Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hello...i just took in a yellow mantella frog (crocea)and wanted to be sure i have the right size tank setup for him. everything i found in books or the internet listed sizes for multiple frogs and since i only have the one...i wanted to be sure he's happy and has enough space, but not too much so he can't find his food or anything. any advice/help anyone could give me, would be very much appreciated thanks
- Jen

The first step is to give us info on how you are keeping your new friend and provide pictures if possible...

What size tank?
What are you using for substrate?
What temp are you keeping it at?
What are you feeding it?
What is the humidity level?

We'd be happy to help with more info...
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-Iman

1.1 BRBs (Ying and Yang)
1.1 JCPs (Striker and Sheila)
0.0.2 BPs (Spot and Speck)
0.0.4 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Suriname Cobalts'
0.0.4 Dendrobates Auratus 'Costa Rican Green and Black'
5.5 Fish (Insert your favorite names here)
1.0 Miniature Daschund (Rue)

Loving to Learn
Learning to Help
Helping to Love

Stimulate debates, stifle arguments.
Please be nice always.

right now he's in a 2 1/2 gallon tank, but i have a 10 gallon tank i can use, but i was afraid it would be too cold and catching his food would be too hard for him. i have coconut fiber soil as his subsrate with some moss on top. the temp. is at 75F for the day (i don't know the night time temp. yet because this will be my first night with him). the humidity level is at about 80% and he's eaten a few small crickets today. this was an unexpected rescue so i had to order him some flightless fruit flies and small waxworms, but they won't be here until tuesday. he's a little less than 1" and a little skinny, the people i took him from had him as a pet for an 8 year old and they were not very attentive....so i really really appreciate your help in making my little buddy happier and healthier thank you!...and i'll take pictures soon!

- Jen

A few good things...

1.) 2.5gallons is a good size to ensure that he is eating. It is a great temporary home. Move it to a 5-10gallon tank for optimal care when you are ready

2.) Keep the temps between 70 and 80. The upper 60's may not hurt, but anything in the upper 80s is not advised.

3.) Do research on the net - you'll find more helpful articles than I can give you.

4.) Pinhead cickets are good food, but they don't stay small enough for long. You can use many of the bugs from your area to feed them as well - as long as they aren't poisonous - try aphids, maggots, flies, etc

5.) Coconut bark is great substrate - again do some more research on the net and learn how to use a false bottom - the false bottom will hold your humidity high as well as provide the right drainage

6.) 80% humidity is great. 60-100% maintained at all times. I use false bottoms and never had a problem - even with 50% screen tops.

Good luck! I'm sure that Slaytnop will chime in soon with the best advise around. There's noone better that can personalize the tips for you than she can.

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-Iman

1.1 BRBs (Ying and Yang)
1.1 JCPs (Striker and Sheila)
0.0.2 BPs (Spot and Speck)
0.0.4 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Suriname Cobalts'
0.0.4 Dendrobates Auratus 'Costa Rican Green and Black'
5.5 Fish (Insert your favorite names here)
1.0 Miniature Daschund (Rue)

Loving to Learn
Learning to Help
Helping to Love

Stimulate debates, stifle arguments.
Please be nice always.

i would even go as far as saying that anything above 75 is too hot. Mantellas like it kinda cool. Strive for something between 65 and 74.

thank you sooo very much guys! i hope my new little guy will be very happy from now on

- Jen