Tank setup

[SteffPerry]

I'm wanting to make my own set up for housing my tree frogs. They are still in the tadpole stage so I have a little time to work with. I'm curious if I can make a screen enclosed habitat for them or would glass/plexi/acrylic be the better option? I want to be able to give them plenty of room and I've had a hard time finding any tall tanks, so that's why I'd like to make my own. Of course I can use glass/ plexi/acrylic, but was just thinking different routes. Any suggestions??

[Alyssa Martin]

I can offer a few suggestions, however I am by no means an expert. I've had my Whites Tree Frog for less then 6 months, so just a few things I would think would come up.

So as for a screen enclosure, these can be made easily and can be bought for a relatively cheap price compared to glass or acrylic. However depending on the species you wish to house you may encounter some large issues with humidity. I own a Whites Tree Frog and I happen to have a hard time keeping his humidity anywhere higher then 50% in his Exo Terra 18" 18" 24". So I presume keeping humidity in a screen may be way harder in terms of having to not spray several times a day.

However with a plexiglass or acrylic cage you may find it's easier to keep the humidity stable.

I don't know if tree frogs can climb screen either. I will let someone else input on that as I've never seen mine climb his top screen. If they can't climb you may have a harder time with them getting on objects. However if you have lots decor that may not be a concern as they can climb that. Speaking of decor you'll have to modify your decor to attach to the screen as opposed to the suction cups for a glass cage.

If I were you I would suggest that you (should you have the materials and cash) make a screen prototype to see if it can handle the heat and humidity requirements for your species of frog. If it doesn't you can always sell it to a chameleon owner I'm sure.

If you want a safe bet I would suggest a glass or plexiglass as opposed to the screen cage. Should you go with screen I would highly suggest using a metal screen as opposed to the plastic one. As any heat will melt the plastic.

Just my 2 cents.

I'm curious what the others will say, as I've never seen a frog housed in a screen cage.

-Alyssa

[SteffPerry]

Thanks for the suggestions and great info Alyssa, much appreciated!! Screen probably wouldn't be the way to go after all, since I live in Colorado and its pretty dry here and keeping humidity up would def be an issue...not saying I wouldn't put the time and effort in,- but I would worry more about the fluctuations by trying to do so. I've had no luck finding any tall glass/plexi tanks, so maybe making my own seems like the option right now.
Thanks again!!

[Alyssa Martin]

Thanks for the suggestions and great info Alyssa, much appreciated!! Screen probably wouldn't be the way to go after all, since I live in Colorado and its pretty dry here and keeping humidity up would def be an issue...not saying I wouldn't put the time and effort in,- but I would worry more about the fluctuations by trying to do so. I've had no luck finding any tall glass/plexi tanks, so maybe making my own seems like the option right now.
Thanks again!!

Glad to have helped

I've read a few threads on making glass tanks and while it's not something I'm planning on doing yet, it doesn't seems super hard. I went the easy way and bought a premade Exo Terra but prices for these can get pretty steep, especially when going with a large one.

I wish you the best in making (or buying) a tank Feel free to post pictures whenever you've finished