Fire bellied toad vivarium build

seahawksfan_74 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-13-2009, 02:49 PM

We are a grade 4, 5, & 6 class that is thinking about making a vivarium for FBT's, and would like some feedback. We are considering a 10 gal. set-up that is 40-60 land and water. We are going to use aquarium gravel in the water and eco-earth on the land. We are going to make a small stream with the filter/pump and spray foam.

Thanks for any ideas.

beckdg · #2 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 10:02 AM

what are you looking for as far as feedback?

i would probably use floor leveler to cover the stream myself. it would go on thin and hold up pretty good. it shouldn't create too much of a ph swing and should provide for good footing.

river rocks wouldn't be a bad idea for an underwater substrate either.

i would make the stream and a landing out of the background to provide the whole tank as a swimming area myself.

froggsong · #3 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 10:54 AM

With FBTs in a small tank like that, you are going to want no more than two in the tank. In order to maximize space, I think I would go with a ledge system, with parts that jut over the water and little islands that come out rather than going with part land part water. This will allow you to have almost the whole bottom of the tank water, but still have alot of land (they do come out of the water, they need ample space to explore out of the water, they even climb, they just do all that at night when no one is paying them any attention, lol). You don't want the water to be more than 3 inches deep, so you may not be able to use a standard filter. You can have the water running down the BG and across/through different types of surfaces to help filter it.

I don't have much time today, or I'd give you some more advice... I've had my Marvin for years now (he's getting old, lol, but still going strong!), in a variety of setups, and I think I have come to some conclusions on what they prefer in a vive setup.

A simple rain system will be a must and will be the best way to show your students their most natural behavior. A rain system is best, rather than a misting system, it's the drops that make them think it is breeding time.

seahawksfan_74 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 11:57 AM

Thanks for the replies, that gives us something to think about. You both suggest ledges, which isn't something we had thought about. I am not sure what that would look like... We weren't going to do a background but just a false bottom, we will have to think about that now. We are only planning to have one or two toads. I like the idea of larger river stone for the aquatic substrate. The pump or filter we find will dictate the possibility and design of the stream. I haven't worked with floor leveler before are there articles that will describe the process?

beckdg · #5 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 12:09 PM

i'll direct you to a discussion i've been using to help people with mortar based products. the leveler would be mixed and poured just like the video i think is in the third thread. follow the links i provide and pay attention to the notes i leave and you should get a pretty good understanding... Blue/Pink foam board

also a thicker layer of substrate will give you the option of raising the water level without having to worry as much about the pump running dry... 2" of substrate plus 3" of water equals 5" of water for the pump to use. keep in mind though the deeper the substrate the harder it is to keep it clean.

froggsong · #6 (**permalink**) 10-14-2009, 12:39 PM

Check out home depot for pumps, they have some small fountain pumps that are very inexpensive and more powerful than you will find at the pet store.

You definitely want two toads, it will be better as far as watching their natural behavior goes. I'm assuming since this will be a classroom project that you want the kids to be able to observe the toads acting natural like, right?

seahawksfan_74 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 01:58 PM

Yes natural behaviour is important, as well as going through the design process. The students are planning the tank layout, before actually building it. I was looking at the size of a ten gal again and realize how small it really is. I will get them to think about ledge designs.

Allyn · #8 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 02:15 PM

one thing with fire belly toads is that they dirty their water fairly quickly, so easy access to any filters is a good idea.

stimpy · #9 (**permalink**) 10-19-2009, 03:31 PM

Hi SHF!
I kept a pair of fbt's a couple years ago before I discovered this forum. I went with a fairly low tech set-up at the time.Was also a 10 gallon tank,with a 50/50 land/ water ratio.The water was about 6" deep,used slate to build up the land side.Filtration was a fluval #1 submersible,worked really well.I originally thought I had a pair due to all the mating,quite comical I must say.However discovered that both toads were in fact male, not that there's anything wrong with that! They do a lot of "hugging & barking" . I made the mistake of setting up their tank in my bedroom,but had to move due to the constant "chatter".The colors are quite variable as well. I chose the bright green variety,with orange tummies and finger tips.For a school project I agree these are a good choice.Kids also love to watch them hunt down the crickets! Hope that helps.

seahawksfan_74 · #10 (**permalink**) 11-20-2009, 04:06 PM

Okay so we have decided to stick to the 10 gal. for budget sake...as we already have it and it was free. We have made a shelf that is 17cmX25cm (6 3/4"X9 7/8") with a ramp up from the water. This will leave the majority of the bottom for water. For substrate I was planning a smooth gravel in the water and siliconed down to the ramp and eco-earth for the ledge. We are also making small "islands" using driftwood and larger smooth rocks. We will be posting pictures soon. Thanks all for the feedback so far.