Cuestions regarding dartfrog terrarium.

[Shinx]

Is this terrarium an ok option for dartfrogs?
Don't know which type, but one that is suitable for beguinners. Thinking about Dendrobates tinctorius (a trio), but it's not decided. Anyways, I'll won't be getting any frogs until the tank is up running, and I have full control over it.

I will be costum ordering the tank, so the dimentions will be: 32 x 18 x 20. Regarding height, I'm not sure if 20 is enough, or if I should go for 24, or even more? I want the tank also for the plants, so if a higher tank gives me more options regarding plants I'll prefer that I think.



Will it be a problem with fog on the front doors? How to avoid? I have a light fixture that holds 2 linear fluorescent tubes, can I use that? Or is it better to invest in led ligting?

I want the tank to be very much self sustaining (other than feeding the frogs). So I want an automated water/misting system. Which one is the best?
I also want a false bottom, and maybe a small shallow pond. How deep can a pond be without endangering the frogs? What kind of pump is the best to use? And is the water from the pump connected to the mistingsystem in any way? I'm sure it's a stupid question :P

[Frogman1031]

Hello and welcome to frog forum !

Setting up a tank before adding frogs is always the best choice

It is most certainly possible to build a vivarium with those dimensions, but you will have happier frogs and more options if you up the height to 24.

What problem with fog are you referring to? If you are talking about condensation on the doors, there is really no way to prevent that. Although I personally would like fog on the doors as it will make the frogs feel more secure

For a live planted vivarium, an LED light between 6500-6700 k is the best choice. Plants will grow bigger, faster, and more colorful with this lighting.

I'm not sure if you can get it, but Mist King is one I've heard about that is good. I use an exo terra monsoon for when I'm not home (usually hand mist) but I wouldn't exactly recommend it to anyone.

A drainage layer is necessary whether or not you have a water feature. The only height that won't pose any risk at all is a height where the frog will not be fully submerged. However, the frogs will rarely go in there if at all.

Not sure what pump to use, preferably something quiet with minimal power or an external pump.

The pump will most likely not be connected to the misting system.

P.S, there is no such thing as a stupid question.😉

[Shinx]

Thanks I'm thinking about getting an even higher tank, to be able to put mourning geckos in as well (if there is room, and if they go along with the frogs).

Yes, condensation was the word I was looking for Some condensation doesn't bother me, but I've seen some photos where you can't see into the tank at all, and I've read that some tanks will have more condensation based on where the air vents are? But I could have been misunderstanding.

I've been looking at Mist King actually, good to know that's an ok option!

In one of the guides "Control Your Water", that sais something about filter as well as pump. Do you need a filter system, like in aquariums, or what kind of filters do I need?

[Frogman1031]

Mixing species and morphs of species is not recommended.

If the vent is by the door, then less condensation will occur. Keep in mind that if you have both ventilation by the door and have a screen top as well, your mister will be working overtime to keep humidity up.

i imagine that you would need a filter, but thats not really my forte. Hopefully someone with more experience will be able to help

[Shinx]

Ok, no mixing then

Yeah, I guess I'll have to cover up some of the venting. I have the same tanks for leopard geckos, and the ventilation is really good.