xx~new amphib enclosure~xx

[CyberGhost]

Ok, I was thinking of making this into my new amphib enclosure I want to get a 6" deep rubbermaid about 3" long and then fill it up 3" deep with potting soil and have a small pool in it, some hides and some plants. Then I want to put some frogs salamanders turtles maybe in it but I dont know what kind Of species to put in. So I would like to ask all of you is this a good enclosure and what species of amphibian should I put in it?


Thank You

[Linds]

That's an awful tiny rubbermaid, I would recommend keeping anything in it. Turtles are very messy and require a lot of space (they don't stay small for long), a good filtration system is vital. As for potting soil, be careful it has no additives such as perlite, etc. Top soil is usually free of this. I would also recommend only keeping one species of amphibian or reptile per enclosure. Do some research, go with what you like and adapt the enclosure to its needs, you'll be happier in the end :)

[CyberGhost]

Oops its suppose to be 3ft not 3" that would be impossible I'm so sorry for that thats probly why noone has replied this how stupid of me. I was going to get baby box turtles semi-aqua's then put them in my backyard pond when they got big but I might not even get turtles but why only one species I wanted a community place.

[marisa]

Ahhh. Let me say, not a good idea.

A community tank rarely works. But if thats what you want you will need to research a small group of amphibs who all live in the SAME area. Then you must create a large mini-enviroment to suit all their needs which may differ. Its literally impossible to ensure the health of anyhting living together.

And turtles must be knocked out of your equation all together. Box turtles require an extensive setup which includes UV lighting, heat lighting, multch/digging susbstrate and even if you have all this most are better raised outside, in areas of the country where this can be achieved all year round.

Marisa

[CyberGhost]

Okay, turtles are out!!! But if a group is not a good idea then can anyone give me some good species to reseach about to put in this. Could you try to get things that needs closely or kinda match my origanal idea. Plz this woulkd help so much!!!

[marisa]

You want a rubbermaid that is a community?

My advice is this.

1. A rubbermaid wouldn't be a good amphib enclosure IF you wanted a nice pretty enclosure to look at. You won't have any display. Even the clearest of rubbermaids isn't the best for viewing.

2. Research a frog, salamander or lizard you want in DEPTH. I would suggest Green Tree Frogs, White's Tree Frogs, Fire Belly Newts, Fire Belly Toads, or a Golden Gecko. All these species will need to be kept with no other species, but all appreciate a well planted tank, with a large water source.

If you research correctly, and in depth you will learn lots about the species you like and you can end up with a beautiful display tank for it. Green Tree Frogs and White's Tree Frogs are easy to care for, and the make nice noise! Golden Geckos are a fav of mine, they love foliage, they are easy to care for and make noise as well. But most important thing is researching them before purchase.

Marisa

[CyberGhost]

Good idea i was so set in my way to use a reubbermaid becuase i use for most all my herps to think about a tank which I could have made easily from uniquexotic's thanx. I will reasearch the frogs thats what I was hoping for thank you? Everyone else keep the ideas come my minds not closed yet.

[eyespy]

Amphibians breathe through their skins as well as their nostrils and take in far more environmental toxins as a result. They get systemic infections from other species' gut flora far more easily than any other herp as a result and so mixed species cages must be huge with excellent air exchange and filtration to avoid illness.

Even most zoos tend to shy away from mixing amphibians with anything other than another amphibian from the same genus and environment.

[CyberGhost]

Okay I get it I'm not keeping them in a community I've alredy said this. What I need to know now is which species sshould I get?

[marisa]

Its up to you! That's like asking us what you might want for dinner tonight.

pick something out, and research it, and make an enviroment to suit it. Just look at things that fit what you want in regards to enclosure, meals, etc.

Marisa

[CyberGhost]

But I have no clue people always have what should I get next post and everyone answers them plz get me started whats a good beginner amphib. Come on all yall amphib lovers help me out what do you think I should get next remember I'm a beginner?

[Chris Steele]

If you do get box turtles, in my opinion they would do better in a fenced in area outside...It would have to be dug under the ground though, so they wont get loose. dont put them with salamanders or frogs...the anphibians probably wouldnt be there for very long.

[Tim and Julie B]

Hi all! Ok first off I have keep a community tank for six years with zero problems. Green tree frogs, two types of house geckos and a couple female anoles. I don't suggest a pair because the male can get aggressive at mating time. Tree frogs are five years old and the anole is four. Geckos have got to be around that old as well then.
Box turtles are not semi aquatic. All they will do is forage in shallow water for food. You do not have to keep box turtles outside although it would be beneficial. But I have kept mine inside for three years and have had success.

