Housing Tree Frogs
The best type of cage to use is a glass aquarium or reptile tank. I wouldn't attempt to use anything else.
The absolute minimum size for a tank is 10-15 gallons (for one large frog). But since these frogs grow, if you plan on using only one tank you should invest in at least a 20-25 gallon tank. Of course you can start of at 10 gallons and buy bigger as necessary. When housing more than one frog you need to add 10 gallons onto this per large frog, about 2-5 gallons per small frog.
Remember these are called Tree Frogs for a reason, so make sure you get
as high a tank as possible (about 1.5-2 feet for a permanent large tank).
As for the top of the cage, you will need one that fits fairly securely
since these guys can climb up the glass and get out pretty easily. You
can use a metal/meshed reptile tank lid and a piece of glass/Perspex to
cover part of the top as necessary to control humidity. You can buy clips
to hold down screen lid more securely, because although these fit fairly
tightly when new, with use they often fir more loosely and may allow your
little frog friend to escape.
There are two main types of cage setup for the frogs:
Although an arboreal setup is preferable, the frogs can spend a lot of
time on the ground and so like a good area to hop around in. So, a compromise
between the two is probably the best solution; basically the biggest tank
you can use in preference of height and then floor area.
cage should be placed away from direct sunlight as this will cause the
growth of algae in the water and along the tank. Other than that, find
a spot which is kept at normal room temperature throughout the day (even
dropping slightly at night (see Heating& Light).
This is the 'lining' of the cage. The substrate used should be one that
will not be swallowed when the frog snaps up it's food. A White's frog
can munch anything that gets in it's way when capturing food.
Live plants can be used with success in a White's cage. Make sure you
water the plant with de-chlorinated water when spraying the tank and do
not use any kinds of fertilizers. Do not use wild plants.
A water bowl must be provided; frogs don't drink, they just sit in water and absorb water through a permeable patch on their bellies. A bowl should be deep enough for the frog to sit in without having to swim, and should have easy access into and out of the water. There are lots of stone bowls available suitable for this. Just make sure you fill it with de-chlorinated water and change the water daily. As your frog grows you'll need to buy a bigger and deeper bowl.
As far as heating goes, by far the best way to heat a glass enclosure is an under-tank heating pad. These provide a temperature about ºF above the room temperature and can also be controlled on a thermostat or rheostat.
Avoid any kind of direct heating, such as heat rocks, since the frogs can easily get burnt on them.
Try to use a light source with a time set for 12 hours light and 12 hours
darkness. There is a good debate as to whether the light needs to be full-spectrum.
The simplest solution is to use it: If you have live plants they will
benefit, and if you don't need it it certainly won't hurt!
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