This comprehensive guide details the setup of a bioactive terrarium perfect for housing one or two green or gray tree frogs. We'll walk you through creating a thriving, self-sustaining ecosystem that mimics their natural habitat, ensuring optimal health and well-being. Learn how to layer the terrarium for proper drainage and aeration, selecting the ideal substrate and bioactive components for a thriving environment. We'll cover the essential plants and décor elements that provide both aesthetic appeal and crucial hiding places for these fascinating amphibians.This guide will cover everything from choosing the right terrarium size and lighting to maintaining appropriate humidity and temperature levels. You’ll learn how to establish a robust cleanup crew and select appropriate food items to prevent injury. We'll also discuss the importance of providing diverse microclimates and the specific equipment needed to create a truly naturalistic and self-regulating environment. Finally, we explore the adaptability of this bioactive setup for other small reptiles.
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Terrarium Choice and Frog Species
For this bioactive setup, a 12x12x18 inch Exo Terra terrarium is ideal. This size comfortably houses up to two green or gray tree frogs. These active species are primarily nocturnal but enjoy basking in sunlight during the day. Providing a suitable environment is crucial for their well-being.
Setting Up the Drainage Layer
Begin with a drainage layer using approximately 70% of a bag of Hydro Grow. This clay-based material is efficient, less dusty, and creates an even surface compared to hydro balls. An even surface eliminates the need for a screen, preventing water stagnation and odor issues sometimes associated with hydro balls.
Substrate and Bioactive Elements
The next layer is the substrate, which is moistened thoroughly before adding bioactive elements. Six quarts of BioShot, a blend containing archaea, bacteria, and fungi, jumpstarts the bioactive process. Dwarf white isopods and springtails are then added as cleanup crews, breaking down waste and aerating the soil. Finally, a generous layer of sphagnum moss is mixed into the substrate, creating microbial hotspots that further enhance the bioactive environment.
Decor and Plant Selection
Decorate with various types of wood such as ghost wood, spider wood, and Malaysian driftwood. Include plants like an Alocasia (which may need replacing as it grows), a Calathea, and a terrarium fern. The broad leaves of these plants provide hiding spots for the frogs during the day, mimicking their natural environment.
Lighting, Heating, and Misting
A Zoo Med Nano Dome fixture with a Nano LED for plants and a 25-watt basking spot bulb for heat is used. A UVB bulb (Arcadia 6, ReptiSun 5.0, or similar) is recommended, although not used in this video due to stock limitations. The enclosure is misted twice daily for 25-35 seconds or using an automated misting system for longer durations to maintain humidity.
Additional Touches and Feeding
Adding leaf litter, seed pods (like magnolia), and a small piece of cork bark in the water bowl helps create a natural environment and prevents drowning. Feeding should be done with insects no larger than the space between the frog's eyes to avoid injury. Proper hydration and diverse microclimates within the terrarium are critical for these active tree frogs.
Conclusion
This bioactive terrarium provides a self-maintaining environment for green or gray tree frogs. The combination of Hydro Grow, BioShot, cleanup crews, appropriate plants, and careful attention to humidity and temperature creates a thriving habitat. Remember to choose appropriately-sized food to avoid injury. This setup could also be adapted for other small reptiles, such as green anoles, with minor adjustments.