{"id":611,"date":"2018-05-24T18:16:49","date_gmt":"2018-05-24T18:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.frogpets.com\/?p=611"},"modified":"2021-06-23T14:02:11","modified_gmt":"2021-06-23T14:02:11","slug":"terrestrial-frog-enclosure","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frogpets.com\/terrestrial-frog-enclosure\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Up a (Terrestrial) Toad & Frog Habitat"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In this guide, I’m going to show you the basics of setting up a terrarium for terrestrial frogs. When I mention ‘terrestrial’ I’m referring to species most suited for walking on land. Most ‘true toads’ (species in the Bufonidae<\/em> family) fall into this category but there are some frogs suitable for this type of enclosure too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The types of Anura<\/em> (frog and toad) going into an enclosure like this are often the types that don’t climb, jump very high, or require as much water as other frogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind, this is a guide for setting up a basic terrestrial frog enclosure; it’s not meant for one specific kind of frog because each species has its own needs. For example, American toads<\/a>, Pacman Frogs<\/a>, or Tomato Frogs<\/a> would fit nicely into the example below, but if you were creating an enclosure for an Asian horned frog, you might want to alter this build by including a drainage layer and adding more leaf litter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The point being, use this guide as an example. Read complete care guides<\/a> to find out more about the species you want to keep as a pet, then alter the enclosure to suit their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic Tank Setup for Terrestrial Frogs and Toads<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In this build, I used this Exo Terra terrarium, but you can use an ‘aquarium’ or breeder tank. It’s hard to say which is better and what size you need. It all comes down to the species and how many you’re keeping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As a general rule, most keepers recommend at least 10-gallons per frog<\/strong>. This means, if you want to keep 3 frogs in one enclosure, you’ll need a 30-gallon tank. I tend to agree with this rule. While you can offer a smaller enclosure for small species like Red Belly Toads, something larger is needed for Pixie Frogs. To risk sounding like a broken record, the size depends on the species. Anyway, without further delay, here is how to setup up a cage for terrestrial frogs and toads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Image<\/th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
\"Exo<\/td>Exo Terra Terrarium 24x18x18 (large)<\/a><\/strong>
Great for housing 3 – 4 frogs. It has a front-opening door, vents, and screen lid.<\/td><\/tr>
\"Exo<\/td>Exo Terra Outback Terrarium 24x18x12 (large)<\/a><\/strong>
Great for 3 – 4 frogs. It’s the same as the terrarium listed above except its only 12″ in height.<\/td><\/tr>
\"Zilla<\/td>Zilla Critter Cage (15-gallon)<\/a><\/strong>
This is a smaller tank you can keep 1 – 2 frogs in. It comes with a screen lid.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Choosing Your Enclosure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Zilla<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Choosing your cage is the first step. A standard glass tank (often referred to as an ‘aquarium’) is practical and cost-effective. The difference between an aquarium and a terrarium is its contents. A glass tank containing water is called an aquarium<\/em> while the same glass tank containing substrate, plants & decorations is called a terrarium<\/em>. Now that we’re on the same page, I’ll show you two really good terrariums for toad cages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nice and affordable, the Zilla Critter Cage<\/strong> is a great option. They come in 10-gallon and 15-gallon and they all come with a screen lid. They’re not huge but it’s enough room for at least one moderately sized toad. If this is the one you choose, I suggest the 15-gallon Critter Cage.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to step-it-up a notch, my recommendation is an Exo Terra terrarium<\/strong>. Designed specifically for reptiles and amphibians, these terrariums have front opening doors which give you access to the inside. Below the doors are air vents that allow fresh air circulation. They come with locking screen lids that have special holes designed for running cords or hoses out the top. Most of them come with foam backgrounds which look great and conceal cords and hoses as well. These are my personal favorites; I recommend a 24″ x 18″ x 18″ Exo Terra.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Clean The Terrarium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Exo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve purchased and unwrapped your frog’s new enclosure, it’s a good idea to clean it first. Use distilled water and paper towels<\/strong>. Be careful not to use cleaning products with chemicals, as they can be harmful to amphibians. Our only object is to remove dust that may have accumulated on the glass before you purchased it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Also, it’s a good idea to place your terrarium where you want to keep it<\/strong>. It will become very heavy after everything else is added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Add the Substrate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Terrarium<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For most setups, the next step is to add the substrate<\/strong> to the terrarium. Things like eco earth and plantation soil, which are coco-husk fiber substrates, are great for most amphibians. Mixtures of soil, vermiculite, and sphagnum moss work well too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Substrate tips for Toad habitats:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n