Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,

Let me start off by saying that I'm not here to deride what you're attempting to do. I have kept a mixed community of tree frogs(Gray treefrogs and green treefrogs) along with a pair of anoles for approximately 3 and one half years so far. No problems as of yet. The aquarium I used was 150 gallons, with a divider to create a shallow water portion of approximately 15 gallons. The land area consisted of a mixture of coconut bark, black earth and partially decomposed leaf litter. This is over top of a layer of pebble and a layer of charcoal seperated by screening to keep them seperated. Filtration of the water portion is by means of a fluval canister filter. lighting is provided by a pair of 175 watt metal halide bulbs suspended over the tank. The top of the tank is screened and ventilation is enhanced by running a pair of muffin fans to force air into the lower reaches of the tank. The plants seem to flourish with this type of setup.
I quarrantined all the inhabitants before adding them to the setup. Fecals were taken from each animal and sent to the vets.
It may sound like a lot of work but it is do-able if you have the time and money. I think if you enlarged your setup slightly it would be bebeficial to the animals. The one thing I would question is the inclusion of the fire bellied toads in your setup. The toxins that they produce can have a detrimental effect on the other animals in the setup. It might be best to rethink having them.
Best of luck
David

This is not a treefrog/anole tank...This includes not only the FBT's you mentioned but other entitites such as Red eyes as well as dart frogs (which can be easily stressed). I could understand some other mixes, though I don't agree with them (such as the anole/treefrog tanks) but this one is ludicrous. I do not regard this person as anymore than a troll. Last time someone posted a "question" like wkdrake did, the forum ended up in turmoil, and people ended up getting kicked off because they felt so vehemently that what that "mixer" was doing was wrong...
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Andy Maddox
Houston Herp Key
The Reptizone

Who are you who can say it's ok to live through me? Alice In Chains

Hi David,

Thanks for such a cordial letter. I will not bother with another post for the response from the "gentleman" below, as he seems not to be able to rise above preschool level in his common courtesy. I do find it hysterical that he complains about flamers getting kicked off in the past, since he is obviously unable to write even a single post without flaming!

Yes, buried waaaayyyyy down this long thread , I have said that I have emailed the doctor who has been advising me (herpatological curator at the zoo) regarding the FBT's and the concerns that people have expressed about them. I will post whatever reply he sends me if others would like to see it. At this point, I am still working on the setup, so no animals are in the vivarium, and none will go in until I have checked this out thoroughly. Bartlett and others have published a number of articles about red eyes, anoles, geckos, red bandeds and certain darts living peacefully together, but the FBT thing came from Dr. H only, and given the experiences others have had, I want to make sure it was not something stupid like a typo by his secretary when she transcribed his notes for me.

Thanks so much for the info about your setup, it is really helpful. Do you use any fluorescent plant lights in addition to the metal halides? And any experience with mixing fluorite or laterite into the gravel portion of the substrate for the aquatic plants?

Yes, my vivarium will definitely be growing right along with the inhabitants, or new habitats will be built as inhabitants need to be separated! I just personally like to work with something a little more manageable when first learning to create a habitat, and then am a "pro" by the time I move on to larger scale. Just my own personal preference, that has worked well for me on past projects. And I then get the added benefit of getting to "create anew"!

Yes, quarantines and fecal checks are an absolute for any new critter at my place as well! I'm glad to hear you recommend this, as it seems to often be forgotten with the smaller herps for some reason.

Again, thanks so much for a friendly and open post. I wish everyone would be mature enough to follow your example, as that is the way a forum really should be!