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Thread: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

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    100+ Post Member Sarosaurus's Avatar
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    Default Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    I've got a pair of Whites Tree Frog frog's in a 20H tank. After my female decided to play escape artist, I have decided that I need to get something else that it's escape proof (more or less). I've ordered one of the Exo-Terra glass terrariums in 24x18x18. I'm thinking that will be big enough since it's going to be a smidgen bigger than the tank they are in now. I'm not quite sure how I want this tank set up though. I'm digging the idea of having some live plants in there, but not sure what the maintenance on them would be and if they pretty much take care of themselves if I set everything up right. I also wanted to put a waterfall in the tank, but I am not sure if that will work since I know those tanks don't have near the amount of silicone in them like the fish tanks do.

    Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated!

    I've got some time to gather the things I need before the tank arrives and there's no set deadline by when my frogs have to be in their homes.

    Note: I've attached a picture of the current setup they are in. Not the greatest, but it's been working out thus far.
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    Last edited by Sarosaurus; August 3rd, 2011 at 11:54 PM. Reason: correcting my spelling in the title

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    Moderator DonLisk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    My suggestion would be to ditch the waterfall idea since they are dirty frogs and will require the water to be changed often.
    Put in a false bottom and a pump, or use Hydroballs for drainage.

    Use bromeliads like the tiger striped which supports plenty of weight, and snake plant for the accents. I like to plant Broms into a cork round so the base of the Broms don't rot. If you have good drainage, then plant the Brom directly into the substrate. Ensure you rinse any plants well.
    I find my Whites sleep most of the time either in the Broms or on the snake plants.

    I like high up pieces of wood for them to perch on and my Whites bask under the lights pretty often. Mushroom ledges also work well for this.

    Since your Whites droppings are usually in the water dish and usually large, routine pickup will be as frequent as the daily water changes needed.
    Plan on two T8 tube lighting or a few CFL bulbs at 5500K color temp for the plants also.

    I didn't do a background since I like viewing them from all sides.

    Here is a link to how I just redid my 18x18x24
    http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-terrarium-enclosure-discussion/9045-quick-false-bottom.html


    1.0.0 Red Eyed Leaf/ Frog - Agalychnis callidryas
    1.1.1 Bumblebee Dart Frog - Dendrobates leucomelas
    1.1.0 Dendrobates truncatus - Yellow Striped
    1.1.1 Dendrobates tinctorius – Bakhuis Mountain
    1.1.0 - Dendrobates tinctorius - Powder Blue
    1.1.0 - Ranitomeya vanzolinii

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    100+ Post Member Sarosaurus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    It's true, they are messy little frogs. It's probably a good idea to ditch the waterfall. How well do the Hydroballs work? I haven't talked to anyone that has used them before. I've done a little reading on them, but haven't gained much information. Might need to talk to the rep next time he comes in?

    I'm liking the idea of live plants more and more. There's just something so...unique about them when used in a tank. I will have to look into these plants when I head to the garden store and see if they've got anything worth purchasing. I will be sure to keep in mind the lighting for the plants. Will it be beneficial for the frogs as well?

    I LOVE my mushroom ledge. We were sent one for store use which I ended up bringing home...My boy loves it. I need to get some more in the tank. I think it would be kind of pretty to stagger them along one side and have a plant cascading over them to give the frogs some cover. Man, I better stop with that or I'll go nuts just thinking about how nifty it will be!

    There needs to be a background on my tank. My walls are this ugly tan color and I don't want to look into the tank just to see the wall. Haha.

    That's awesome! About how much did something like that cost you? If I feel crafty, I may just do that as well.

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    Moderator DonLisk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    You already bought the expensive part.... the new Exo.

    The false bottom with a drain pump built in is the way to got. You can mist as much as you want and as it collects in the bottom, you plug the pump in and drain it off into a bucket.

    Live plants keep the humidity up. Live plants also use the frogs waste so basic ground cleaning is all that is needed except the maybe every two months removing the broms and rinsing them out. Then just put right back. My broms are supported at the base with a few larger stones then the substrate packed down tight around and over the stones.

