Dendros need water bowls?

dufus · #1 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 07:44 PM

Do darts need water bowls?
I searched but found nothing. My tank is a ten horiz. with ultrasonic humidifier and a few water holding broms, should i add a small water bowl or 2?

#2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2007, 08:45 PM

I would put a little terra cotta saucer in there with a bit of water, or some Brazil nut pods. I have a couple of the pods in a fully terrestrial viv and I occasionally find one of the Giant Orange tincs sitting in one. Good to provide just a little more water in case they need to soak.

AB · #3 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 09:14 AM

I've read it's not necessary, but darts always go in them and hydrate, they even drink from them too. Personally, I think it's a must to keep a water bowl where the water reaches maybe up to their elbows.

Nuggular · #4 (**permalink**) 08-31-2007, 05:37 PM

AB, frogs dont drink. They soak up water through their skin.

That being said, no, they dont need a water bowl. Nor a water section. But if you a water bowl in there, make sure to change the water every couple of days.

AB · #5 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 06:50 AM

Yeah I know that's what they say, but so many times I see my frogs strike out at the water when there is clearly no food or anything in it, so who knows. Don't believe everything you read.

Ed · #6 (**permalink**) 09-11-2007, 10:06 AM

There is something there triggering a predator reaction to prey even if you don't see it yourself. Frogs see into different wavelengths of light than do people (see Biology of Amphibians for more details (and there are other studies) so there could be a light reflection triggering an attack or it could be a very small invertebrate like a nymphal springtail or mite (Both of which are eated by frogs).

Frogs do not drink via thier mouth, they have a specially vascularized patch on thier ventral surface that performs the same function for them enabling them to drink from a moist surface (an ability that has allowed them to colonize areas away from standing water).

Ed

Onagro · #7 (**permalink**) 09-14-2007, 01:59 AM

Mine strike at the water in the dendro pods, too. I always thought it was a reflection in the water that made them do it. However, they do sit in little wet places to rehydrate so if want a shallow water area, go for it.