Hey guys! Its me, MeTree! I am somewhat of a new member here.

Not to re-introduce myself, but here is just a tad bit about me. I have kept fish, but I have never kept any species of frog. I was looking into African Clawed Frogs about a month ago, but I don't think it is possible because my brother thinks the frogs will escape and eat his 2 goldfish.

I really want to keep a (green) Pacman. I have done lots of research, but I am still not satisfied with all the info I have collected. I really want to get started, but I have afew questions. I also have a budget of about, lets say a little less than $100 right now.

I want to setup a 10g (fish aquarium) as a terrarium. I want to get an undertank heater, but I am not exactly sure what to look for (I think 8W, but I don't know how to set the temp). I think I will be using eco-earth as substrate, and that will be replaced monthly. I will get a critter keeper to feed the pacman without getting the 10g tank messy. I might could get a lamp if I needed one, with 6500k (daylight) lighting bulb. etc.

I have heard some conflicting reports on how often to feed a young pacman, how many crickets to feed it in one feeding, and I also don't know how much minerals to put on the crickets. Also, I have heard NO feeder fish because they most likely have parasites or other diesases. I have heard that you can feed "pinky" mice to the older ones live, but anything bigger needs to be dead before it is fed to the pacman.

I have heard conflicting reports on the humidity they need. The general, common recomended range is 70-80. Is this too high/low?

Are aquariums Ok for pacmans? I know that the glass is thicker in an aquarium to hold the large amount of water, but I didn't know if there was a downside to have an aquarium as there regular housing.

I was also wondering if green pacmans needed different care from the other pacmans, or if they are all basically the same. While I am talking about care (lol, that is the whole post!), should I keep plastic plants in the terrarium, or is that a danger to the pacman. Also, are most plastic terrarium plants suitable to get wet?

Also, do I need to de-chlorinate the water that the pacman will touch? I guess I need the water up to, maybe the tops of his knees? I guess I need to replace the water as it is absorbed, or do I need to replace the water weekly? Also, do I need to do weekly substrate cleanings?

Are there any meds I need to have on hand? Maybe some kind of common, fast-damaging diesase?

Do I need to give my frog a "bath" (no soap, of corse)? I know they can get pretty dirty. Maybe a quick rinse-off right after a meal?

They do not hibernate unless they are breeding, correct? That is what I have heard.

Anyone know where to find a "frog holder" thingy, or maybe a "frog scoop" or something like that? It is basically something that you use to pick up your frog without exposing him to the oils on your hands.

I know that this is the pacman frog sub-forum, so I need to know where you all buy your pacman frogs. If you buy them from an independent LPS (like a small company that only has one location), you don't need to post the name of the store, but I would like you to post that you get your at an independent LPS. If you get yours from a supply chain (such as Petsmart, ThePetPlace or Petco), please post the name of the store you got it from. If you got it from the internet, please post the name of the site (if it is against site rules to post the name of a site on the forum, you can PM me the site. Thanks!). I have seen Green Pacman Frogs on the internet for $19.99 (+shipping), to $25 (+plus shipping), I am wondering if this is a good deal on frogs (but not too good of a deal, of corse). I want to find a young male. I know it is diffecult to tell when the frog is young, but I think some sites have a pretty good idea?

Here is what I am looking at for supplies. PLEASE post if you notice anything lacking! Thanks!

10g tank (est. $14)
mist bottle (est. $10)
hygrometer (est. $7)
thermometer (est. $7)
eco-earth substrate (est per month. $8)
minerals/calcium for cricket dusting (est. $??)
critter keeper (est. $6-12)
undertank heater (est. $15-20)
some kind of shelter? (please make suggestions)
Crickets (maybe $0.10 per cricket)
Water bowl (est. $??)

Please respond to as many things as you can knowledgably reply to.

Thanks!
MeTree