Dumpy tree frogs cleaning

[redeyedboy25]

Hi how often should I clean my dumpys tank.

[Kurt]

Depends upon the substrate, size of enclosure, and so on. Paper towels almost daily, a planted tank almost never, coconut or sphagnum moss bedding when it needs it. But the basic rule would be when its starts to get foul. You can spot clean to prevent it getting foul.

[redeyedboy25]

Thanks for the info! How would I set up a planted tank and how come you wouldnt have to clean it ever? The substrate I use is coco husk with moss over it.

[Kurt]

The plants would be recycling the waste. For plants you will need lights and a drainage layer beneath the substrate. This can be done with a one inch layer of LECA or Hydroton. Pea gravel can also be used, but is much heavier and not nearly as nice. You should use a PVC pipe placed in the LECA. The pipe should be wide enough for a siphon hose to be inserted in. The pipe should also be capped when the hose is not in use and be notched at the bottom end to allow for water flow. The purpose of this pipe is to allow excess water to be drained off.
Over the LECA place nylon mesh. This will keep your substrate out of the drainage layer. Then place in coconut fiber and/or sphagnum for your substrate. You should be able to plant in either or. Covering the substrate with leaf litter will prevent accidental ingestion of the substrate, while at the same time add to the tanks overall look. Leaves are available from Josh's Frogs or from FF member JimO. Look for "live oak" as they break down very slowly.

[redeyedboy25]

Thanks for the help! I appreciate you doing that now one more question does a planted tank work for red eyed tree frogs cause I might get two in january. I want a tank that doesnt need to be cleaned every week because I go vacation and my neihbor watchs them. Thanks for the help

[Kurt]

It works even better. Make sure you have plants that can support their weight, especially the White's.

[redeyedboy25]

Thanks Kurt