Tree Frog Vivarium.

[MissScully&Velvet]

So I'm busy working my Tree Frog Viv. I'm using a 55 gallon bow front tank (I'll take some pictures later today). But this is my first one and I need some help figuring things out.

1. What mix of soil do I use (I'm hoping to have it all life plants)?
2. How do I help with drainage? Is it okay to put something like pea gravel underneath the dirt?
3. It doesn't have a lid, so is there a easy way of making one without spending too much money?
4. Can different tree frogs mix and how many would be okay in a 55?
5. I've been reading on how to make a background but am still not completely sure how to do it. If someone could give me a run down that would be amazing.
6. I'm also looking into putting in a water feature but am not sure about this yet. A another run down would be great.


I'm going to take 5 weeks to do this right and then get my froggy's at the up coming expo.

Thanks!

[Grimm]

Check out the stickies and build threads...Tons of info in them. I know in my build threads alone, I have given run downs on 3 different background methods, including all steps in the building process, aswell as a recent substrate information thread.

[MissScully&Velvet]

I've read them. I think I'm going to use a bark background. All I need now is to figure out the lid and I'm good.

[BigWillieStyles]

Personally I would steer clear of soil, especially if your concerned about drainage. Using soil as a substrate can cause humidity issues and bad bacteria to grow. I would be careful with your design if you planning on using soil. Lots of people seem to use false bottoms to allow for better drainage design. I guess it depends on what types of frogs your planning on having.

I wouldnt mix species. If there was a big size difference, they may eat each other. However, you might be able to add some type of lizard. Best to decide the frog you want first, then figure out what animals can be housed with them.

[MissScully&Velvet]

I'm looking at Green Tree Frogs at the moment. What would you suggest instead of soil?
Thank You.

[Grimm]

Im sorry, but this is a "Vivarium" forum...I dont mean to sound rude, but if you just joined a new website giving advice that goes against everything we do here is kind of useless. Ive never actually herd of soil being a bad thing, especially in a tree frog viv that requires large leaf plants and high humidity....Im gonna take a stab at assuming you have kept snakes in the past and enjoy simple and easy to clean tanks, but that isnt the point of trying to create a naturalistic home for an amphibian.

False bottoms arent always needed either, a layer of drainage rock has the same effect so long as the substrate doesnt come in contact with the water below.

Also, Ive never herd of tree frogs doing well with any other inhabitants other then tree frogs...They tend to eat anything that moves and can fit into their mouths. Mixing anything inst a good idea, especially if you are a beginner.

[BigWillieStyles]

Hello Grimm,

I guess I should have worded my above post differently. I have been doing lots of research recently into building a viv recently and have found that many people complain about soil issues after a while if they have poor drainage. It is purely my opinion taken from what I have read, and just because you disagree there is no need to flame me! I have kept Green Tree Frogs in the past, but only the Australian Litoria caerulea.

A Vivarium is a mini ecosystem, and doesnt need to be built to any specific parameters.

Heres an example of a vivarium with stone substrate similar to what I am planning on building. Although I would prefer a few more orchids in the background ;



BTW Grimm, love your RTFs! Wish we could get them over here.

[beckdg]

soil is fine... it's the kind you use you have to be aware of.

you're looking for natural items and those made for such environments mostly. for example:

pond soil
laterite
sphag moss
peat
organic potting soil
sand
riverbed clay
etc., etc.
abg mix is popular and simple. as well plenty of sources carry it.

big willie... your "viv" is more of a palu... also, the stone substrate is good for anchoring some aquatic plants but not great for the roots/rooting of others and would likely be horrible for most terrestrial plants in most vivs. to make it work above water you'd need to follow methods more like hydro/hygro/aqua farming; ebb and flow, soil-less growing, etc. ...

now for the original Q's:
1. somewhat covered above. there are others also and most folks have their way/favorite way of doing things.
2. pea gravel is fine but leca is better for several reasons. it's not overly expensive either like one would think...
3. you could make a topper, canopy, cover it with glass, polycarbonate, etc. or just purchase the versa-top made for that particular tank. surely the versa-top would be much easier and more economical than other methods.
4. how many would depend on species. some can mix but as mentioned, without proper experience, qt, precautions, an extra tank for emergencies... i wouldn't suggest it. also in a normal size tank it's probably best not to mix similar species at all.
5. backgrounds are unique in construction depending on the method and final outcome. you'd have to choose a type and ask specifically about the methods for that type to keep on track. if you see one you like don't be afraid to ask about it specifically.
6. water feature... pretty much the same as backgrounds

check out the builds on black jungle... surely they'll help with some water feature and/or b/g questions.

[MissScully&Velvet]

I think I'm going to have a bark background. I'm not sure about WTF or GTF, I'll make a decision soon! Thanks!