Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm starting a 10 gallon tank for a tree frog.. and was wondering if it was ok to use fake plants for right now... until i get the hang of having a frog for a pet...and then maybe later on use real plants.. when i'm more ready... any advice? thanks

(also posted in the canada forums)

That is a great question! I highly recommend using fake plants whenever possible. Simply because there are a lot less variables involved. One thing I like about plastic plants is that you can within reason, disinfect them so that they can be thoroughly cleaned. The problem with live plants is the use of fertilizers and insecticides. The plants must be thoroughly cleaned before use. One of the forums users (Henry) recommends changing the soil out on a new plant and letting it sit for six weeks before introducing it into the tank. This is to help dilute or wear off some of the toxins associated with horticulture. I really do not know enough about plastic plants to make a professional recommendation, but I do know that in my experience some of the materials that are used to make the fake plants are not really compatible with amphibians. I have gotten some that appeared to stain whenever they get wet. Perhaps someone else can make your recommendation on the specific types of plastic plants that are good for amphibians.

One other thing, please consider upgrading to a larger tank for your tree frog.
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...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)

"Sometimes I think the surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that none of it has tried to contact us."
Calvin and Hobbes (Scientific Progress Goes 'Boink', 1991)

I'm with Colchicine on this one, as I am definitely an advocate for artificial plants. With some frogs and for some vivarium designs, a well placed faux vine or fern is essential. I've been using a mixture of the two (real and fake) for quite a while, and although I probably haven't thought of everything, here are some basic guidelines. I know it may seem a bit extreme, but primarily I do it for the health of the frog, secondly for the ease of tank maintenance, and last but not least, I go through the extra trouble because if your going to do something, do it right!

1) Avoid plants with fake fuzz, hair, etc., Although they can look extremely realistic, small particles (which are sometimes made with fiberglass) may irritate your frogs delicate skin.
2) No spines, thorns, etc.
3) Be very wary of those beautiful large leaves that are made of paper and coated with a waxy substance. Over time, the coating will dissolve, and the paper will bleed.
4) When clipping bendable artificial vines to fit, make certain that there are no wires exposed. Also check for exposed wires before adding any bendable plants to the vivarium.
5) Consider that your frog uses jumping, leaping, hopping, whatever as a mode of transportation, both on the ground and in the air. Never add anything that could impale your frog when gravity kicks in.
6) Silks are great, they can be boiled or soaked as needed.
7) ALWAYS clean the plants with a rag using a vinegar solution, many craft stores and silk flower shops spray them with different chemicals to keep them looking "fresh."
8) Remember that depending on the material, the plant will not last forever. Replace as needed.
9) If using plain suction cups to attach to the enclosure wall, protect your frog from the end of the hook, which is pretty much an injury waiting to happen. I place a round ball of hot glue at the end of mine, which not only aid in avoiding injury, but help the plant stay on the hook.
10) Examine the plants every now and again, check for bleeding, exposed wires, mold, etc. If any of these or anything else funny is going on, discard and start again.

I know that's a lot, but maybe someone else can use the info to. Don't get caught up in needing every single piece of greenery in your enclosure to be natural. Most people who see my enclosures don't even notice the fake additions, and when I point it out, they don't believe me. Flukers makes a very nice Pothos vine, and other than that, I get mine relatively cheap from craft stores. You pay a little more at a florist or wedding shop. Good luck!
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*~~Whitney~~*

Though here at journey's end I lie in darkness buried deep, beyond all towers strong and high, beyond all mountains steep, above all shadows rides the Sun and Stars forever dwell: I will not say the Day is done, nor bid the Stars farewell."

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*~~Whitney~~*

Though here at journey's end I lie in darkness buried deep, beyond all towers strong and high, beyond all mountains steep, above all shadows rides the Sun and Stars forever dwell: I will not say the Day is done, nor bid the Stars farewell."