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 #1768800


Jvmk
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 Help with habitat

I was wondering how to set up a natural habitat with proper drainage and everything? I don’t know anything about drainage and stuff and havn’t found any information that explains how to do it that. I don’t have any froggies yet but plan on getting a gray tree frog. Do they need company or are they okay alone? I was also wondering if there are any types of live plants that don’t need extra lighting?
06/21/08  06:50pm

 #1768802


Jvmk
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   Message To: Jvmk   In reference to Message Id: 1768800


 Help with habitat

oh, and also are there good places to get the plants from other than online?
06/21/08  06:51pm

 #1769097


Froggy&Gribbit
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   Message To: Jvmk   In reference to Message Id: 1768800


 Help with habitat

OK if you just put a layer of gravel or rocks for drainage that works fine. Then if you want you can put a layer of like fly screen whcih makes it easier when you go to replace the substrate (if you ever do, I have not) then you either use eco earth type substrate the cocofiber stuff or fertilizer free soil. (that is what I ahve) You plant directly into that. First remove all teh soil from the plants roots wash the roots and then directly plant it in the substrate.
You can get pothos really cheaply just about anywhere. It does really well with only inderect sunlight Planted scotch moss is good. (must be planted and growing)
Both of these are easily purchased at just about any place that sells plants like walmart, home depot etc etc

Although most tree frogs seem to do ok alone I always think it is kind of mean keeping them alone. I think 2 is a good thing. But that is my personal opinion............



06/21/08  10:32pm

 #1769257


Rrrragdoll
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   Message To: Froggy&Gribbit   In reference to Message Id: 1769097


 Help with habitat

The fly screen I think that F&G is talking about is window screen, just make sure that you use the vinyl (stretchy kind) and not the metal kind. You can also use some landscape paper. You want it so that you have enough of a drainage layer for the paper or soil not to touch any extra water underneath, otherwise it leeches up. You also want it to keep your soil from falling through the drainage layer, you want air under there.

I agree Pothos (Devil’s Ivy), which is generally found as a hanging basket, is awesome. It doesn’t need UV, grows like a weed, and is the perfect size to hold their weight. Also ones like snake plant, peace lilly, dracanea too.
Plant link. Link

Make sure that you have at least a 20 gal tank. And you’ll likely need to cover part of the screen top to keep in humidity.

Here’s a good caresheet to help you out. Link
06/22/08  01:27am

 #1769413


Hoppy
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   Message To: Rrrragdoll   In reference to Message Id: 1769257


 Help with habitat


Buy captive bred frogs.... Most wild frogs carry huge parasite loads and also die within a short time which would mean stripping your tank to house another..

HOPPY
06/22/08  10:44am

 #1769415


Froggy&Gribbit
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   Message To: Rrrragdoll   In reference to Message Id: 1769257


 Help with habitat

hehehehehehe I guess after being here for 15 years I still haven’t got the lingo down!!! Yes fly screen is the same as window screen. The fine criss cross stuff you put up to stop flys coming in through windows or doors!!!



06/22/08  10:46am

 #1769422


Froggy&Gribbit
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   Message To: Rrrragdoll   In reference to Message Id: 1769257


 Help with habitat

I also do not have fly screen in my tank. I have a gravel layer then a layer of flat rocks and then my soil the flat rocks keep the soil from falling into the drainage layer and the gravel layer is deep enough that no water rises that high. I think I would be drowning the entire tank if the water layer was high enough in the drainage layer the be touching the soil. Certainly with my PTF which need 50-60% humidity at highest I don’t get that much water going through.

The air in the drainage layer is to prevent mold and allow evaporation of the water back up through the soil. It also keeps the soil healthy in a closed environment.



06/22/08  10:54am

 #1769550


Jvmk
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   Message To: Froggy&Gribbit   In reference to Message Id: 1769422


 Help with habitat

Thank you everyone for all the replies!!
I read that living in Seattle I don’t need to worry about keeping in humidity, do you still think I need to close off part of the screen cover?
06/22/08  01:15pm

 #1769681


Froggy&Gribbit
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   Message To: Jvmk   In reference to Message Id: 1769550


 Help with habitat

probably not. Just put in the gauges without it covered and keep an eye. If it drops too low them cover part of the top.
06/22/08  03:21pm


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