Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello Again,

I have an empty 20 gallon (long) aquarium that is empty. It needs something in it. I'm thinking dart frogs. I have a few more questions first.

1. Is it OK to mix a couple of species if they are of the same size and the carrying capacity of the tank is not exceeded?

2. What is the dart frog capacity of a 20 gallon long aquarium?

Thank you,

Brian

1) A LOT of people discourage you doing it. Theres more negatvies and positives and its a lot better on the darts.

2) rule of thumb is 1 per 10 gallons. Depending on dart it varies also. Is it a 20 long or high? most dart need more 'floor' then 'elevation'.
-----
Here is my new image hosting site! I have made it Bigger, Stronger, Faster!
kungfu28181: My god. You are insane. -Mon Jun 30 21:41:05

It's good to see you again, racer! How are your blue Sips doing?

I would agree with what has been said, except that I have always heard one per every 5 gallons. Of course, mixing more than one female azureus or tinctorius is usually a bad idea in tanks under 30 gallons. However, D. galactonotus, D. leucomelas, and D. auratus can usually be kept in groups (species specific) without fighting between the sexes.

You should also consider that you will not drop your froglets directly into the 20 gallon, as it will be difficult to keep the food concentration high enough. Typically, 3-4 froglets can be easily kept in a 5 gallon terrarium (or sweater boxes, etc). to allow better observation and higher food concentrations.

That's my two cents.
-----
Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

I've never really cared much for "gallons per frog". It doesn't take the height of a tank into account and it's very misleading. For example, let's compare a standard 10 gallon to a couple of other tanks:

10 gallon aquarium -
20x10x12
5 gallons = 100sq. inches floor space

20H -
5 gallons = 72sq inches floor space
24x12x16

20Extra high -
5 gallons = 50sq inches
20x10x24

and so on...

5 gallons in a 20extra high is only half the area of 5 gallons in a ten gallon. Anyhow, I,m sure you get my point.

Donn

I have to agree with your analysis, Donn. However, it gets even more complicated when you take into account any landscaping that you might do. For example, any planar geometry is out the window when you start sloping banks and adding hills and valleys. The surface area naturally increases, and is variable depending upon your setup even if you have 2 tanks of identical dimensions.

I think general rules (frogs per gallon) are good for starting points, but Donn brings up a good point that needs to be taken into consideration.
-----
Homer W. Faucett III, esq.
Purveyor of Trivialities and Fine Nonsense

Homer said
".....However, it gets even more complicated when you take into account any landscaping that you might do. For example, any planar geometry is out the window when you start sloping banks and adding hills and valleys. The surface area naturally increases, and is variable depending upon your setup even if you have 2 tanks of identical dimensions....."

Agreed, and to complicate it even more .... arboreal or terrestrial frog?

For large terrestrial species, square inches per frog might be better advice. For arboreal species and thumbnails it becomes much more complicated. You could put 4 or more reticulatus in a 10 vert but obviously this wouldn't do for a pair of terribilis. Huge difference.

To be honest, I don't have an answer. My personal experience tells me to provide the maximum amount of space I can possibly afford. Many hobbyists want to know how many frogs they can cram into a minimal amount of space and have the frogs survive. The difference in my mind is survive or thrive. The difference between surviving and thriving is huge.

Donn

My sips are doing great. Although one appears to be the 'runt' he is visibly smaller then the others. My tank is fine only problem i have is there is some sorta root that has pretty much taken over my soil and is peeking above the most. It has even produced a yellowish orange liquid in the soil in spots. Ill have to takes some pictures and ask for advice. I dought itll hurt the frogs.

Heres a couple shots, Sorry for the large size, i had them sized for my computer back ground

aj
-----
Here is my new image hosting site! I have made it Bigger, Stronger, Faster!
kungfu28181: My god. You are insane. -Mon Jun 30 21:41:05