Dart frog viv - questions!

clb2196

clb2196

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Feb 21, 2009
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I'm thinking about swapping out my 10 gallon office tank for a dark frog vivarium. I'm *totally* new to anything not fully aquatic! DH likes frogs so our plan is to make this a joint project. No rush, we're going to try to take our times and spread out the time/money involved. We're about 2 hours away from Black Jungle Terrarium Supply, so I'd like to make 2 trips, one for plants and info, and one for frogs.

Now, right now I have a 10 gallon tank. I'm open to something bigger. But I really don't want anything taller. I'm thinking either a 15, or a 20 gallon long. what are the dimensions for those 2, and which would be better?

Now, lighting and lids. I've heard conflicting info on whether to use a screen, or regular plastic fish tank lid. And lights. I guess this all depends on which tank I get.

Also, Black Jungle suggests Terra-Lite instead of gravel for a first layer, any experience with this?

I'd also like to try a 3D background, so I;m sure I'll have more questions about that as well. Reeeeally stepping out of my comfort zone here!

Any info welcome! Or resources, or anything!
 
I know how you feel clb. My comfort zone is complete aquatic aquariums. I have yet developed the nerve to do a viv. I would one day want to do some DartFrogs though. But first ill try a terrarium.
 
i would go for the 20 long i believe it's 30x12x12, cant help you on wether to use a screen top of class top so youre best bet is dendroboard for info like that. i my vivs i use a fals bottom made out of egg crates, other wise know as light defusers, LECA which is the same stuff as Terra-Lite just i get it from a hydroponics store. the reason i think people use it is because it is bigger and provides more space for water and thus you a larger water reserve down there. for lighting it really depends ive used every thing from T5-HO's to spiral Florescent, usually you can get away with a less powerful light than a T5-HO so you might look at regular T5's.

for back ground alot of people use foam covered with some stuff, ive done the silicone and coco fiber over foam before but it's a paint some times. there are different options open to you so look around and what people have built and take ideas from there.



good luck and welcome the viv side :Angel:
 
Dendroboard is a great resource. :) You might also check out Vivarium Forum (there's a link in my siggy), the sticky threads in the Terra-Construction forum have alot of great info on building things and different techniques to use to make backgrounds and such. There's even alot of info on good places to buy supplies cheaper than getting them from some of the pet stores and such.
 
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