plants and I had a huge problem with odor because of excessive watering due to the chameleons humidity requirement. Does creating a productive falls bottom prevent odor?

4. If odor becomes a problem from my vivarium, could I put a layer of carbon just above the falls bottom and below the soil to absorb odors?

5. I understand that there is a general rule of 10 gallons per frog. In a 30-gallon extra tall, could I squeeze 4 frogs in or 3 frogs maximum?

6. I read that certain species do not do well in packs. Could I place a dendrobate auratus 'costa rican green and black', dendrobate tinctorius 'french guiana Dward cobalt', dendrobate tictorius 'azureus,' and a dendrobate tictorius 'patricia?'

7. What is the best substrate to use for my vivarium?

8. I have seen many vivariums where the background of the tank seems to give the illusion that it is natural rock. Does anyone have a link with a tutorial on how to make something like that?

Thanks so much for all your help guys,

Joshua Seidman

[LilyPad]

Hello and welcome to the forum, Joshua!

This will answer a lot of your questions regarding the false bottom/drainage layer and backgrounds - http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...questions.html

You cannot mix the different species of frogs, you'll have to pick one that works well with others and go with that.

I use abg mix for my vivariums, it is the best for growing plants. You shouldn't have any odor so long as you're draining excess water out of the drainage layer.

As for other dart-specific questions, one of our dart owners will have to stop on and give you more advice I don't have any myself.

[Frogman1031]

Hello and welcome to the frog forum!

A false bottom is not necessary unless you have a water feature, LECA will be fine although the Leca like substance that Joshs frogs has is called false bottom.

Correct, the plants will need a light that is between 6500-6700 K.

1. If you don't use a water feature, the false bottom is just a layer of porous material at the bottom separated from the substrate with substrate barrier

2. Yes, excess isopods and springtails are actually very good for the tank. Remember to dust their food too

3. I have a layer of leca/false bottom at the bottom of my tank and there has never been an odor. I think that using coco fiber instead of ABG may cause odor, so make sure ABG mix is your substrate.

4. Not sure about this one, sorry

5. 3 frogs maximum, no more than that

6. Mixing species is a no-no in the frog world. Stick to one species

7. ABG mix

8. Spray foam is used to make the backgrounds you saw. I know that one of our mods posted a guide, i will try to find it for you

Edit: nvm, Amy's got you covered with that link

[Joshuaseidman94]

Thank you guys so much for all the help! My last question is in regard to breeding. If I were to decide to breed my darts, is there a ratio of males to females that is ideal for breeding? Additionally, do I need to give them a specific area designated for them to breed?

[Frogman1031]

It all depends on what species you are getting. Some species you will need more females, others you will need more males. Keeping them in the tank is best. Perhaps covering the sides to make them feel a little more secure. A lot of times people place a hollow cocnut hut on top of a petri dish with a tiny bit of water. This is usually where the frogs will lay their eggs as its the wettest ans safest place in the tank. Although, I have never bred my frogs so I cannot say for sure what works.

[deranged chipmunk]

Thank you guys so much for all the help! My last question is in regard to breeding. If I were to decide to breed my darts, is there a ratio of males to females that is ideal for breeding? Additionally, do I need to give them a specific area designated for them to breed?

The folks have you pretty well covered. My only addition is a suggestion I give to all new comers who want to breed. Start with healthy stock and just get used to keeping the frogs alive. Then worry about breeding. Also, keep in mind that many species, like D. Tinctorius morphs, don't become sexually mature for 2 years, so you have time


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