Mixed Terrarium

[snakeboy7167]

I would think that if the anole had plenty of escape options from the water bowl that it should be fine, however the toxicity of the frog is an area of concern. I'm not sure how toxic your treefrog would be to your anole, and how quickly the water could be tainted with the toxins from the frogs skin. However, if you do the rubbermaid idea, you can set it up so that you can remove it daily and replenish it with fresh dechlorinated water, thereby effectively removing any toxin buildup that may occur. It is a gamble, though, keeping two completely different species together, even though both the green treefrog and the green anole share much of the same natural range. I have kept anoles in the past, and have noticed definite aggression in males, however a 60 gal terrarium is a lot of space for both animals to find their own territories. The biggest issue I can see being a problem is the possibility of the anole mistaking the frog for food when it moves, and even though the frog is probably too big for the anole to eat (let's face it, anoles are not the biggest of lizards), it still can cause some damage to the frog's delicate skin should it happen to mistakenly grab it. Also keep in mind that frogs are very opportunistic feeders, and I have witnessed mine try to steal food from each other's mouths. If the frog tries to steal a cricket or something else from the anole, it could wind up getting accidentally bitten. Not to say that this will definitely happen, but something to watch out for. Good idea having a second cage on hand for the frog if need be, and good luck! I think interspecies tanks are cool, just not always the easiest to do.

[Judy S]

After having read these posts, I want to run my idea past you all about setting up a tank for just firebellies...Set up to have glass partitions siliconed to bottom and sides for fresh water area about 5" deep with filter sectioned off in one back corner...and pump for small waterfall area in opposite back corner..glass to be slightly lower for better water movement...and a return from one corner to the other as a small siliconed, rock stream on rubber pond liner material...the water area for guppies which firebellies can eat, and water for them to do their thing..with tinted glass against the planted area...36 G L tank..live plants, screen top. Any suggestions, comments, etc.? I want to plan carefully to have it work the FIRST time...One of my other tanks is set up as a paladarium and has Endlers in the water portion...no filter so I just do small water changes every week...the female had babies last week..

[Deku]

After having read these posts, I want to run my idea past you all about setting up a tank for just firebellies...Set up to have glass partitions siliconed to bottom and sides for fresh water area about 5" deep with filter sectioned off in one back corner...and pump for small waterfall area in opposite back corner..glass to be slightly lower for better water movement...and a return from one corner to the other as a small siliconed, rock stream on rubber pond liner material...the water area for guppies which firebellies can eat, and water for them to do their thing..with tinted glass against the planted area...36 G L tank..live plants, screen top. Any suggestions, comments, etc.? I want to plan carefully to have it work the FIRST time...One of my other tanks is set up as a paladarium and has Endlers in the water portion...no filter so I just do small water changes every week...the female had babies last week..

Well first off firebellies arent going to eat the guppies as they prey on land(from what i noticed). As for mixing guppies with fbt's as long as your tank is big enough. YOu know female guppies produce alot of hormones that apparently can kill other fish if they are overloaded like (20guppies in a 10g or even a 15g with good filtration). Personally I wouldnt waste my time setting up a part for guppies as guppies are somewhat sensitive they also need higher salinity than a frog does. If you wanna set up a tank with small fish with your fbt's try neons or even minnows. Just make sure you quarantine them for atleast a couple of weeks(3) to make sure they dont contain anything(you treat them for parasites and illness so it doesnt pass on to the toads). You will need a good filter and you will need to cycle the water area before you put in fish in there. As well as you need to get aquaintanced with the laws of fishkeeping(like obvious rules). If you plan keeping the fbts in a 20g and you only have half land and its filled with water half way(so its half filled from the top of the tank and its also half of the tank because the other half is land) you would have like 3-4gallons of water which isnt enough room to keep fish in appropriately. For guppies to be happy they need room, these are fish that are extremely active and breed like roaches(I used to breed them in the past). I mean it doesnt matter how big the tank you have, you gotta take accordance to the water area. Its dimmensions like how much ACTUAL water is in the water area? Sometimes itll look like 10gs and its actually 3-5gs. So just so you know should you want to put fish in be ready to use good filters and get a nice large tank. Sure sure fire bellies dont need a HUGE tank, but if you're adding fish to the tank and you're only filling it half way and half the tank is a land area that only gives 2-4gallons of use in a 10-20gs. So like even say a 30g isnt enough to keep the fish in happy unless you plan on keeping a few(2-3) and thats not going to make them happy since smaller fish almost always are schooling fish. Theres also the rule of 1 INCH of SCALE OF FISH Per 2 gallons. So you would be over doing it. People have done it before and have put in fish in there, but just because they are alive does it really mean they are happy in there? Take that fact into consideration. Not only that but they need hide outs. If you use ornaments and plants which are needed for fish you are taking more space in the water area. Thus reducing the gallons of water being used. Not only that but you need a heater for the fish, how are you going to make sure the fish dont end up boiled?

