Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have gotten my terrarium set up (water and land) and had some questions. I have a few tetra and 2 other small fish (one's a Tequila Sunrise and the other is very similar, both small)and an aquatic frog (I'm not sure what kind, but it stays in the water, doesn't go on land, and is gray). Before I add a land/water frog (or possibly other reptiles) I have a few questions.

How should I heat it. I have a 10 allon tank with rock around a waterall into the water which is about 2/3's of the tank with the flat rock (with moss) on the other 1/3. The only heat source now is an 18" 15 watt ESU Reptile Super UV flourescent lamp. I have the wire mesh lid covered with a towel (for now) to trap in the heat with some off the lid to vent. The atomosphere seems pretty humid and warm, but the water seems a bit cooler than the air. The tank sits by a window in a normally heated/air conditioned house. Is this enough heat for a land/water frog?

How long should I leave the light on? I'm afraid if it's off it will get too cold. Am I right?

What type of frog(s) or other reptiles would do well in this set up?

Sorry for the long windedness and all the ?'s but I want to be on the right path before I put the little guys/gals in a bad situation. Any other info would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks! Todd

todd, i think you have an african dwarf frog, though it is hard to tell withoug a picture. they get along good with fish. in most cases you don't need to heat the water, but it depends on how warm your house is, for tetras, just make sure it stays above 70F. i would suggest getting a glass lid, it keeps heat in and you can put a florescent on it and it wouln't break or anything, just don't put a basking bulb on it. you could put a newt in it, just make sure it's not toxic. if you leave the light on for 12 hrs. that should be fine, but 14 in summer and 10 in winter is better, it is easier if you put it on a timer. the florescent doesn't give off heat, so just keep the water heater on if necessary. good luck with whatever you do and don't hesitate to ask more questions!!!!!!!!!!1

Thanks for the reply! Yeah, I do indeed have an African Dwarf Frog. He/she (not sure how to tell) seems very happy. Swimming around alot and quite curious. The blood worms are a hit as is the heater I think. I have it set at 76. I have a wire mesh lid and keep a towel (for now) over about 4/5's of it (trying to let a little air in, right?). The light along with the heated water seem to keep the temp pretty good in there with some condensation. I wouldn't mind a newt or salamander but I don't think my wife likes em too much so I may have to go with a frog (land/water). Would like a small turtle, but they illegal unless you're a teacher, right?
One more question. Right now my tank is in front of a white wall. I have a flat rock against the back 1/3 by the waterfall (pics soon) but was wondering what a good back drop would be that doesn't look fakey (word?). On the contrary the one concern I have is that the tank sits in front of a window too and the natural sunlight seems like a good thing to have, but I may be wrong.

Thanks again for the advice and any more would be awesome!

Todd

glad i could help, yes, small turtles are illegal, and eventually they will need a 30 gallon. they would also make the water dirty and require a different set up. he would probaly eat the frog too ;O a newt would be ideal for that set up, but you could put an anole in there or some kind of small tropical lizard. don't put anything too large, because it will eat the frog. but an anole might work. you would need to feed those crickets, gutload them w/ fish food and oranges. and put vitiman/calcium powder on them 2/5 times you feed them. for a real background you could use cork bork, just silicone it on, or you could use "great stuff" (insulator-found at home inprovement places) and put driftwood on it. for that you would 1) put the driftwood the way u want it w/ plant holders... 2)put the great stuff around them and let seal for 36 hrs. 3) take GE black silicone and smear it all over and then (when still wet) put DRY dirt on the silicone. let that dry until it stops smelling 24-48 hrs. and then put it back on, blackjungle.com has a step by step, go to the gallery and then scroll down and go to the 4' tall open front... and thats it, good luck and ask more questions!here are some tanks I have that are the great stuff background, (the fire belly one i redid so you can't see the white)