Rain chamber design concept.

[tjtreefrog]

I wasn't sure where to put this, so if it needs to be moved, I won't be upset. So, since my Phyllomedusa sauvagii seem to be in breeding mode, I've been thinking about rain chamber designs. I've attached a concept design of mine so that those with much experience in this area can point out my errors. For the encloser itself, I thought about using a large (50 gallon) plastic trash can. I would attach garden hose in a ring to the lid with a few feet extra to feed down to a bilge pump. The ring of hose would have holes drilled in it for the "rain." Water would be added to about a 1-1.5 feet deep. Above the water there's mesh, big enough to allow tadpoles to pass through, but not the adults. Branches would be attched to the inside of the trash can. What I don't show in my rough drawing is fake broad-leaved vines attached to the branches for the frogs to lay their eggs on. I would also add an aquarium heater to the water portion to keep it nice and toasty, and cut out a section of the lid, replacing it with wire netting. Well, there it is. Tell me what you think.

Thomas