75g for beginner?

Nubster · #1 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 06:39 PM

I know this is a very broad question but I was wondering if starting with a 75g tank (48x18x18) would be too much for a newb as opposed to something in the 20-29g range. I know the start up costs will be greater but how would the up keep be compared to a smaller tank? Coming from a background in fish I know that bigger is usually better and easier and more forgiving but does this hold true with frogs as well? As far as what frogs I am looking at, not 100% sure at this point, I still have LOTS of research and planning to do but I would like one that I can keep a nice size group of. Yeah, I know, pretty vague

boombotty · #2 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 06:43 PM

I don't see any problem going big for your first. You probably want to have it up and "running" for a month or two before adding frogs just in case there are any problems or anything you want to change. One of my first tanks I set up was a 90g and never had any problem.
Scott

tkromer · #3 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 07:14 PM

Also being from a fish background I will warn you that bigger is not easier in frogs, maybe even harder just because you'll have more $$$ involved in setup. On the other hand, 75G sounds awesome to start with, what are your stocking thoughts?

cindre2000 · #4 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 07:43 PM

Bigger will not be easier (but not necessarily harder), but it will put fewer limitations on your design. A fairly large water feature can be added, as well as a number of larger and taller plants that are hard to incorporate in smaller viv's. In addition, you will be able to put more frogs in a larger tank.

Other than that, you probably will be spending more, but not exponentially so.

Mywebbedtoes · #5 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 08:01 PM

I agree that it is not a bad idea. My one concern is that with a big tank, if you mess up, you mess uo big, with a smaller tank you can afford a bit more trial and error. But with the proper research and budget it should be fine.

cindre2000 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-18-2008, 08:03 PM

I don't think there is too much you can mess up on when building a viv. At least nothing that can't be fixed pretty cheaply and quickly. You just have to go slow and make sure you understand the correct way to do it.

zBrinks · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 12:54 PM

I think a big first viv is a great way to go. It will grow more microfauna and, designed properly, provide more microclimates for the frogs. A larger tank would also have less of a tendency to be overplanted, as is the case with many 'first vivs'. As far as frogs go, auratus, leucs, and imitators would be a good group frog choice.

Nubster · #8 (**permalink**) 06-19-2008, 02:28 PM

Thanks everyone. It is a tough decision for me at this point. I have the 75g set up with FW fish at the moment but I have been debating taking it down. The only thing is I have a couple bichirs in the tank and one I have had for like 5 years so it would be really hard to get rid of him and there is not room in my house for another big tank. I also have a 10 gallon soon to be upgraded to a 26 gallon SW tank so I think a third tank full of frogs would be really pushing it with the wifey. I guess I do have so much research to do that I have lots of time to debate and plea. Thanks for everyone's help so far.

Nubster · #9 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008, 07:12 PM

Well, I have myself about 75% convinced to tear down the FW tank and convert to a viv and try my hand at frogs. I just need to find suitable homes for the fish in the tank.

The next hardest part I think is trying to decide which frog I want to keep. There are a couple suggestions above which I am looking in to. Any more suggestions? I am really liking D. Leucomelas, at least as far as the looks department is concerned.

And a quick question, how many frogs are considered a group? Are we talking about 3-5 or can some frogs be kept in larger groups, like say 7-8. or is that just too many? Also, is it problematic to add new frogs to tanks that already have frogs or is that different from frog type to frog type?

One last question/concern. I do need a frog that is not skiddish. I have a 2 year old little boy so you can imagine there will be some glass tapping despite my best efforts to teach him not to.

Thanks again for the help. I look forward to getting in to the hobby asap.

Mywebbedtoes · #10 (**permalink**) 06-24-2008, 08:08 PM

About half way down this thread there is a section on frogs that are good to start off with.

http://www.dendroboard.com/beginner-...opic38749.html