Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Pacman is in a 29 gallon aquarium. I had this tank previously and assumed it would not hurt for him to have a big tank. However, I have not seen him get in his waterdish yet. He has sat in the same spot since Sunday afternoon, as far as I know. He may be moving when I'm not home. But, is it possible that he may not know where to find his water bowl? It is a huge waterbowl, and I've added a rock and some aquarium rock to the bottom so he doesn't drown in it. Do I need to have some sort of dripper, or ice above the bowl, so it makes noise and he can identify where his watersource is? Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Joanna

Pacmans live in the rainforest so they need a moist environment you should use some kind of substrate like eco earch or bed a beast or jungle mix which are all available at most pet stores. Wet the substrate you choose with water so it is damp and make sure it stays damp. The pacmans do not move much mine stay in the same place for months so yours will most likely never go into its water bowl but as long as you keep the substrate damp they dont need one. Make sure the tank is at the right temp too between 75 and 85 I use an under tank heater but they can get too hot feel the bottom of the tank and make sure its not too hot. Zoo med makes a rheostat that you can plug the heater into and this lets you adjust the temp. I have my pacmans housed in 10 gallon tanks they never move so I dont see why they would need a large tank. Also I use glass tops so the moisture cant escape and a tropicare humidifier and air exchanger which is available at most pet stores that sell reptiles this keeps the air in the tank humid. Also make sure you change the substrate monthly. Keep the substrate moist and the tank warm and clean and your pacman should do fine.

They do not live in the rainforest. Most horned frogs live in the dry plains of south america, with some notable exceptions (other species of horned frogs that are less commonly seen in the trade). Bed a beast is like dirt, which makes it a good choice. It is easy to digest, easy to use, and pretty natural. Humidity should be around 50-60%. Not too damp like you suggested. No humidifiers needed. Mist the tank every few days or as you see fit. The substrate should be a bit dry on top and damp underneath. Any damper means sitting water. Sitting water means more bacteria. Another big problem I have with your idea is that these frogs defecate and urinate in the moist areas. Therefore, the frog will defecate as well as urinate freely in its tank, which is NOT a good thing. Toxins will be more prevalent. If you keep the tank a bit drier, the frog will only (usually) use the restroom in its water dish.
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Andy Maddox
AIM: SurfAndSkimTx04
MSN: Poloboy32486@hotmail.com
Yahoo:surfandskimtx04
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Burgundy baby, With your blue eyed soul, You play the hits and I'm on that roll, Capricorn sister, Freddie Mercury, Jupiter Child cry

I've had two pacmans in the enclousures I described for over a year and they are both fat and happy with no signs of disease.

A year is not very long. People have been kept in small wooden cages while prisoner for much longer. Damage comes later in life.
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Andy Maddox
AIM: SurfAndSkimTx04
MSN: Poloboy32486@hotmail.com
Yahoo:surfandskimtx04
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Burgundy baby, With your blue eyed soul, You play the hits and I'm on that roll, Capricorn sister, Freddie Mercury, Jupiter Child cry

Personally, I keep my substrate dryer so my pacman will go the bathroom in her water dish. She uses it about 1/2 the days in a week. They really don't seem to need to be as wet as, say a pyxie does.
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