B. Americanus Project.
NOTE: This is just my first post to "introduce" my project. It hasn't begun yet, but will probably be getting started in the next month.
After a lot of serious contemplation, and being called over to a neighbors to pick about 20 tadpoles out of their fountain - I decided to finally try raising toadlets.
Last winter (yes, winter. We had one vaguely warm day and the toads lost their marbles) I located a -large- number of eggs (a 16oz fast food cup, literally filled) and attempted to raise them then, while I successfully got a large number to morph, before realizing I had no idea what to feed them - so they all went out into a derelict koi pond out front. Well, nature seems to favor dumpy toads and I learned how to sweep piles of them up before mowing the lawn.
Taking an honest inventory of the stored aquariums I have - I decided NOT to get a 20L through Petco's "dollar a gallon" deal. Instead I'll be using an old 29 we have lying around (same footprint, slightly more wasted height, won't cost any money). As a promise to my future spouse - I won't be setting up the 29 until the toads have thoroughly outgrown the betta tank they're currently being tadpoles in.The 29 will need a small modification - the hood has been punched for pumps and air tubing which is not desired. These holes will be covered with fabric mesh.
For the background I'll be using the expanding foam method (siding with the "Pond" stuff, not the beige stuff), over eggcrate (structural support) with native wood zip-tied in before foaming. I'm going to taper the background off toward the top, hopefully only having a thin layer at the highest point - to hopefully limit escape attempts.
The over-all impression will -hopefully- be of a terraced ravine with bits of tree root emerging, and plants clinging to it. For plants I'm looking to stick strictly with Oklahoma natives, and preferably shade-plants at that. 1: these plants will be easier to care for 2: when/if I break the tank down they can be planted in my garden. Soil will probably be coconut husk, combined with bark chips and local leaf-litter (willow, and elm primarily).
For hides, I'll be making modular ceramic structures. My "sideline" business is in ceramics, so creating something that looks good, and blends well, will be fairly simple. The modular structures will have a portion thoroughly anchored into the foam, with a removable front in the likely event that I need to clean the hides out. Otherwise, I'll simply ensure the hide-doors are wide enough for me to fit my hand in. I'll also be making a natural-looking soaking dish that I can easily remove for cleaning.
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