Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My last 2 dwarf frogs died yesterday, i found them dead floating around in the tank, i really thought these guys would live but i guess i was wrong, they were young and i got them loke a week ago but alas they are dead now.
Demon

What were you feeding them? Was your tank cycled? Were you using dechlorinator? Were there frogs only in the tank, or were you keeping them with fish?

They were with a non toxic newt 3 or 4 tadpoles and a fish. the tank has been running for years and the previous frogs did pretty well with the newt and even bred once. there is no temp control but the light heats the water a bit through the day so it seems like a real area, there is a filter sone floating things some caves some big snails for cleaning and lotsa duckweed. and don't worry they can get air through the duckweed....the filter is a waterfall style. all this is in a 10gallon fish tank with a hood incandesant light. i may post pics of it if i need too but it's kinda hard.

P.S. i was complimented on my tank setup by a biologist
Demon

Well since the frogs died fairly soon after you got them they could have been sick when you got them.

I question you setup even if a biologist praised it. Mixed species tanks, especially when they are as small as yours never are a great idea. Sure you animals may survive, but they will not thrive because you can not give each of them ideal living conditions. Newts, in general, like colder temperatures, while ADFs need warmer temperatures. I assume you have a sizeable land portion of the tank for then newt, so that reduces the about of water area for the ADFs and other aquatic creatures you keep in there. I think it is just best to give each species their own tank. That way you can be sure that each animal have enough space and gets the proper living conditions.

Well actually it is a fully aquatic like newt just like the frogs are and the tank is generally warm and gets slightly warmer in the day, by the way you are a purist and i respect that and with i had the room to be a purest.
Demon

I've never posted on this forum before, but I happened upon this post and decided to give my 2 cents. I have a masters in organismal biology and have been keeping/breeding reptiles and amphibians for as long as I can remember. The "biologist" that complemented your vivarium was either 1) patronizing you or 2) didn't have the faintest idea about animal husbandry. If you lack the room to house an animal comfortably, then don't acquire the animal. This is not a matter of being a purist, it's a matter of responsibility when keeping a pet. You cannot possibly keep those species together in a 10 gallon aquarium while also catering to their individual needs.
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Randy

Actually they have nearly the same needs
Demon

Ok, Ok, if you believe in your heart that you can create their specific habitual needs in a ten gallon, then you go for it. Just be sure not to come cryin' to the forum when you're "frogless....again".
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Randy