Which dart's for a 38 gallon tank?

[Isaac]

Hi,

i have 38 gallon tank and i would like to make it a dart tank.

it is 60cm x 60cm x 40cm and the top of the tank is wire mesh.

i want to construct a vivarium out of it for dart frogs but i dont really know wich species are good for a intermediate-beginner (i have 2 white tree frogs and 2 chameleons).
i would like to know wich species and the amount of darts i could settle in this tank.
furthermore i would like a not to shy species of darts so i can see them during the day.

hope you guy's could give me some info!!!

greetings, isaac

[bshmerlie]

I think Leucs or Azureus or some other species of tincs would be good to start off with. They are bold, beautiful and easy to care for. With Luecs you could do a group of three to four. Some of those others are more territorial and should only be kept in mated pairs. You are going to have to get rid of the screen top and switch to a glass top to maintain the required humidity levels. If the screen is part of a sliding top you can set plexi or glass into the area to cover it up. Do some research you have a lot of options. But check out those Leucs you wont be disappointed.

[Isaac]

thanks for the quick reply,

i think i would go for the leucs beacouse they could be kept in a group of 3-4...

any more good advice about the tank?

greetings, isaac

[bshmerlie]

Set up a horizontal enclosure but use ramps, slopes and tiers and you will find them on the background. They are very active. As babies they climb like monkeys but as they mature they will prefer the floor space. Use short broad leafed plants and they will climb up in them. Leaf litter on the ground along with springtails and isopods. Of course you'll need fruit flies. But they are super easy so don't sweat it. A well planted and thought out tank is all you need. They are chubby and good size darts and never give you that delicate feel. Im setting up a tank for a pair of banded Leucs on Saturday. I'll post some pictures.

[Isaac]

ok, so i will use some dry leaves and add some isopods and springtails to the leaves.

ill be looking forward to your pictures!

one more thing:
you said that i need to cover the top of the viv, but since that is the only part that ventilates is there no ventilation anymore when covered...
how do i solve this?

greetings, isaac

[bshmerlie]

No its not like tree frogs. I recommend keeping the lid completely glass with new folks as they seem to have trouble maintaing a high level of humidity that the darts need. As you becore more experienced I would suggest leaving an inch section of screen at the back or the front. That will give a little ventilation for the plants such as Broms. But believe it or not just the opening and closing of the lid allows enough ventilation into the tank for the frogs. Its really more for plant health. Only you know your own skill level. Set up your tank and measure your humidity levels over several days. Then add a section of screen and do some more measurments. If you're able to maintain it with the screen then by all means have "some" screen. Just go to some websites like Joshs Frogs or Black Jungle and then you can find out what kind of leaves they are using for the leaf litter. Or I'm sure someone else will know the names I'm just terrible with those kind of things. I'm sorry I just buy "leaf littler". Springtails and Isopods you can also pick up from internet sites.