Hobbies And Interests
Things You'll Need
Instructions
Cut pieces of natural cork tile to fit the back of the tank (leave about six inches bare along the bottom to allow room for the substrate later on). Arrange the cork and use the aquarium silicone to attach the pieces to the glass. Let the tank rest on its back for 48 hours to dry before continuing.
Set the tank upright and fill with about 2 inches of clay plant pellets followed by another 4 inches of reptile-safe coco fiber.
Add additional coco fiber to create slight hills and terrain changes for interest in your vivarium.
Soak the frog moss or java moss in water for 20-30 minutes while you work on the next steps.
Arrange your plants in the tank while they are still potted. Good plants for dart frog vivariums include bromeliads, ferns, and orchids. Once you have figured out where you would like your plants, dig a hole slightly larger than the plant's pot in the substrate, wiggle the plants into the hole, and backfill with coco fiber.
Remove the moss from the water and place pieces around the bases of plants and along the back wall of the vivarium. The moss will grow and fill in the spaces over time to create a lush green carpet in your tank.
Water each of the plants, and thoroughly mist the leaves and mosses to ensure that the whole setup is lightly dampened.
Add additional water to create a one-inch reservoir in the bottom of the tank. The clay pellets will act to draw the water up into the soil to keep the vivarium humid and moist.
Add additional decor and hiding places for your dart frogs, such as halved coconut shells, pieces of cork bark, branches, and rocks. Make sure any decor is clean and sanitary before adding it to the tank.
Set a full spectrum fluorescent plant light over the tank with an aquarium timer to keep it on a 12 hour cycle.
Mist the tank daily to maintain humidity, and water the plants as needed.