If you want a live planted tank use eco earth ( that expandable cocanut husk stuff that comes in bricks) and mix it with an organic fertalizer like bone meal for your plants. It is non harmful in all aspects. There is an artical in an old Reptiles mag about converting a rubbermaid into a amphibian enclosure by cutting the side of the rubbermaid at a 45 degree angle and inserting a piece of plexi or glass in the side. Now the front of the new enclosure. I wonder if I still have that one?
Green trees or whites are probably the best to start with.

[garterguy]

i would say firebelly frogs and tiger salamanders go great together.they have the same needs/requirements.

[Linds]

I wouldn't recomend housing salamanders or firebelly toads with anything. Both secrete toxic substrances from their skin, which can harm other animals...

[Chris Steele]

It is best to keep box turtles outside. It is more natural for them. It may be slightly more trouble for some people to maintain an outside cage, but if you want your turtle to be happy, I think its best. I have kept box turtles for about 5 years.

I recomend having alot of small plants in it. You could plant them yourself or just build it overtop of some plants. A nice thing to add is a little peice of roof shingle or a small cut of plywood, worms will be under it so your turles will get a little extra food. I recomend keeping part of it covered so that they can stay out of the rain if they like.

Make a large water hole, I use a 5 gallon bucket that I cut the top off of. Its about 6" tall so I made a little cement ramp up to the top for EZ access and an EZ way out for them. I cut a small hole in the bottom and ran a pipe through the ground so I could drain it and clean it without digging it out of the ground.

If anyone has anything else they would like to know about box turtles, you can just PM me or email me.

[Dozer]

I had box turtles over the years as well. And boy oh boy was it an experience. Make sure you put chicken wire a foot or two under the ground to prevent escapees :D Also, make sure you have soemthing that covers the top of the enclosure to prevent unwanted raccoons or neighbours cats or pets from access into the pen. I liked to put growin' strawberries into the enclosure as well as raspberry bushes and little tomatoe cuttings. This is great for foraging. Every night , I would hunt worms in my backyard, and dump what ever I found into the enclosure. I had mulch as my top substrate 6 inches of my 7' by 5 ' enclosure. Dumpin' the worms in the pen would encourage them to stay within the mulch layer, and at night the worms would come out and boy did the boxies enjoy that. As well, make sure you have a water spot, and somewhere where good sun is provided for at least 4 hours. ALl of this taken into consideration, you and your boxies will have a great time :)

[Emily-Fisher]

I wouldn't reccomend housing ANY herps together. I have kept a community tank with only tree frogs for a year now but it needs <i>lots</i> of work(And I'm talking about at least an hour a day!) Especially in a rubbermaid...imo, housing any amphibians in a rubbermaid is stupid. But that's just my opinion..

[CyberGhost]

Umm okay I'm now just blubbering at the creen in amazement that emily posted hir!!! She's so hott I think I have a crush. Hope you dont mind emily!!! blubber blubber

[17730turtlegirl]

i would sugest 2 orange belly newts and a pair of common tree froge (the kind u get in your backyard pond) i have kept these for years with the only problem being if your frogs are underfed they will nip at the newts tails but no or little harm done

[Dozer]

NO NO NO. People, Its not a matter of HOW Much time you can put into housing species together, DONT DO IT. For the benefit of you and your animals, dont screw around. NO MIXING ANYTHING.

[Phil Beaudoin]

Yes you can mix certain species of amphibians together. I wrote a huge post but then I stopped and restarted as the various possiblities and combinations are somewhat mind boggaling, and for someone that does not have alot of experience working with frogs, other amphibs, and other herps, It's stupid to try mixing. I personally have done it twice. Green anoles with a tiger salamander, and casque headed tree frogs with whites tree frogs. These worked fine but its never exactly right, there's always slight differences and compromises that must be made and its just not worth it. If you're seious about keeping herps don't mix them. I find its easier to observe, breed, and enjoy same species tanks.

As for rubbermaids for amphibs, their great. Although for small species of tree frogs they can usually crawl out of the sides near the lid. The opaqueness of the enclosure, I believe, provides and muffled vision of the surroundings of the animal which most likely aids in preventing the stress of seing people and things move by the tank.


---------Thanks,
--------------------Phil Beaudoin