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Frogs are the most adaptable of the amphibian and reptile world. With the wide variety of species stretching across the world, these many different kinds of frogs live in all manner of environments. Most people associate the frogs with rivers, ponds, and swamps, but the Desert Trilling Frog of Australia and Wood Frog of Canada show that frogs can live in deserts and abnormally cold lands. But just because frogs as a whole can deal with tremendous variations does not mean that pet frogs can deal with just any habitat.
When you choose to adopt a frog, one of the most important things you must do is ensure that its habitat is as close to its original home as possible. This requires observation and attention to detail. Be sure to research the specific needs of your frog, and adapt one of the following habitats to best suit your pet. Choose decorations, plants, branches, and rocks that most closely resemble the ones that would be in your frog’s natural home.
There are four basic tanks. Choose the one that is closest to your frog’s preferred habitat. Unless you have experience in tank building, you should not try to build a tank from scratch. Rather, you should purchase a well made one and customize it to meet your needs.
This tank is one of the easiest to develop, but you will only use this tank for frogs from a dryer climate. Most of these frogs do well in about a 20 gallon tank.
The tank requires a base substrate such as calcium sand and a fresh water supply. The water supply may be provided through either a bowl or a small pool. The water must be dechlorinated, but it does not necessarily have to be stale. Make sure that you change the water regularly. Depending on the frog species, you might need to add stones or branches or cork. If you choose to add stones or branches, be certain that they are smooth.
The substrate you choose will depend on the frog as well. Calcium sand is a common choice as is smooth gravel or potting soil. Should you choose potting soil, then remember that you can plant compatible live plants in the tank as well. Research any live plants you might include carefully. Some could be poisonous to your frog.
This aquarium functions the same as an aquarium for fish. The 20 gallon aquarium size works well for most, although some of the smaller frogs may thrive in a 5 gallon if you do not overcrowd them.
Place gravel at the bottom of the aquarium along with any smooth rocks or décor which is appropriate for your frog. Then add dechlorinated water. Adding straight tap water can be very dangerous to your frog’s health, particularly when the frog is surrounded by it. Even after dechlorination, you must let the water sit out for at least 24 hours before introducing your frogs to their new home. Start the filter running after the water has sat out.
Aquariums with frogs must be cleaned at least once a week. Frogs routinely shed their skins, generally once a week but sometimes more frequently. In a completely aquatic environment, this can quickly lead to offensive scents. Frequent and regular cleanings are essential to avoid bacteria and stench.
The half and half tank is by far the most popular one for frogs. Because the tank is split half and half, 20 gallons is generally the minimum size. 30 gallons is a safer bet, leaving both you and your frog enough room to create two terrains.
The water for the aquatic half must be stale and dechlorinated. The substrate on the terrestrial half must be kept dry for the most part. You can accomplish this in a couple different ways. One option is to use a removable pool by putting the water in a rubber or plastic container and building up the substrate around it. A second option is to fill the bottom portion of the tank with water and then build up half of it with smooth gravel and rocks. A third but more expensive option is to purchase a dual tank which has dividers for water and substrate.
These tanks will need to be cleaned the most frequently. While you should never delay cleaning your frog’s tank, it is particularly important to clean this kind regularly. The frogs will likely muddy the water if you use a sand or soil base substrate, and the excess moisture when combined with those substrates and shedding will lead to bacteria growth. Since you may not be able to place a filter for the water in the tank, you should change the water every three days or so.
The arboreal tank is the more expensive tank. These tanks need to be a minimum of 30 inches tall, taller if possible. A regular 30 gallon tank may be converted to serve as an arboreal tank, but you should not go any smaller for most frogs, even a smaller tree frog.
The substrate should either be sand, potting soil, or smooth gravel. The substrate must be deep enough to secure two or more branches or climbing materials into the ground. This means that it should be approximately an inch or two deep, provided the branches are secured against the glas.
You can use live plants in an arboreal tank, so long as they are strong enough. Remember that if you choose to use artificial plants, you must clean them more frequently because the frogs will be living on them.
To provide water, you should add a water bowl or a small pool. Dechlorinate the water and change it out regularly.