General frog care sheet/FAQ?

[John]

Like I said earlier, if you can't smell chlorine in the tap water there is no real need to treat it for chlorine. That being said I still treat it, just to be on the safe side.

That is a very dangerous thing to say. While terrestrial frogs will tolerate chlorinated tap water in spray guns, etc, aquatic frogs don't like it (it can kill them) and it kills tadpoles outright.

Chlorine, and also Ammonia in many countries, are added to water to kill bacteria and other nasties as a way to maintain water cleanliness after it leaves the treatment works. Chlorine combines with Ammonia to form Chloramines. These are more persistent than simple chlorine (a gas which will dissipate over time). It takes a long time for Chloramines to dissipate.

So always treat your tap water with dechlorinator - it will also remove chloramines and usually various heavy metals too.

[Kurt]

That is a very dangerous thing to say. While terrestrial frogs will tolerate chlorinated tap water in spray guns, etc, aquatic frogs don't like it (it can kill them) and it kills tadpoles outright.

Thats what I thought when the curator first said it. However, I have seen aquatic frogs such as bullfrogs and green frog living in my swimming pool which does have chlorine in it. Chlorine levels are kept low and the frogs don't seem to be bothered by it. There have been times when I have neglected to use a dechlorinator in my own collection without any ill effects.

So am I avocating the use straight tap water without any dechlorinator? Not at all! I do use it and I use it regularly. All I am saying is it is possible to get away with it with some species, but it probably isn't a good idea to do so. Why take a chance? Thats all.