Hello from Minnesota

[esmo]

Hello folks,

I've been interested and involved in terrariums for some time. Admittedly, I've been mostly a plant person. I've only kept anoles before and am recently set up a 55 gallon tank as a terrarium that is begging for some additional life. The substrate will probably need to be redone before long as I've been reading/learning about ones that last longer when not made of potting soil (though they grow great plants!). The terrarium has some nice driftwood pieces, but otherwise is mostly mosses and ferns. I have done a lot of reading on Mantellas and some on poison dart frogs... and it seemed to me that my situation would best allow for Mantellas...but boy are they difficult to come by locally. I live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, any ideas? I've gone to Twin Cities Reptiles who only get them in once or twice a year... have none currently. I'm also starting to wonder if it wouldn't be best to consider poison darts instead as they are more readily available. I want to keep the best suited type for the environment I have. The temperature is typically around 70-78oF, humidity is kept very high (but I am not currently measuring it).

M. bernhardi, M. betsileo, M. ebenaui, M. expectata, M. leavigata, M. nigricans seem to be the best at the warmer temperature range I have, unless you experts know that other species may do equally well?

Appreciate any feedback for this newbie interested in getting involved in these animals, and perhaps breeding at some point as well.

Thanks!

[bshmerlie]

Why don't you post a picture of your current Setup it sounds fantastic and perfect for frogs. Looking at your setup will help us give you the best recommendations for your scenario. Check out Josh's Frogs he is on the eastcoast and he ships many types of captive bred frogs. Don't worry about the shipping process from him he does this for a living and will package them well and you'll get them the next day. He is a sponsor of the forum here so you can check the sponsor page for his contact info. Trust me you'll definately find what you're looking for.

[tgampper]

Hi and welcome to FrogForum:

Although Mantellas would make a wonderful choice for a terrarium, they are fossorial meaning they live among the ground clutter and don't climb very well. I suggest having either leaf-folding frogs, such as Afrixalus fornasini or reed frogs, like Hyperolius marmoratus or Heterixalus madagascariensis. They are generally available and will make good use of your plants.

[Kurt]

So will Mantella laevigata and most darts. Saw a single laevigata at LLL Reptile's table at the Manchester show. http://lllreptile.com/store/catalog/...ing-mantellas/

[Ebony]

Welcome to the forum esmo, I would love to see a photo of your terrarium.

[Paul Rust]

Welcome aboard. Understory Enterprises is one of the best IMO for Mantellas.

[esmo]

Thanks everyone for the initial points. I will get a picture of the terrarium up, but I see from my research I have several more things to do to get ready for inhabitants. Also, I'm a little concerned about spending over $100 on a couple of frogs when I have so little experience with them. I hate to send them to their demise, both for their sake and mine!

[JimO]

Welcome and based on your description, your terrarium would be ideal for many of the larger poison dart frogs. There are a number of breeders in MN. I'll check and see if I can get you some contact info.

[esmo]

Ok folks, here is a picture of how my setup is currently. Don't be underwhelmed! I prefer not to have back and sides glued on and I can put down sheet moss to cover the rest of the media quickly. However, please, feel free to make suggestions, comments, or ideas about how to best prepare this place for dart frogs.

Also, if anyone knows of breeders in the Saint Paul/Minneapolis area, please let me know.