I have a paludarium with an aquarium feature separated from the land by glass barriers. It's a large 135 gallon 6 foot long tank. There isn't much room for a deep water feature in anything smaller. The galactonotus in this have fallen in a few times and can swim perfectly efficiently, as long as you have egress to land such as a log from land to water, etc. If you use a deep water feature for fish, this shouldn't be a part of a false bottom, but separated by glass so the water doesn't become contaminated by soil drainage and also so that any frog that falls in won't get caught under the false bottom portion. The darts are actually less likely to drown in deep water, as if they fall in wrestling, they are forced to swim for it and have no purchase to hold each other under as has apparently happened with one frog drowning another in a fight. (I've never experienced this drowning phenomenon, but they sure won't continue a fight if they land in deep water.)



Water features aren't essential, but they are certainly nice and add to the overall rain forest effect.



As for best frogs for a first experience, I think D. leucomelas are on the top of the list. They get along in groups quite well, are bold and active, use all areas of a tank, are fun to watch and have a pleasant well-audible call. Another consideration is that they are relatively cheap and available. Avoid obligate egg feeders such as the pumilio, the very tiny thumbnails for first frogs, although I think the imitators and their close cousins wouldn't disappoint a beginner. Just have lots of bromelaids for them to breed and sit in. They do go on the ground occasionally, but prefer the upper reaches. Others on my list, not considering price necessarily are D. galactonotus, D. azureus, D. auratus, P. terribilis, and many people recommend tinctorius. These, like D. azureus may not be good in a group and may do better in mated pairs.



Good luck and show us some pictures of your vivarium when you have it finished.



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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

2 D. azureus

4 P vittatus

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