newbie questions

[jargonchipmunk]

Hi there,

Just found this forum today. I can usually be found over at plantedtank or aquaticplantcentral, but my questions today (and possibly for the next month or two if things go right) have more to do with you guys' line of expertise.

1: I've heard *most* arboreal frogs should not be kept in paludariums with large (read: deep) bodies of water. Mine would have a ~10" deep pool of water. Is this okay as long as there is easy ways out and a lot of landmass surrounding the water on three sides?

2: Draining: My tank is not drilled on the bottom. (nor can it be) I've heard you must have drainage for the land side of the paludarium, or the water will build up on that side. Since the terrestrial portion will be raised so high, could I have the back glass drilled low on the back and have the bulkhead connect with a drain on the lowest part of the land, or will I need several such drains connected to the bulkhead? I cannot drain the land into the water. (I COULD, but I'm too picky for that)

3: I hear misting systems are NEEDED for arboreal tree frogs. (at least I read that about dart frogs) Would one of the DIY fogging systems work for any of the other species of tree frog (dumpy, red eye, etc etc) or is there no replacement for a misting system?

4: If tree frogs are going to be a bad option here (I'm hoping you guys can steer me to at least a few that won't drown the first day) what might you suggest? Newt? I'd rather frogs, but we'll see.

Thanks and sorry for all the questions. This would be my first full fledged paludarium, and It's been said that I'm a stickler for getting everything right before I start a project.

 

[jargonchipmunk]

I guess it would be pertinent to let you guys know the tank is a standard 125gallon (6' x 18" x 20")

 

[jargonchipmunk]

is this post showing? half the time I can find it half the time not, and no replies tells me it might not be showing to anyone else either? Just looking for some info before I make mistakes that could have been avoided.

 

[Jennewt]

Your post is showing up fine. There is delay in your posts being visible in this section of the forum.

Sorry, I don't know the answers to your questions. I will point out that temperature may be the important factor in choosing a newt versus a frog. Newts generally need cool temps, while frogs tolerate warmer temps.

 

[jargonchipmunk]

oh. I think I've seen that info several times and never even thought about it. I think that might take newts out of the running. The water will be ~72 to 76 degrees for my plants. I might have that portion of the choice made for me.

 

[eyrops]

I'm afraid I have drowned a tree frog in a setup with water that I thought it could climb out of if it fell in. I believe it was a squirrel tree frog, Hyla squirella.

-Steve Morse

 

[Socrates]

For your first question, I would definitely say that for most arboreal frog species, deep large water areas SHOULD NOT be used. Most tree frogs are poor swimmers and if there is a current (which would be created by a filter) makes only for a worse situation (ie drowned frogs). There are though a few species of tree frogs that I do know like to have a water area. This would include the mossy frogs of Vietnam (Theloderma corticale). They do require a shallow water area that is fairly large and has a bit of a current (here's a good link for care on these guys- http://www.saurian.net/htm05/frog_viet_mossyfrog.html and http://ivorytortoise.com/caresheets/mossy_frogs.html.

For question 2, I think as long as you are adequetly able to filter the water you should be good.

For question 3, the amount of misting or humidity depends on the tree frog species. some like really humid climates (such as dart frogs) and some like it on the drier side (like the monkey tree frog species, Giant Waxy, Tiger Leg etc.). But if you have a shallow water area or a water fall that will keep up the humidty failry high and regualr hand mistings would be sufficient.

For question 4, Mossy frogs might be the species of arboreal frog you may want to look into. As I have described above. They're really cool looking frogs. Hope this helps! Good luck.
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