How to Build an Indoor Aquarium for Frogs

Building an indoor aquarium for your pet frog is necessary if you want to keep the frog living inside for an extended period of time. Unlike a standard fish aquarium, frogs require a moist environment, solid ground to rest on, ventilation and a secure top so that they don't escape. Given a proper environment and regular care, your pet frog can live a long healthy life.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon tank
  • Large, flat rocks
  • Potting soil
  • Over-the-side filter
  • Screen cage lid
  • Fluorescent light
  • Thermostat-controlled glass tube heater
  • Spray bottle
  • Chlorine treatment drops
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place a 20-gallon tank where you want to keep the aquarium.

    • 2

      Lay large, flat rocks on one side of the tank. The frog should be able to easily climb out of the water on to the rocks. Don't use any rocks that have sharp edges, which can cause injury to your frog.

    • 3

      Pour gravel, potting soil or sand down on the other side of the tank. If using gravel, clean it thoroughly first so that your frog won't get hurt if it accidentally swallows a stone. Sand is preferred for frog species that require a drier environment. Some advantages of using potting soil are that it's inexpensive, easy to keep moist and you can plant living plants in it.

    • 4

      Place an under-gravel filter, over-the-side filter or a water pump that suction cups in the tank. The filter cleans the water in which your frog can swim.

    • 5

      Secure a screen cage lid on the top of the tank. Make sure the lid provides ventilation while also being secure enough that your frog can't squirm its way out.

    • 6

      Position a fluorescent light on the top of the tank. Other types of bulbs create heat and could injure your frog if it jumps on the bulb. Frogs tend to do fine with just 4 to 5 hours of light a day.

    • 7

      Attach a thermostat-controlled glass tube heater on the side of the tank to control the water temperature. Set it for the temperature your specific frog species requires, and the heater should automatically handle the rest. If your climate is significantly different from your frog's natural climate, then you also need to place a heating pad or heat lamp outside the tank.

    • 8

      Place an air stone and live plants in the tank if your frog species requires a lot of humidity. Otherwise, regularly spraying down the tank with a spray bottle full of water should be sufficient.

    • 9

      Fill the tank with dechlorinated water. Use chlorine treatment drops to clean your tap water and let it sit 24 hours before putting it in the tank.

    • 10

      Decorate your aquarium with extra accessories, such as hollow logs, plastic plants, moss, tree branches and tropical background paper.