In my opinion, the larger, bolder darts are more fun and satisfactory for a bigginer in the hobby. Even though they aren't as colorful as the rest, I get a kick out of my mint green Phyllobates terribilis. They are nearly always out and about and seem smart enough to recognize where their food comes from, so aren't the least bit skittish or shy. The Dendrobates glactanotus (orange) are also bold and interesting to watch. D. leucomelas are somewhat inbetween, but are easy keepers. I don't have any D. tinctorius, but understand they are also nice beginner frogs, but perhaps tend to fight and compete more than the other three I mentioned, which do get along well in groups.



Some of the thumbnails are actually easy, but due to their small size, they can be intimidating for a beginner.



As far as tank size, I believe the larger the better, with a very minimum of 20 gallons--and at least 5 gallons per frog.



Usually the ambient room temperature is adequate without additional heating, especially if you have a living tank with substrate and perhaps waterways that will help stabilize temperatures. 65 degrees at night to mid 70's during the day, usually works with most species. In the rare instances that a heat wave takes temperatures above 80, I attempt some cooling.

Since this is cold country where I live, I also have a heat mat stuck to the back of some tanks, (never the bottom) just in case, but seldom use them. If the power goes off, they are no good, anyway.



The tank should be well sealed to preserve humidity, which should be from 80 to 100 percent. I like the hinged glass lids, but there are other options. You don't have to worry about active ventilation. Opening the tank daily and the small cracks, plus the live plants are sufficient for these rainforest frogs. You will need to mist, either by hand or with an automatic system.



Lighting is mostly for plant growth, and there are many options that you can do a search for. The tanks will lack any UV light source, since glass and plexiglass filters out UV. So you will need to supplement with vitamins containing calcium and D3. Check out the care-sheets on Saurian, one of the sponsors of this site for specifics and recommendations.



Darts are surprisingly easy to keep, and it doesn't have to be high tech. Do watch for the possibility of escapes. All of my losses have been from frogs escaping, even when I considered it impossible, and being found mummified on the floor, one accidental injury and only one mystery death. They won't last more than 15 minutes outside the tank.



Quarantine each of your new frogs in a smaller container. Again refer to the Saurian care sheets for details. You want to make sure each is eating well and growing before introducing them together into the permanent vivarium.
-----
Patty

Pahsimeroi, Idaho



4 D. auratus blue

5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back

5 D. imitator

6 D. leucomelas

4 D. pumilio Bastimentos

4 D. fantasticus

4 P. terribilis

4 D. reticulatus

4 D. castaneoticus

[ Show Entire Thread ]