Step 2
Drainage: Leca/Hydroton
Bellow you can see the Leca that I use as my drainage substrate. This is a light weight solution for drainage problems. This product needs to be rinsed before use. I purchased it in gallon sized bags as pre washed. As you can see, it was not washed, the bright red balls are washed. The Leca should be 1.5-2 inch depth. For a 10 gallon tank 2 bags are required. I now purchase my Leca in 50 L bags.
Step 3
Substrate Barrier
When doing your homework, you will find several different solutions to this problem. What I have found to be the best is landscaping fabric. This product is offered seasonally at local hardware, dollar, and chain stores. I use a minimal three year guarantee, and I use a double to triple layer. I also add a bit of a lip on all four sides.
Step 4
Substrate/Media
I use a mixture of Fir and Sphagnum Peat Moss Mix by Zilla and Eco-Earth by ZooMed (coco fiber). I premix the substrate in a bucket. I use the 3R's by using old ice cream buckets. I also use these buckets to store all un-used substrate. The mix is 2 parts Fir and Sphagnum to one part coco fiber. Other brand names of coco fiber are Plantation Soil by Exo-Terra (Hagan) and Bed-A-Beast by Pet-Tech. If you can not find the Zilla product you can make your own by using a blender and blend reptile Fir tree bark with Sphagnum peat moss purchased in a garden center in equal parts. Once mixed, I add substrate to center of tank on top of the landscaping fabric. This reduces the amount that may slip down the sides of the landscaping fabric. A depth of 1-1.5 inches is used. For plants with larger roots, 2 inches or more may be required.
Step 4 continued
Finish the media by spreading evenly. If you would like a hill for live moss or other plants, move substrate to desired height. Once finished mist your tank heavily.
Microfauna is a hot topic today. Two types that are used are isopods and springtails. They work as cleaners in the tank and an alternate food source. I like to use springtails in my tanks. They can be added during step 4 or 5. If you add them it is best to let the tank set 2 weeks before adding frogs to establish a springtail culture in the tank.
Step 5
Planting and Furnishings
Once the substrate is at desired levels, you may begin planting. Add plants so they give hiding places and color to your tank. Keep in mind, plants grow! Do not over plant your tank. Also keep in mind the type of lighting you will use. As a safe rule for your first tank, keep to low light, easy to grow plants. For this tank I am using a Haba-Scape corner rock bowl by Pet-Tech. I will add a coconut hut and petri dish later.
Step 6
Fruit Fly Proof Lid
I purchase glass that is custom cut from a local glass shop, the cost is around $5. All-Glass and Perfectco aquariums have different dimensions. Measure before you have glass cut to be safe. I built a set-up with a Perfecto tank from PetsMart manufactured in June 2007. The dimensions were different from the sheet of glass that was cut for this tank. The Perfecto tank I used for this project was manufactured May 2008. The sheet of glass I used was 19 1/4 X 9 3/8 inches. I purchased the handle with a 3M adhesive strip from my local pet shop, the cost was $2 with tax.
Step 7
Mist and Add Frogs
You're finished. Add your lighting fixture and enjoy your work. Given time, you may be lucky enough to watch breeding behavior, hear calling, and even find eggs.
Email any Questions to: jason@poisonfrogs.net
