Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 7 Red eyed tree Frogs (RETF) I filter (using PUR) the water from the tap to use in their terrarium. Last night one of my females only laid three eggs which are greenish white in color. I was told they would be white. Is there a reason for this color? Could it be water or other factors related? This brings me to my following questions:

1. What affect(s) will the chlorine have on my captive RETF and their eggs?
2. What is the best method of dechlorinating the tap water?
3. How can I tell if the water is chlorinated? In other words what methods of testing are out there?
4. What are the best products out there to help dechlorinate the water in their tank without further affecting the water of the frogs?

Thank you for your time

ISH

Chlorine does have a greenish color in high concentrations, but I wouldn't think that this is the cause for RETF's eggs being green. If it was the cause I'd say your frogs would most likely be dead.

I have some GTF's and a WTF, the water I use for them is tap water that I add decholrinating agent(example: "Reptisafe"to, this is availble at any pet shop that sells herps. After adding the decholrinating agent I usually let the water sit for a day or two before using it, keeping a large supply of standing water around makes this process less troublesome.

For testing the amount of chlorine in your water you can use the test kit used in swimming pools. This consists of a yellowish liquid added to a small sample of your water that will turn somewhere between clear and dark yellow depending on the amount of chlorine present in the water. It's best if there is absolutely no chlorine in the frog's water. You can pick up one of these testing kits at any pool store.

Hope this helps!

Okay Thanks,

I use the Reptisafe too, although I don't let the water sit for a day. However when I change out the water I do it in the morning and the frogs don't get in it until later that night. I wasn't sure if Reptisafe was a quality product to get out the chlorine or if something out there was better to use.

The wierd thing is why would there only be three eggs. I've heard the females lay around 50 to 100 eggs. Will the females deposit some eggs without the males there to fertilize them? Or will they stop laying if disturbed?

ISH

The filter should get most of the chlorene from the water (or at least i know the Brita and Whirlpool ones do)and the reptisafe should get rid of any of the remaining chlorene instantly, so you shouldnt have to worry about it sitting out overnight. the eggs could still be fertile (that is assuming you do have a male in the tank?) the green colour isnt always an indication of bad eggs, try to raise them and see what happens.
-----
0.1.0. Leo
1.1.0. WTF
0.1.0. Irish Setter
2.2.0. Holland Lop Bunnies
1.1.0. House Cats
Too Many Fish!

The water filter might be an effective dechlorinator. Consult the directions and make sure it specifically says chlorine, chloramines and ammonia. If it doesn't take out all three, you will need a dechlorinator.

I am not sure that Reptisafe takes out all three either, check the container. Also compare prices with Amquel, which is used professionally and removes all three. I would recommend that over any overpriced reptile product.

Also, it is unnecessary to let the water sit after being chemically treated. Dechlorinators work almost immediately depending upon circulation.
-----
...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)