Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am new to dart frogs. I do not have any yet but I am planning on getting some soon. My question right now is what size tank would be good for a beginner a 29gal or a 55gal? I would like to have maybe 5 or 6 frogs in the tank. I want to make it look good with a waterfall and maybe a stream and pond with alot of plants and stuff like that. Right now all I have is bearded dragons and I would like to get into frogs cause there are alot of really cool looking ones out there. Thanks for the help Im sure I will be back to ask more questions once I get the tank. Thank You, Steve
-----
Thanks Steve
Owner of:
2.1. Bearded Dragons
www.home.wi.rr.com/stevesreptiles

Hi Steve,
Honestly, you're best bet would be to start small. 10-20 gallon vivariums are ALOT easier to maintain than the larger 55's with respect to humidity and feeding, as well as viewing pleasure Having a smaller vivarium will allow you to view your new frogs more easily, as well as monitor feeding habits and other behaviors (it's a little harder for frogs to find food in a large viv).
Auratus, Tinctorius, Leucomelas, and even Azureus are great beginner frogs. Each of these are very inexpensive (by dart-frog standards) and are readily available. For a 10-20 gallon, I'd put in no more than 2-3 Auratus or Leucs. For Tinctorius and Azureus, 2 will be OK. You may need to monitor the latter two species a little more closely since adult females will fight. Let me know if you've got more questions!

Randy
www.fruitflyspecialties.com

Randy, Thanks for the reply. I was thinking that a smaller viv would be easier but just wasnt sure. I am going to use the 29g tank that I have. How easy are Dendrobates azureus to take care of plus do they get along if there are 4 in a 29g tank? Plus can I keep any other species with them? Thanks Steve
-----
Thanks Steve
Owner of:
2.1. Bearded Dragons
www.home.wi.rr.com/stevesreptiles

2 Azureus in a 29gal is fine, 4 would not be a good idea. Females will fight, so your best bet would be to get a pair. Patrick at Suarian sells them. Now leucs are also a great starter frog and can be kept in groups. You could keep 4 or so in a 29gal.

I keep my pair in a 29gal any they are doing great.

Patrick also has his frogs broken down on what can be kept in groups or not.

Mixing is NOT a good idea, and can stress the frogs to death. Most froggers frown on the idea of mixing.

here is a picture of my 29gal:

-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus
0.0.2 D. pumilio Bastimentos
0.0.3 D. reticulatus
0.0.3 D. fantasticus
0.0.3 P. terribilis

Thanks,
That is a really nice looking setup you have. How long did it take you to set that up? Thanks Steve
-----
Thanks Steve
Owner of:
2.1. Bearded Dragons
www.home.wi.rr.com/stevesreptiles

Tooks a bit to get all the parts, but not long at all to put together.
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus
0.0.2 D. pumilio Bastimentos
0.0.3 D. reticulatus
0.0.3 D. fantasticus
0.0.3 P. terribilis

Kyle, what parts did you use to create this tank?

Hmm, let me think... Its been about a year:
-29gal tank
-glass lid (standard aquarium one, back half is siliconed in place)
-cork bark panels
-100lbs of gravel (never do this again)
-large rock (waterfall)
-plants
-small pump
-strip light
-2.0 reptiglow bulb
-small fan, and ac/dc adapter 300ma, with voltage selection
-----
Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators
0.0.2 D. ventrimaculatus
0.0.2 D. pumilio Bastimentos
0.0.3 D. reticulatus
0.0.3 D. fantasticus
0.0.3 P. terribilis

Where did you obtain the pump? Are fans needed for a well maintained tank?