Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys, my last thread got a lot of replies and help and tips, I hope this one does too because it will determine if I should get into the hobby!

I want to build a Terrarium (my first one of course) and house some tree frogs.

I know you all think I'm crazy because of the environment my girlfriend and I built and all the mixed species, but it is doing very well and looks awesome. I think "noobs" like to mix species because it is so fun and interesting to see all the different ones in one environment!

I want to start by just saying what I want to do.

- I want to buy a 60 gallon hex tank (with a stand).
- I want to put Coco Panels on the back and get differnet kinds of plants and vines (and moss?) to grow on it as a nice, green bright background.
- I want to have a waterfall, draining into a pool where I would hopefully keep a few small goldfish/guppies.

Now to the questions (gonna number them):

1) The tank. It seems to me it would be either impossible or very expensive to buy and have shipped a tank online. I am just asking if anyone recommends any places I could look to find one, or is it just basicaly local pet stores?

2) How much should I pay for a 60 gallon hex tank with some kind of wood stand (no lid).

3) The lid. I am going to try to buy the tank w/o a lid so I can make a custom screen one. I'm sure I can do this, but I wanted to ask if anyone had any plans or tips, or if there was any source online that I could use as an aid?

4) The lights. I have read that for a Terrarium you need 2 full bar spectrum white lights for the plants 14 hours a day. I could do that and just use a timer. But what about at night when I want to see and watch my frogs but I don't want to wake them up or have them see the light? I use either black or red for this correct, but how do you pull this off if you have to have white spectrum lights? And which looks better, red or black? How do most people with Terrariums Frogs do this?

5) How many frogs absolute max could I put into a 60gal hex?

6) What kind of filter system/waterfall system do I need? I have been hearing a lot about under-the-gravel filters. Which one do you all recommend ? If it is under-the-gravel, how do you replace the filters every 6mo or whatever? Is there an easier way for a filtration system? Is it necessary with a waterfalL?

7) I've heard some talk about an under the water heater. Is this necessary even with lights on top of the tank shining through screen?

Thanks all, I know its a long post with lots of questions. I appreciate any input in advance. Any tips on how to start this project will be appreciated! THANKS!

okay, i gotta make this quik,

1) Petstore shave em

2) Expensive

3) Pet stores often sell lids

4) You don't need 2 bulbs, but it is better, a red light ussually is better at night.

5) not sure

6) You dont NEED a water feature, but it does look attractive, and help with humidity. I suggest under gravel filter. Although canister silters are the best. If it is underground filter, it is very hard to replace filter, so i would suggest not having a filter, and just have the pump.

7) Underwater heater is not nessary, but does help a little.

GOOD LUCK, need more help, ask MarkMark6464@yahoo.com
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Mark B.

Does anyone else have any tips of how to start?

I don't understand how you can plant living plants everywhere when you have rocks and wood everywhere. How do they live w/o soil, and if you do use some type of soil, I guess I don't understand how you plant them when you have rocks and wood in there you uesd to build the waterfall and build height to your terrarium.

i would love some elaboration

thanks in advance guys