- 1). Set up a fish tank on a stable surface, out of direct sunlight. The fish tank should have a tight fitting lid and it should be built to hold twenty gallons or more, depending on the species and how many frogs will be kept. Vertical tanks are great for vivariums, especially for tree frogs who are arboreal (tree-dwelling).
- 2). Place a heating pad under the fish tank and a thermometer in the tank. The ideal temperature of the vivarium will vary according to the species you wish to keep. Frogs require warm, moist climates.
- 3). Put a dark background on the back of the tank. Background can be as simple as black aquarium paper taped to the outside of the tank, or a layer of cork bark, bamboo, or tree fern panels on the inside for a realistic look.
- 4). Add a substrate for drainage. A layer of aquarium gravel or egg crate will give excess water a place to drain and keep it from becoming a bog.
- 5). Add a substrate for the frog's living surface. Coconut husk fiber is ideal, as it is able to tolerate high humidity and is resistant to fungus. Other options include chemical-free soil, cypress mulch, sphagnum or peat moss, and orchid bark.
- 6). Decorate the tank with live or plastic plants, driftwood, branches, and rock. Add plenty of perches and places to climb. Recommended live plants include snake plants, pothos, and philodendron and any non-toxic plants that thrive in heat and humidity are an option.
- 7). Add a wide, shallow water bowl on the bottom of the vivarium. Add only dechlorinated fresh water, R.O. (reverse osmosis) or distilled water to the exhibit, and change the water frequently.
- 8). Place a spray bottle filled with dechlorinated, R.O., or distilled water next to the vivarium. The vivarium needs to be misted twice daily to maintain high humidity. The humidity in the vivarium should be close to 80% at all times.
- 9). Add lighting, especially If you are including live plants. UV, florescent or full-spectrum lights should be on during the day. Be sure to turn lights off at night, as the frogs need periods of rest from the lights.
Source...