Why does the water look this way? Eggs?

[frogdance]

Hello, I am new to the forum. I have had my African Dwarf Frogs for about a year and a half. After having them about 6-8 months, I noticed changes in the water surface. Sometimes there were bubbles or milky looking substance. After research, I realized that this was the frogs mating and laying eggs. Nothing was ever fertilized that I can see and I read that the small fertilized eggs are hard to see anyways.

Lately, the water looks different... more different than it has in the past. It looks like there are pieces of something dangling and floating on the surface of the water. I took some pictures and was hoping that some experts on the forum can help me. Is this normal or is this something I should be concerned with? I just changed the water a few weeks ago.

[John]

Not sure what to make of that. How often do you change the water?

[frogdance]

As I said above, I just changed the water a few weeks ago. I change it usually every few months. It doesn't get that dirty.

I fed them last night and the food is still there. I put the food in the other half where this stuff wasn't happening.

I'm just not sure if this is normal and maybe these are baby frogs or if I should clean the tank?

[tgampper]

I am amazed that your frogs have survived this long. It is a testament of how hardy these frogs really are. You should do 25% water changes every other week whether the water is dirty or not. The "stuff" on the surface is not eggs or tadpoles. I would empty the water and thoroughly clean and sterilize everything. Once cleaned, rinse completely and put everything back in. Make sure your water is conditioned (I use Stress-Coat) and at the proper temperature, about 77(F).

Even if the water looks clean, it isn't. Also, since these frogs are aquatic, you will also need to look at the water chemistry. An inexpensive freshwater test kit will be helpful. As dirt and debris settles in the tank, ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels begin to rise and that can be harmful to your frogs.

[Jenste]

wow. Yea the film on the top of the water and the sides of your tank are from poor maintenance habits.

The film on the glass above the waterline shows us the progression of evaporation - It is not eggs, just dirty. The film at the top of the water is also not eggs, just filth and most likely tattered pieces of shed skin that the frogs did not eat. I would guess that their shedding is not coming off in one piece but in several, an indication of poor water quality.

Weekly water changes should be done, as well as having a filtration system. Make sure you are treating the "new" water you are placing in with a dechlorinator - - I recommend you dose with Stress coat and Stress Zyme.

When you do the water change - use a siphon to suck out water from the bottom of the tank (this is where the majority of the waste and rotten food will be).

Like Terry said - pick up a water test kit.
Ammonia and nitrite in any amount is bad - nitrate will be present and is not alarming.
ANY reading above 0.00ppm of ammonia and nitrite is a problem and indicates that a water change must be done immediately.

[Jenste]

wow. Yea the film on the top of the water and the sides of your tank are from poor maintenance habits.

The film on the glass above the waterline shows us the progression of evaporation - It is not eggs, just dirty. The film at the top of the water is also not eggs, just filth and most likely tattered pieces of shed skin that the frogs did not eat. I would guess that their shedding is not coming off in one piece but in several, an indication of poor water quality.

Weekly water changes should be done, as well as having a filtration system. Make sure you are treating the "new" water you are placing in with a dechlorinator - - I recommend you dose with Stress coat and Stress Zyme.

When you do the water change - use a siphon to suck out water from the bottom of the tank (this is where the majority of the waste and rotten food will be).

Like Terry said - pick up a water test kit.
Ammonia and nitrite in any amount is bad - nitrate will be present and is not alarming.
ANY reading above 0.00ppm of ammonia and nitrite is a problem and indicates that a water change must be done immediately.

[frogdance]

If I go to PetSmart will they know what these things are? I feel I have no clue what to purchase when I am there.

I won't be able to go to the store til later, so in the meantime I put the frogs into a new container with new water. I got them out using a fish net. There is still particles in the new water and I just put them in there! I don't know what is going on

I never seen any of this before and I have gone longer without changing the tank. I never seen them shed either. Are my frogs just getting older.

Also these aren't CLAWED frogs they are the AFRICAN DWARF Frogs. If that makes any difference.

[Lacibeth]

When it comes to monitoring the water quality it doesn't matter if they're clawed or dwarf or fish or axolotl. It's knowing what parameters they're comfortable in and maintaining those.

As for measuring your nitrate/nitrite/etc levels. I use something like Jungle Labs Quick Dip Test Strips. I used those b/c I had them on hand; Terry and Jenna may say that those aren't sufficient. In that case, there are specific test kits you can pick up. All of them will be in the aquarium supplies at PetSmart/Co. Jenna recommended Stress Coat and Stress Zyme both of those are in the same area.

[tgampper]

Lacibeth and Jenna are absolutely right. I have no problem with the Jungle Labs Quick Dip Test Strips. Anyone working at a store that sells tropical fish supplies knows about these products. Here is a simple shopping list for your ADFs:

1) Stress Coat (I use 10ml per 10 gallons of water)
2) Stress Zyme (follow label instructions)
3) Lymnozyme (a probiotic that helps prevent bacterial infections, follow label instructions)
4) a water test kit, like what Lacibeth uses)
BTW, there is a marine version of these products, make sure you get the freshwater.

Any aquatic animal whether frog or fish requires proper water chemistry and conditions. Once you get the right stuff, your frogs will be healthier and you can sit back, relax and enjoy them.

[frogdance]

I changed the tank, the water, got new rocks, a plant. I got a water tester and everything looks normal. Well, it should since I changed the water.

Do you recommend those pills to stick in the water to balance PH?

Anyhow, I think one might be dead. He was laying on his back for a little bit but now it right side up and moved.... neither has eaten any of the frog pellets I put in there. I put in only two and a couple dried blood worms last night. They haven't touched it. Could they be dying? I fed them last on Tuesday or Wednesday. Then last night was Friday. They are also a lot less energetic and thinner than they were just 3 months ago. Old age?