New to frogs with some questions!

[1beataway]

Hi there! Welcome.

White's Tree Frogs are a fantastic starter frog. They have a great temperament, they're active (though it's mostly at night), and they're just fun! Also, they can stand a pretty good range of humidity. And I think they're really cute. That size tank is the size of my White's tank. It's a good size.

Good luck in your decision!

[frozensponge]

thanks a lot guys! I have checked the tree frogs as you told me so. the red eye leaf frog seems amazing. they looked so vibrant and more colorful. As I checked the different types of frogs on the left, i stumbled across the dart frogs. their colors are so amazing. do you guys have any experience on dart frogs? how viable is it for a beginner like me and how different are they from the tree frogs mentioned?

[bshmerlie]

I mentioned tree frogs because your tank is vertical. Many of the beginner dart frogs would prefer a horizontal tank. You could do it but I think it would be benifical to landscape properly to help the frogs use more of the vertical space.you would also need to get panes of glass cut to cover up the screen lid to keep in moisture. You would need to learn how to culture your own fruit flies. Although that seems like a big hurdle it is actually one of the easiest parts of keeping darts. There are some beginner darts that I would reccomend that you check out. Dendrobates Leucomelas, Dendrobate Azureus, Dendrobates Tinctorius just to name some popular ones. These frogs are diurnal unlike the nocturnal tree frogs and they are bold so they will be moving around more than the tree frogs. BUT they are less forgiving to beginner boo boos.They need very specific environmental requirements and the owner must be certain he can maintain them consistently. Only you know if you are a diligent pet owner. If you have a dog out back that you rarely visit or fish that you haven't fed in a week than darts would not be good for you. Or really you would not be good for the darts. They are the most active as far as frogs go but they do require a higher level of responsibility. If you think your up to it check out those species that I mentioned and if your still interested then we can go into details.

[frozensponge]

after reading what you have to say, i believe that i will need more time and research to come to a conclusion. I prefer to have set up everything correctly first before making a jump and purchase an animal. while taking care of the temperatures and humidity level is not a problem for me, i think i have to take my every day habit into consideration as well. i guess even diurnal or nocturnal makes a whole lot of differences as well.

[clownonfire]

after reading what you have to say, i believe that i will need more time and research to come to a conclusion. I prefer to have set up everything correctly first before making a jump and purchase an animal. while taking care of the temperatures and humidity level is not a problem for me, i think i have to take my every day habit into consideration as well. i guess even diurnal or nocturnal makes a whole lot of differences as well.

Cheri's advice is a sound one. If you choose to go with darts, thumbnail frogs would thrive in an 18*18*24, as they are arboreal. A pair of Ranitomeya Ventrimaculatus would be just perfect, and vents are great beginner thumb frogs. And waiting to set everything properly will greatly help the overall wellbeing of your frogs. Setting up in advance will allow you to have a good feel on how the humidity is controlled in your tank (there are easy tricks, you'll have all the support you need on this board). Also, as Cheri again mentioned, darts' diet consists mostly of fruit flies, springtails and pinheads. Doing your own fruit flies cultures is the way to go. It seems quite demanding at first, but it's in fact quite easy.... But it is necessary and will take time in your routine. I think it's very wise that you are weighing this in your decision. And a good viable culture before the arrival of your frogs is a must.

Good luck making your decision!

[frozensponge]

thanks Eric! i wonder where can i get a pair of Ranitomeya Ventrimaculatus. I have checked some shop online and it seems like many vendors do not carry them. I am just checking where to get them though. Maybe you can share your insight?

[bshmerlie]

Just be careful...thumbnails are extremely small and very fast. They can get out of even the smallest crack. Do yourself a favor and see them in person before you order online. Pictures do not do them justice. They really should be called pinkie nails with legs. Just know what your getting into first.

[clownonfire]

thanks Eric! i wonder where can i get a pair of Ranitomeya Ventrimaculatus. I have checked some shop online and it seems like many vendors do not carry them. I am just checking where to get them though. Maybe you can share your insight?

Thumbnails are fast, and small, but if you have a secure enclosure you wont have a problem. I suggest you contact Understory Enterprises: Understory Enterprises Inc. - Homepage. They can answer most of your questions. And they sell vents. And if you prepare yourself well, they will make great beginner frogs.