Setting Up Proper Habitats for Amphibians and Aquatic Reptiles

[MathewJames]

I am new to keeping amphibians and aquatic reptiles. What are the essential things I should know to set up a proper habitat and keep these pets healthy? Any specific advice on lighting, temperature, and feeding?

 

[Colin_T]

If you keep frogs they do best in their own aquariums without fish in. If the fish get sick, the medication usually kills the frogs.

Frogs need clean water so a filter is essential, as well as big weekly water changes and gravel cleaning the substrate (same deal with fish).

Temperature will vary depending on species with some being cold water and other being tropical.

Some frogs are true aquatics and live in water all the time (eg: African dwarf frog). Others like tree frogs only use water to keep hydrated and to breed.
Frogs that live out of water can have an enclosure with terrestrial plants and branches in. you have a shallow container of dechlorinated water for them and let them do their thing.

A frog enclosure should have flyscreen on the top or side/s to allow air into the enclosure to reduce diseases. the enclosure should be cleaned each week to reduce the chance of diseases occurring.

Most frogs are nocturnal and don't need any special lighting.

Frogs are opportunistic predators and eat anything that moves or looks like food. This can include things like small insects, frozen fish foods, fish, shrimp and sometimes each other (some do this, most don't). But if it's small enough to fit in their mouth, they usually try to eat it.

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Turtles can live in water or on land and most do both. They need a clean environment with a good filter and big weekly water changes and gravel cleaning. You can put some rocks or wood in the tank that sit above the water level and the turtles can climb out onto that.

They need a UltraViolet (UV) light and vitamin supplements to keep their shells hard and in good condition. A heat lamp can also help them, especially if you live in a cold climate. An aquarium heater is useful for tropical turtles and reduces the need for a heat lamp.

Most turtles eat meat based food but some also eat plant matter. You will have to search for information on dietary requirements when you know what species you are getting.

If you keep the tank clean they don't normally get sick.

If you do plant on getting turtles or frogs, find a vet that specialises in them and keep their number handy just in case they do get sick. You can also look for frog or turtle forums.

 

[Archerfish]

I am new to keeping amphibians and aquatic reptiles. What are the essential things I should know to set up a proper habitat and keep these pets healthy? Any specific advice on lighting, temperature, and feeding?

Welcome Mathew!
Many of us keep or have kept reptiles and amphibians so please ask away. It would be helpful if you could identify the exact species you wish to keep so we can provide more specific information.

 

[emeraldking]

It totally comes down to the type of animals you want to keep. What's really important to all of these animals is ventilation... I've kept several reptiles and amphibians in the past.

These are just some of them which I've kept in the past...

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

Every species of amphibian or reptile has specific environmental requirements. We need to know more information, what specific species do you want to keep? There is no one size fits all habitat.

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

It totally comes down to the type of animals you want to keep. What's really important to all of these animals is ventilation... I've kept several reptiles and amphibians in the past.
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These are just some of them which I've kept in the past.

Phyllobates vittatus, one of my favorites.

 

[emeraldking]

Phyllobates vittatus, one of my favorites.

I had more types of dart frogs... But I do love the smaller ones better than the big ones.

 

[Colin_T]

I had more types of dart frogs... But I do love the smaller ones better than the big ones.

The only reason you like the dart frogs is so you can lick them to get high.
We use cane toads for that here

 

[emeraldking]

The only reason you like the dart frogs is so you can lick them to get high.
We use cane toads for that here

I'm Dutch... we're associated with getting high...

 

[MathewJames]

Welcome Mathew!
Many of us keep or have kept reptiles and amphibians so please ask away. It would be helpful if you could identify the exact species you wish to keep so we can provide more specific information.

Thanks for the warm welcome! I’m still deciding on the exact species, but I’m interested in keeping a few different types of amphibians and aquatic reptiles. I’ll make sure to narrow it down and get back to you with more specifics soon.

 

[MathewJames]

Every species of amphibian or reptile has specific environmental requirements. We need to know more information, what specific species do you want to keep? There is no one size fits all habitat.

Thanks for the advice! I understand that each species has its own needs. I’m still exploring options, but I’m leaning toward keeping a few aquatic frogs and maybe a small aquatic turtle.

 

[Rusty_Shackleford]

Thanks for the advice! I understand that each species has its own needs. I’m still exploring options, but I’m leaning toward keeping a few aquatic frogs and maybe a small aquatic turtle.

Awesome! Research is the foundation of success. I'm thinking aquatic turtle may make a meal of aquatic frogs. Depending on size of course. Turtles are pretty opportunistic when it comes to a meal. Just something to think about, and research.