Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm new to Dendrobates, but I have good husbandry skills all around. I have experience with many species of tarantulas, chameleonidae, and reptiles of many sorts. I even own my own pet store, I just have never kept frogs (other than whites or green tree frogs).

I'm just starting with 2 Dendrobates leucomelas (?), about 1.5 inches and sex uncertain. Supposedly captive born. Havent figured out how to sex them yet. Havent heard any calling yet. Anyway, I read the beginners guide on this forum and took appropriate action with my tank. It is a 20H with 2 inches of drainage gravel (1.5 to 2" rocks) on bottom, a fiberglass screen to keep the levels separate, and about 4 inches of peat and orchid mixture on top of that. I have 4 live plants in there, 2 ferns and 2 others that should do well in a wet environment. I gave the plants a 20 minute shower to wash of any potential residue on them. Sitting atop the tank is a 10000k light for the plants and of course so I can see their little world. My misting system is as follows: A Sunbeam cool mist humidifier (one of those that blasts a room temperature mist constantly) piped with clean PVC into the enclosure. The timer is set so it blasts pure humidity 2 minutes every 2 hours. The plants leaves stay moist as does the frogs skin, but the glass never really fogs up (I got lucky there I guess). I'm really happy with it so far, but I know I need to add more of a vertical surface to the back of the tank for climbing, I just have to track something down to do it with. Moss as well, I need some moss. Temp in the tank stays between 70 and 75.

If you have any comments or opinions, please let me know, as I'm kinda flyin by the seat of my pants with these guys. Also, they have pretty much stayed in the upper back left corner of the tank since last night. Is this indicative of some problem, or are they just needing more climbing space? It kinda worries me. They dont sit in their water, but I notice from it being dirty that at least one of them has been in it.

Thanks for your input!

when i got my luecs they did the same thing. they hung out at the top of the tank, on top of tree fern panels on the back of the tank. i think they just felt safe being in a tight little spot. they came down the next day and would search for food, but at night they still like to go up in the tank to sleep (in broms, or on top of the panels again). so i don't think there is anything wrong.

jon

Sounds like you're doing things right. I wouldn't worry about them hanging near the top. Eventually they will feel comfortable and come down, especially if you provide safe havens for them to hide in. The temps seem to be OK, but I would probalby try to warm it up a litte during the day. As for sexing these guys, a little hard to do, especially if their not calling. I believe that Tincs.com or Saurian have some info about breeding these beauties and suggest a "seasonal change". Have fun with them, they are awesome little frogs. I have 3 froglets waiting to move into a 10 gallon that 4 cobalts are inhabiting right now until they move into their new luxury 29g with a waterfall.

-Ben