Help with first dartfrog viv please! :)

[BradfromLeeds]

Hi, as the title says I'd like to set up a vivarium for dartfrogs sooooo...yup question time again:

Whats a good beginer species and what size viv would I need for a pair or small group? I can get a 3x2x2 aquarium dirt cheap.
What equiptment do I need for them to thrive?
What conditions are needed for a healthy dart?

Thats all the qs for now...don't worry there'l be plenty more of them!

[fatlad69]

The first thing you need to do is research about dartfrogs. Keeping them is not that difficult if you get the set up correct at the start. Keeping on top of their food supply actually requires more work.

[fatlad69]

The best starter species in my opinion would be one of the following - Dendrobates Auratus, Dendrobates Leucomelas or Epipedobates Ticolor. For a pair or trio of these I would suggest a glass viv of 40cmx40cmx40cm you could go a little smaller but would not recommend it as these are relativley large frogs in dartfrog terms. A fish tank can be used but is not ideal as you will not have any threw ventilation. Dartfrogs need high humidity but you dont want the air going stail and mould growing. Exo terra vivs work quite well and are fairly cheap but do need converting for dartfrogs. You can usually get a complete planted setup in the classifieds for a good price then all you have to do is add frogs.

Chondro13 has posted care sheats for dartfrogs so check out her treads. Also check out her viv set up as well.

[BradfromLeeds]

Hi, question. Would this be usable? I'm guessing I need some other equiptment? Unless I want a water feature are fake bottoms necessary?

http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/equip...fake-rock.html

[connor 1213]

Originally Posted by BradfromLeeds

Hi, question. Would this be usable? I'm guessing I need some other equiptment? Unless I want a water feature are fake bottoms necessary?

http://www.reptileforums.co.uk/equip...fake-rock.html

yeah but because of the size of it it will cost you a bloody fortune to run a dart frog colony in it

[chrism]

Originally Posted by connor 1213

yeah but because of the size of it it will cost you a bloody fortune to run a dart frog colony in it

In what sense?

Big tank doesnt have to mean lots of frogs. Can do a lovely display with 3/4 larger darts in it, and that'll only require a couple of fly cultures on the go.

Planting wise, if they take there time and let it grow in it wont cost that much to plant it, and building / background etc all depend on the style they want. With the products I use I can do a 3ft background for about £15, or you can spend the money and have premade panels.

Running costs, not thats much really. Unless you live in a cold house you dont require additional heating, and then its just whatever lighting you choose to use.

Not insulting others, but exos are for dart frogs.

As fatlad said, the hardest part about keeping darts in the initial setup, and then culturing the food. I suggest to everyone before buying frogs spend a couple of months letting your tank grow in, and practicing culturing / cycling fruit fly cultures.

This is not the reason I say not to use exo's- I can list the reasons, but again, as said above, several people, inc myself build and sell preplanted vivs.

[BradfromLeeds]

OK...so that viv can be used to hold darts?
Does what other equiptment am I going to have to purchase?

Plant wise, there was going to be a long grow out time anyway, t'was planning a moss carpet or the like, with some larger plants framing the edges and a creeper along the back.

As I just said they'd be a long grow out period for the plants to become established, in the mean while I'l be getting a few cultures going, and practising maintaining conditions in the tank not to mention raising funds to buy the darts themselfs.

Thx for all the help so far! Don 't let it up.

[Morgan Freeman]

That viv will be awesome.

[chrism]

You can probably keep the origional background, but my guess from the pics if is would need sealing.

You will probably need to modify the top / hood (no idea what is under the wood etc).

Easy substrate is leca topped with leaf litter (wash the leca 1st!), then work out wood placement, plants etc.

[BradfromLeeds]

Hi, might change my mind about the 4ft, and go with a 2ft cube. for some reason I prefer the dimentions.

Anyway...concerning equiptment, can anyone give me a list of what I'd need? preferably with recomended brands or models?

one more thing...I'd like to have a go at making a DIY background out of wood and/or stone...is it possible to do this?