The Semi-Aquatic Vivarium

Another option for caging your firebellied toads is the semi-aquatic setup. This is an ideal breeding tank, and if the resident toads are so inclined, they will take advantage of the environmental conditions to reproduce. Thus, if this tank design is selected, the keeper should be prepared for such a contingency. It is recommended that this setup should only be used with tank of no smaller than a 20-gallon long or 29-gallon standard tank. You need a large bag (I routinely use 50 lbs.) of small, smooth, river gravel for this one. Be sure to wash the gravel extremely well, taking care to remove all sand and silt before placing it into the tank.

Another option for caging your firebellied toads is the semi-aquatic setup. This is an ideal breeding tank, so be sure you are prepared for the possibility of your toads breeding. Also, I recommend that you attempt this with no smaller than a 20-gallon long or 29-gallon standard tank. You need a large bag (I routinely use 50 lbs.) of small, smooth, river gravel for this one. Be sure to wash the gravel extremely well, taking care to remove all sand and silt before placing it into the tank. To construct this habitat: Cover the entire bottom of the aquarium with 1.5 - 2 inches of gravel. Leave a small space in a corner bare; that is where you will place your water filter. Raise one half of the length of the aquarium to a higher level by adding an additional layer of gravel (4-5 inches), being sure to create a gradient down to the low level. Root a pothos plant or two directly into the upper level's gravel (being sure to remove all the dirt and those annoying little white balls from between the root system) <--do this extremely well. If you have a long vine of pothos, you can cut off a length of it to place down in the water area. Place a filter in the corner. I prefer the Fluval 2 power filter - it costs $30, but is well worth it. Direct the water output either into an aquarium wall or set up a nice little waterfall. Fill up the tank so that the water level is about one inch above the higher level of gravel. You will need to let this setup filter for about a week to get all the discoloration and silt out of the water. After filtering it for the week, change the carbon filter, and put the toads in. Notes: Watch for eggs - Firebellies are...prolific...breeders, if you catch my drift. Adults may eat tadpoles, so remove your toads to a new tank if they lay eggs. You may need to divide the males and females if you don't want them to breed again Make sure the screen top is attached securely. The adult toads can climb straight up the glass in the corners, and the young can stick right onto the sides. Be sure your screen top is able to latch onto the tank so that it cannot be pushed off. I had a toad that pushed off an unsecured top with a 4 pound light fixture on top of it. Don't underestimate their strength (or ability to squish under things). Change the carbon filter every two weeks or if noticeable discoloration is apparent.

Previous Page - - Main Page - - Next Page