How to Raise Tadpoles Moved From a Pond to an Aquarium

A tadpole is the aquatic stage in the life cycle of a frog. You can gather tadpoles from a pond and move them into an aquarium to raise them as pets or for observation. They are easy to care for and you can learn a lot about the changes a frog goes through as the tadpole becomes an adult. Under the proper conditions, it takes only two to three months for a tadpole to completely change into a frog.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Dechlorinating tablets
  • Plastic bag
  • Rocks
  • Branches
  • Pond plants
  • Lettuce
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill an aquarium three-quarters of the way with water and place the aquarium in a shady location. Collect enough water from the pond with a pitcher, if the water is clean. If you must use tap water, place two to three dechlorinating tablets in the water to remove the chlorine. If you do not have access to the tablets, leave a bucket of tap water sitting in the sun for 5 to 7 days to allow the chlorine to evaporate.

    • 2

      Place pond plants, such as water lilies, in the water. Add rocks in various sizes for the tadpoles to hide. Create small ledges with the rocks and add branches that protrude out of the water. As the frogs develop, they will come out of the water for air.

    • 3

      Transfer the tadpoles from the pond in a plastic storage bag.

    • 4

      Pour the tadpoles into the aquarium.

    • 5

      Feed your tadpoles lettuce every other day. Boil the lettuce for 10 to 15 minutes and chop it into tiny pieces. Place the chopped lettuce on a tray and place the tray in the freezer for 4 to 5 hours. Store the frozen lettuce in a freezer bag in your freezer. Pinch off tiny pieces of lettuce to feed the tadpoles.

    • 6

      Change the water in your tank every 2 to 3 weeks. Be sure to use dechlorinated water; chlorine will kill the growing frogs.

    • 7

      Transfer the frogs back to the pond once they are fully grown.