{"id":738,"date":"2018-06-09T02:12:57","date_gmt":"2018-06-09T02:12:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.frogpets.com\/?p=738"},"modified":"2021-05-25T00:23:26","modified_gmt":"2021-05-25T00:23:26","slug":"aquatic-frog-tank","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.frogpets.com\/aquatic-frog-tank\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Set Up an Aquatic Frog Tank"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Aquatic frogs are among the most popular amphibians kept as pets. They’re easy to take care of, great for beginners, and require very little upkeep. Not only that, getting an aquarium and buying the frogs is fairly cheap. That is exactly what this step-by-step guide is for; setting up an aquatic frog aquarium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before we get into the build, I will start by emphasizing one thing; this guide is not for a specific aquatic frog. This build is suitable for African Dwarf Frogs and even African Clawed Frogs. If you’re not familiar with their needs, the first things you should do is learn about the frog you want to keep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chances are, the frogs available at the local pet store are African Dwarf Frogs<\/a>. They’re small frogs, with webbed front and back feet and have eyes on the side of their heads. The African Clawed Frog<\/a> is very similar in appearance. So similar, in fact, that they’re often mislabeled at pet stores. Anyway, the clawed frogs don’t have webbing on their front feet. They have 3 independent digits. Also, their eyes are on top of their heads. I’ve created care sheets for both and you can find them in the frog care guides<\/a> section of this website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basic Tank Setup for Aquatic Frogs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

When setting up a tank for an aquatic frog, the most important aspect is the water. Amphibians have semi-permeable skin which means they absorb things through their skin. It’s because of this reason that the water needs to be clean, free of toxins and dechlorinated. I talk more about water in the final step of this guide. The second most important part is the size of the tank. I recommend a 10-gallon minimum<\/strong>, plus an additional 5 to 10-gallons per frog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the tank, you’ll need a water heater if you’re keeping African Dwarf<\/em> Frogs. African Clawed<\/em> Frogs do a little better at room temperature but both need a nice day and night-time light schedule. They actually don’t require lighting, but it’s always a good idea for tanks that are placed in rooms with little or no sunlight from windows. Anyway, here is a step-by-step guide for setting up an aquatic frog tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 1: Picking an Aquarium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Fluval
The aquarium used in this setup is a Fluval Flex<\/a>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When selecting the perfect aquarium, there are 2 main aspects that come into play. How big the tank is and how much it costs. Luckily, there are a handful of companies competing to make the best aquariums for the lowest prices; finding a cheap aquarium is the easy part. Whether you look online or at the pet store, there are plenty of options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The size is important. While the width and depth of the tank can be as large as you want, the height should be no more than 12″. African Dwarf Frogs actually surface to breathe air and because of this, it’s suggested that the standard 12-inch tall tanks are all you should use. As for the overall size; 10-gallons minimum with an additional 5 to 10-gallons per frog<\/strong>. If you have 2 or 3 frogs, you should get something between 20 – 30-gallons. Again, you can go larger if you want, so long as its no more than 12 inches in height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, now that we know the correct size of the enclosure, let’s touch on another topic; aquarium kits. You might not need a light and you may refuse to use a water filter but you should certainly use a water heater, at least for ADFs (African Dwarf Frogs). A light may be needed if you’re putting the frog in a room with little or no natural light from windows. The filter can be used to help clean the water. Since you probably need a light, heater, screen lid, and water filter, you might consider getting an aquarium kit to save money in the long run. Listed below are my favorite kits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brand<\/th>Size<\/th>Price<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Aqueon<\/td>20-Gallon<\/td>Check \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Marina<\/td>10-Gallon<\/td>Check \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr>
Fluval<\/td>15-Gallon<\/td>Check \u2192<\/strong><\/a><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve got your aquarium, place it in the spot you want to keep it. Once you’ve added the water, it will be extremely heavy and hard to move. Finally, give the tank a quick wipe down to make sure the glass is clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 2: Install the Heater<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Water<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Because the average water temperature should remain around 78 degrees Fahrenheit, an aquarium heater<\/a> is recommended. How you install this largely depends on the brand of heater you have. Some are designed to be positioned vertically while others horizontally. Read the instructions for your specific model for more information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to not turn the heater on until the tank is filled with water. Also, it’s very important to install a drip-loop to keep water from reaching power outlets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Basic
To prevent water from reaching the power outlet.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Step 3: Add Fake Plant Decorations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Fake<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The next step on our tank set-up is to place the artificial plants in place. This really comes down to personal preference but my only suggestion is to try and hide the water heater with one or more of the plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re wondering why we add these before the gravel, its because most fake plants are designed to sit beneath the substrate. If your fake plants are designed for that, you should go to step #4 before adding your plants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using real plants is a great option too<\/strong>. Because I’m not qualified to teach you how to keep real plants alive in an aquarium, I’m not suggesting it here. However, if this something you’re interested in, I encourage you to use live plants but find someone who knows more about this subject than me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Step 4: Add the Substrate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"Aquarium<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Aquatic frogs have been known to accidentally eat small gravel substrates, which can lead to impaction. Not only that, juvenile aquatic frogs can easily get trapped between the large gravel. So as you can imagine, you’ll need to be a little picky and find a nice medium-sized gravel. Or simply avoid rocks all-together and use a different substrate. Listed below are some substrate options with low impaction risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n