Filter or no filter?

[Collegekid]

I am planning on buying some African Clawed frogs in the near future and have learned that they do not like a strong current. What I can't find is a solid answer on whether filters are completely wrong for them or are a-okay as long as the current is low. I was planning on getting a hang on back type filter with an adjustable flow and would aim it at a tank wall as best I could. If that didn't work by itself I might find some other way to help diffuse the flow. However I also heard that simply the noise from the filter can cause stress for the frogs. So I am not sure what to do.

Do you have any filter suggestions? and if you do not suggest any filter be used how often should I change the tank water and how much of the water should be changed? I will be using a 20 gallon long tank and plan on having three frogs in it.

[Jace]

When I had my three, I used a filter and kept it on the lowest setting possible. My frogs never seemed overly stressed and even hung out around the filter occassionally. These frogs can be very messy, in terms of producing waste and eating habits, so either way, whether you use a filter or not, water changes will be required. Even with a filter, I did partial water changes a couple of times a week. Once you get into the rhythm, it is not that much work and the enjoyment of watching them and hearing them will be worth the effort. It's been a few years since I've had to deal with filters, so I am no longer familiar with what would be the best one anymore. However, there are several other members on this Forum who currently have ACFs who will be more than willing to help you in that area. Have you picked out any names yet?

[Jenste]

In my 72 gallon ACF tank I have a filter for 100 gallons, and I do not modify the outflow at all, I just point it towards a wall. They have no problems whatsoever with a strong filter as long as they current is no so strong as to be able to move them around. They are exceptionally messy critters and not having a filter would mean a very very dirty tank even with frequent water changes

[Collegekid]

Alright, that's good, I was worried as I'd read a site saying no filter at all and daily water changes are the only way to go, and that sounds like a pain. I could easily do once a week, but I'd rather not do everyday. Though I'm sure it'll be easier than doing my 55 gallon fish tank at home.

Oh and with your filters, did any of you use sand? I've heard they can clog your filter with the sand and that's what I planned on using. Do you think I'd be better with large stones?

And nope, no names yet. I'm gonna wait until I get them...when can you tell their sex? I can find plenty of info on HOW to tell, but not at what age. I'm heading to Petsmart on Sunday to get a tank, filter, dechlorinator, thermometer, etc. It's always exciting getting a new pet.

[Jace]

I would not recommend sand. In fact, I used no substrate at all with mine. They are rather comical eaters-they take their front legs and shovel as much as they can into their mouths...and that can include things other than food. I lost one to impaction as I had aquarium gravel and it ended up eating that as well as the food. So, before I got any others, I removed all substarte, and my three lived for years. However, that is just my personal experience. Because they are so messy, I tried to keep my tank as simple as possible so to allow the filter to work its magic and for doing the water changes as needed.

I'm not sure when they become sexual mature and can be sexed. Once they reach maturity, they are very easy to tell apart, but until then....someone else might have a better idea.

[Collegekid]

Hmmm, I heard sand was too fine to cause impaction but I don't want to risk it. I want to use some sort of substrate though, I want it to look as nice as possible. I could use stones too big to eat, my only fear is that it would be harder to clean than sand....guess it would depend on the size of the stones.