    I think with the false bottom, 20 bucks plus pump, the broms from a local florist, 25 bucks, and the substrate anther 10 bucks.... thats it.
    Oh and 5 bucks for some leaf liter and a water dish large enough for a few to get into.
    1.0.0 Red Eyed Leaf/ Frog - Agalychnis callidryas
    1.1.1 Bumblebee Dart Frog - Dendrobates leucomelas
    1.1.0 Dendrobates truncatus - Yellow Striped
    1.1.1 Dendrobates tinctorius – Bakhuis Mountain
    1.1.0 - Dendrobates tinctorius - Powder Blue
    1.1.0 - Ranitomeya vanzolinii

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    100+ Post Member Sarosaurus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    This is true! Luckily I get some good deals on things where I work...

    You've got me talked into the false bottom! I'm diggin' the whole idea (live plants and all). On the substrate, would you clean it out just like you normally would if there wasn't the false bottom?

    Well, the cost for all the other goodies isn't too much at all. I suppose if I needed to, the plants could be purchased once a month or something until I've got the look I want in the tank. I'll definitely look into the supplies for the false bottom here soon.

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    Moderator DonLisk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    You just need to do basic waste pick up and wet it down when misting. Just don't have it soaked.

    You shouldn't have to remove the substrate unless you have a mite problem or want to freshen it up.
    I keep mine covered in leaf liter to keep the substrate off the frogs and its easier to clean off or remove a messy pile of leaves then rip out the substrate if needed.

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    100+ Post Member Sarosaurus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    What about a fogger to keep the humidity up? Or are they pointless with WTFs? Am I better off just misting them?

    I haven't run into mite problems yet. Hopefully I don't ever run into it (knock on wood). I definitely like the look of the leaf litter. I am going to have to look into getting some.

    Thanks for all of your help, Don! You've been awesome!

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    Moderator DonLisk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    Sarah, I like the Sea Grape Leaf Liter most of all for Whites since it is larger and works for placing water dishes and such on.
    The Live Oak Leaf Liter in my new pics is nice and seems to not break down as fast as the Sea Grape.

    It is definitely worth buying to keep dirt off the frogs.
    1.0.0 Red Eyed Leaf/ Frog - Agalychnis callidryas
    1.1.1 Bumblebee Dart Frog - Dendrobates leucomelas
    1.1.0 Dendrobates truncatus - Yellow Striped
    1.1.1 Dendrobates tinctorius – Bakhuis Mountain
    1.1.0 - Dendrobates tinctorius - Powder Blue
    1.1.0 - Ranitomeya vanzolinii

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    100+ Post Member Sarosaurus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    I was just looking at the Sea Grape Leaf Litter! I like the bigger leaves.

    I am going to look into it when I get into work tomorrow to see if we can even order it. If not, I will definitely be ordering some online.

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    Moderator DonLisk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    I order mine out of Josh's Frogs. He has a nice price on shipping for 5.99 usd for dry goods.
    One bag goes pretty far too.
    1.0.0 Red Eyed Leaf/ Frog - Agalychnis callidryas
    1.1.1 Bumblebee Dart Frog - Dendrobates leucomelas
    1.1.0 Dendrobates truncatus - Yellow Striped
    1.1.1 Dendrobates tinctorius – Bakhuis Mountain
    1.1.0 - Dendrobates tinctorius - Powder Blue
    1.1.0 - Ranitomeya vanzolinii

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    100+ Post Member Sarosaurus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    Wonderful! If I can't find it through one of our suppliers, I will definitely order from there!

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    100+ Post Member Sarosaurus's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    THE TANK IS IN!!

    I'm going to wait on the false bottom as I want to prevent anymore escapes.

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    Moderator DonLisk's Avatar
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    Default Re: Need ideas for my new WTF tank!!

    Nice, bet you can't wit to get going on it.

    Here is a link in case you need some ideas on the basics of doing the false bottom.
    http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...se-bottom.html
    1.0.0 Red Eyed Leaf/ Frog - Agalychnis callidryas
    1.1.1 Bumblebee Dart Frog - Dendrobates leucomelas
    1.1.0 Dendrobates truncatus - Yellow Striped
    1.1.1 Dendrobates tinctorius – Bakhuis Mountain
    1.1.0 - Dendrobates tinctorius - Powder Blue
    1.1.0 - Ranitomeya vanzolinii

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