Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey, I am trying to decide on what frogs I want to start off with. I know I am sorta doing it backwards, but I am setting up my tank first, and then picking a frog that will do well there. My tank is 30L x 16W x 19H, has bromeliads and ferns on background of back and one side, has a small stream, and a very shallow, small pool. I read on poison-frogs.com that the tincs are mainly terrestrial and would do better in a tank with no exposed water....just frequent sprays, so that seems to rule out tincs. I am interested in imitators, but Patrick has at least a six month waiting list and recommends a larger frog to start off with. I have read contradictory descriptions of azureus(one of my faves). Some say that they are terrestrial, and some say they will explore upper reaches also. I have not found any specific info regarding the habitat preferences of galactonotus, but I like them as well. What do ya'll think? I have been doing research out the wazoo but am not seeing what I need. I need a frog that will take advantage of vertical space, and can live around flowing/standing water. A frog that does well in groups would be preferable, but is not a necessity. I have read that leucs are a strong candidate for this set up....any others?

As always, many thanks,
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Matt

hi,
I think your tank would be good for tincs, leucs, azureus, or galctonotus. As for tincs not doing well with water, i have never heard that, but it might be true. I wouldn't recommend imitators for a "newbie" , they are very small and for a newbie they may be just a little to difficult.
hope tihs helps
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Nate
1.1 alanis tincs
0.0.3 imitators
0.0.2 Azureus (soon)

tincs, leucs, azureus, and galctonotus would be fin ein there as well as auratus, p. terribilis, or p. aurotaenia. if you want a group of frogs i would consider the leucs, galctonotus, p. terribilis, or p. aurotaenia. if you want to see the fogs climb a little more i would go with either the leucs or aurotaenia. i have both of these frogs, and both seem to climb alot (more then my tincs and auratus). i would also recommend that you stay away from the thumbnails until you have kept one of the bigger frogs first. hope this helped and goodluck.

Hey there: My first were tincs from Patrick. My set up is about the same as yours. They have no problems in the shallow water. People have commented about them drowning but that was probably due to 2 females fighting and the victor holding the looser's head underwater til death. But if you keep only a pair, there really isn't a swimming/drowing problem. Mine don't spend a lot of time in the small water portion, and I keep the flow really slow just in case, but they get in and have no problems getting out. The Tincs from Patrick are spectacular! The colors magnificent and patrick very knowlegdable. My imitators were my next frogs and they were not as difficult as many said they may be. I found a trio at a show from Tor Linbo. I would say that they have been just as hardy as the Tincs are(at least mine are). They don't hide from me and they are always trying to mate. The Tincs were more fun to watch as a beginner because they loved to eat!!!! And are VERY active. You shouldn't count the Tincs out just yet.

Maggie

between azureus and Surinam cobalt tincs. Decisions, decisions....
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Matt