Gray tree frog (Hyla versicolor) terrarium

[elly]

One thing about frogs and leaves- my frog has tried to eat the tips of pothos leaves, but has never managed to tear off a single leaf, not even the dead ones. You're probably fine.

Do gray tree frogs need any ground space (and how much of it)?
I have aquarium gravel, which I could put in the water bowl. Is there a chance it might accidentally swallow some even though (I'm assuming) it won't be feeding in there?
My preferred option for the water bowl would be to use pebbles instead, but do I need to buy the (expensive) aquarium-safe pebbles found in pet stores or am I ok with the decorative pebbles found at dollar stores, hardware stores / gardening centers, etc.?
Do you guys have any tips to add perches/mini balconies to the terrarium's side?

Gray tree frogs do spend time on the ground, but I don't know that they need it, not if there are resting places large enough for them.

I wouldn't risk it. My frog has tried to eat bubbles in the water-bowl before.

they should maybe be okay if they're washed really well? IDK As long as they're made of ordinary stone it should be fine.

I don't have any real tips, but don't trust heavy things attached to suction cups!

[Mr Leopard]

Looks like those links also show the pictures of my wounded leopard frog. It's doing much better now, although the nose is still a bit swollen/discolored.

[elly]

Elly: That's a good point, but I'm also concerned about how much the frog absorbs stuff through its skin. Most (if not all) aquatic frogs, salamanders, etc. can suffer greatly from being handled for the following reasons: they can absorb soap residues, regular skin oil can block their pores and hinder water absorption, our warmth can cause them to dehydrate... and that's not even counting the dangers of hand lotions, mosquito repellent residues, sunscreen residues, etc. But since, as you pointed out, they have to have tougher skin and be a bit more dehydration resistant, maybe they can tolerate handling a bit more.

Personally I just use gloves. I'm paranoid about residues.

[Mr Leopard]

Quick question while I'm sawing away at my pieces of wood. Do you guys do anything to prevent them from rotting? Especially where they're touching the substrate? I was thinking about, maybe, applying a coat of aquarium grade silicone on those areas...

Does the silicone need to reach full cure before you put everything in the terrarium, including the frog? Or is it ok as soon as it's dry to the touch?

[Mr Leopard]

I'm not sure what species all of the pieces I have are from (some don't have any bark), but I took them from a place where there weren't any conifers around. So I imagine they're safe.

Edit: I'm starting another tread on this issue.

[elly]

If you use a hardwood, rotting shouldn't be much of an issue. There may be a little.

Silicone does indeed need to be fully cured! The fumes are bad for frogs.

[Mr Leopard]

Thanks. I wasn't sure if it still emits fumes after its dry to the touch.

I'm using hardwood, but I like to keep things I like for the longest possible time. I want to the terrarium to be ready as soon as possible though. But, since you say it shouldn't be much of an issue, I'll do it without and I'll see how long these pieces last.

If you have any advice about choosing the wood, here's the thread I started about the pieces I brought home: http://www.frogforum.net/showthread.php?t=35358