You should join a fish forum for more details on fish keeping. But again, it CAN be done but only if you actually have the room.
Just my opinion and out of information I have researched over the years

[Judy S]

Thanks for your suggestions and observations...I've had many fresh fish tanks and the only problems I ever had was with the plants...Since I enjoy gardening so much was looking for a way to have a visually attractive, practical, live element next to me and my computer...and have a group of visually attractive, practical, live animal to enjoy the same setting...and since I've had experience with the Endlers Live Bearers in my present visually attractive, practical mixed tank...thought I'd take it a step further...and create a definate demarcation for just the few fish...and have a herp that does well in a small group that is somewhat terrestrial and won't drown. I had read that they will eat fish so was prepared to sacrifice some, to me, rather inexpensive fish...guppies are usually attractive and will breed quickly...hence, they were my choice of the day. Please consider this a learning experience for me and hopefully it will be the setup I'm trying to achieve...thanks again for your imput...

[Deku]

Thanks for your suggestions and observations...I've had many fresh fish tanks and the only problems I ever had was with the plants...Since I enjoy gardening so much was looking for a way to have a visually attractive, practical, live element next to me and my computer...and have a group of visually attractive, practical, live animal to enjoy the same setting...and since I've had experience with the Endlers Live Bearers in my present visually attractive, practical mixed tank...thought I'd take it a step further...and create a definate demarcation for just the few fish...and have a herp that does well in a small group that is somewhat terrestrial and won't drown. I had read that they will eat fish so was prepared to sacrifice some, to me, rather inexpensive fish...guppies are usually attractive and will breed quickly...hence, they were my choice of the day. Please consider this a learning experience for me and hopefully it will be the setup I'm trying to achieve...thanks again for your imput...

Atleast heavily plant the water area since they love plants and use good filtration. Make sure to give a large water area atleast 10gallons of water in the water arwa.


Good luck.

[bshmerlie]

When I first got my first firebelly I had him in a tank with five gallons of water and three fish. By the end of the week all three fish were dead. Is anyone currently keeping a live fish with their firebellies? If so exactly what type of fish, maybe a particular kind can handle it. I know the guppies I had couldn't and they were around way before the toad.

[Judy S]

to be honest with you,,,that was one of the concerns I had...if the FBTs are in the water will their toxicity poison the water for the fish. Currently I do have one FB in a paladarium and it has been in the water but not as an everyday thing...and the fish have been okay...I'll have to ask my "fish guy." unless there is someone on the forum who would have an answer!! Thanks for your input..

[tearsmith]

Well first off firebellies arent going to eat the guppies as they prey on land(from what i noticed).

Hello. I am new to this forum, but I wanted to let you know that this statement about FBT not eating guppies is not so. I have two FBT and they eat mostly guppies and crickets. They sit on the edge of the rocks, up out of the water, and lean over. When the guppie swims in range, the FBT dives in and swallows them up. I buy them small, like half inch or less and put in about 8 at a time. It takes two days for the 8 to be eaten. Then I wait a day and feed gut loaded crickets. Then wait another day and put in guppies. The variety keeps them more active and greener than FBT I have had in the past. I would suggest try it. Makes them interesting to watch too. BTW, my toads are in a primarily aquatic setup (3.5" water) with rocks and plants to climb out on. They prey on the crickets on land and guppies under water. Hope this helps.