Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey guys, Im setting up a fairly large glass tank for some Dendrobates this week (80Lx70Hx40Wcm) and just wanted to ask a few questions before I begin.
Firstly, Im thinking of setting up a waterfall so water can trickle down some rocks etc down into a pool of water, and will then be pumped back to the top. Has anyone done this....is it a good idea?

On the same subject, I was wondering what I do about the whole situation of changing the water. Obviously some will evaporate during the process or will soak into the surroundings of the tank. Would adding fresh (aged) water every day or two overcome this problem? Im new to this this is my first time keeping these so I need some help, sorry.

Here's what I plan to do with the tank itself. I plan on lining the back and sides with that coco panel stuff, then I want to create land by using those peat bricks. I will lay some moss over the top of this. Also whilst moulding out the land with the peat bricks, I will create a pool area, which I plan on lining with rock or something so the water doesnt get dirty. I will place some pods and egg laying sites around the enclosure. I will be buying 1 or 2 bromelias for the frogs as Ive read they like to sleep in them. Im getting 2.4 leucomelas. I will also be planting some more plants onto the coco panels as I hear some plants can grow into them. To top it off I will place some branches in there (I know they dont climb, but I think it will make it look more effective. Please post your advice, sorry about the long post, I hope it doesnt put anyone off. Thanks

Sorry you didn't get an answer here. I think some of us are a bit confused about the separated posts--at least I am. I'm not sure how it is supposed to work. If it hasn't already been answered on the main post, a lot of us have waterfalls and water features in our tanks, mostly utilizing various sorts of false bottoms and small pumps. They are relatively easy to set up. You can view some of them on the photo gallery under cages and terrariums. I simply replace water as the levels become lower, and every once in awhile, shut it off, siphon out the water with aquarium tubing (there are more elaborate ways of setting up the intial water, but I've never tried them, because simple works for me.) Then I simply replace the water. Just be sure you plan your pump where you can replace it or remove it for cleaning in case it gets clogged. The rest of your plan sounds good. My leuks litterally stay in the bromeliad leaves when they aren't hunting. Their tank contains some of the larger ones.

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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus

By the way, leucs DO climb, and you will find them at the very top of your vivarium, but the older frogs just don't climb glass very well as they're too heavy.
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

4 D. auratus blue
5 D. galactonotus pumpkin orange splash back
5 D. imitator
6 D. leucomelas
4 D. pumilio Bastimentos
4 D. fantasticus
4 P. terribilis
4 D. reticulatus
4 D. castaneoticus

Every morning a few of my very fat leucs will be trying to climb the glass: 2 inches up, then slide back an inch and a half. It is like every morning they forget it is way easier to climb the plants to the top. A good laugh every morning for me though.
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Josh Willard
www.joshsfrogs.com

Thanks alot for the info. I was getting desperate for advice and ended up posting over at www.dendroworld.co.uk. I dont mean to advertise but you may want to check it out as there are some good discussions going on there.
Thanks alot again