Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am starting to think about getting my third type of frogs, wow this is addicting, but they are just so damn cool. After moving my Azureus to the living room, where I can see them they are so much more interesting.

I am looking into D. ventrimaculatus, and D. imitators, and at this time I am leaning towards D. imitators if I can find the orange ones. Again I am in no rush, but plan to pick up a tank in the next couple of weeks. I am looking into a 35 gal hex or a tall tank, which should be good for either type.

I would like to get some Pumilios at some point, but I think I am going to wait a bit longer before a drop a few hundred on a couple frogs that I will have to wait forever to get.

Thanks for any input,
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

I think 35 Gallons will be a little out of line for such a small frog. You won't be able to see them ever. They will always be hiding, because theres going to be so much space. Go for a 15h or a 20h.

Your going to wait forever for imitator too. Every place that I know of that sells imitator has a few months worth of waiting on a waiting list.

I have my imitators in a 30 gallon hexagonal tank with the back two sections planted with bromeliads on pressed cocos panels. The bottom is planted with mosses, miniature ivy and a few other things. The frogs are visible most all of the time in the upper reaches sitting or hunting in and around the bromeliads. They don't use the floor of the tank at all except as an moss arena for an occasional "lady wrestling" match. My imitators are quite active and bold, but this just might be the particular blood line, as others have reported them as being rather shy. I've been able to observe them calling,laying eggs, carrying tads, and chasing bugs. They use a lot of territory, so I don't think 35 gallons is too large.

The imitators were worth the wait, and I'm sure the vents would be, too.

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Patty
Lost River, Idaho

D. auratus blue
D. galactonotus
D. imitator
D. leukomelas
D. pumilio Bastimentos (soon)

I keep a trio of imitators in a 30 gallon (I actually hope to increase that number with the prolific nature of these frogs). They are always in view and the male calls throughout the day. I have never seen any of them on the small floor of the tank. Using a large tank for these arboreal frogs gives you the opportunity to create dimension with different epiphytes. In this tank there is an assortment of more delicate plants I wouldn't use with larger frogs (e.g. Anthurium gracile and scandens, a species of Microgramma that escapes me and 2 rhizomatic ferns with delicate fronds that I also can't remember the genus/species without finding the tags). I'd say go with the bigger tank.

David

To add to David's comments, they also need several bromeliads for their activities, especially if you are planning on letting them raise their own tadoles, which is a lot of fun to watch, at least once. Each needs a different cup, as the tads are cannibalistic, and further breeding goes on for some time, even while they are raising and feeding tads. (For serious breeding, raising them separately is more successful.)
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho

D. auratus blue
D. galactonotus
D. imitator
D. leukomelas
D. pumilio Bastimentos (soon)

I don't think a 30 to 35 gal hex would be too big, but it all depends on what they have. As for Imitators I know I will have to wait, but i'm in no rush. Looking to build the tank maybe this fall. I might get on a waiting list for some who knows.

Thanks for the ideas,
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

Hi,
I have my imitators in a 20h tank that is set up vertically.They use the whole tank and are pretty shy but I clean their turds off of everything so they must be active but mainly when I'm at work.I have raised quite a few of them but they are slow this time of the year.They are cool but from what some people have told me there is a list for Patrick that is over 5 months so if I was you I'd get on one soon.I wish I could help you but I only have 1 froglet and 2 tads in the water as of now.If the froglet turns out male or female I have 2 different people needing one or the other.I had a run of bad luck with them for awhile losing froglets to spindlg but think I have that figured out.Enough rambling,good luck with either species.........Mark W.

Thats ok thanks for the offer, I have plenty of time to wait, i'm just getting opinions. If you get some good clutches or get some you want to sell shoot me a e-mail. I don't even have a tank for them yet, but should have most of what I need for the inside except for plants on hand. Just a matter of getting a tank up and running for a bit.

Thanks again,
kyle
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

I had to choose between the 2 a few months back too. I went with the Imitators and it was the right choice. I picked them up from Tor Linbo at Frog day. A proven trio. They were available and I snatched them right up. I have them in a temp set up while the final tank is being made. i don't think 30-35 gal is too big. 2 of mine are always out. 1(the shyer male)hides a bit more. But I think he'll be out more when put into the bigger tank. But I see him at least 2xs a day anyways. The bolder male calls all the time, and the female is very fat. It IS addicting!!! Just wanted to put one vote in for the Imitators!!

Well I'm going to go with Imitators and I have got on Patricks waiting list. It will be a little bit but thats ok. I also went tank shopping and after looking at the hex tanks I bought a 15High. It should be plenty of space and it was only $20. I almost bought a used 35gal hex for $55, that had a cracked frame, but it was too big, and I really hate the fake oak trim on tanks. I think the 15gal with the back full of broms will be very cool. I'm still thinking on what to do, but starting to lean towards the foam/wood background that people are starting to use, with maybe a waterfall going down it. Who knows, not sure about the waterfall part, might just leave it out.

Thanks,
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
D. leucomelas
D. azureus

You can't go wrong with Patrick's frogs, however long you have to wait. If they are related to mine, which they probably are, they are the most athletic and best. They are Tarzans. I had four, now bred and raised two more, in a 30 gallon tall hexagonal, and wish there were more space for them. So don't think stingy about what space these tiny guys can cover. They need lots of bromeliads, not just one or two. Four of them is like an Italian neighborhood in New York, everyone sitting on the fire escapes and drinking wine in the evening and arguing.
Give them all of the space you can, mostly in the high reaches-- as many bromeliads as possible. They won't disappear into too large a territory, believe me.
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Patty
Lost River, Idaho

D. auratus blue
D. galactonotus
D. imitator
D. leukomelas
D. pumilio Bastimentos (soon)