How to Care for Pet Water Frogs

Most frog species spend some time in water, but still need to come up on dry land periodically. But African dwarf frogs, also known as aquatic water frogs, spend almost their whole lives in water. This has made them popular pets, since they do not need to be kept in complicated part land, part water cages. They can be purchased at pet stores and aquarium supply shops, and may also be found at animal shelters on occasion. True to their name, they only grow to about 1.5 inches long.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium with lid (at least 3 gallons per frog)
  • Dechlorinator
  • Water treatment drops (if necessary)
  • Aquarium filter
  • Aquarium air pump hooked to air hose and stone
  • Aquarium thermometer
  • Aquarium heater
  • Silk plants, live plants, new small clay flower pot or aquarium-safe driftwood
  • Frozen fish food like brine shrimp, bloodworms or mosquito larvae
  • Small aquarium net
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up the aquarium for water frogs. Ideally, this should be done a month before introducing the frogs so that the tank cycles and good bacteria have had time to grow in the tank. Test tap water for chlorine, ammonia and nitrogen. Use dechlorinator and whatever water treatment drops are necessary. If the water is safe for a goldfish, it will be safe for a frog. In an aquarium at least 3 gallons large per frog, place aquarium heater, thermometer, filter, air pump hooked to air hose with an air stone and decorations to serve as hiding places for the frog. Avoid aquariums more than 3 feet deep if possible, since dwarf frogs are not great swimmers.

    • 2

      Keep the temperature of the aquarium water between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the aquarium lid down to maintain heat and to keep frogs from escaping.

    • 3

      Feed the frogs every other day. African water frogs need a variety of frozen foods sold for aquarium fish, although some may eat less-expensive, freeze-dried varieties of bloodworms, mosquito larvae or brine shrimp. For treats, feed chopped fresh earthworm, live fish fry, live blackworms or live brine shrimp.

    • 4

      Perform partial water changes weekly in order to maintain healthy water quality. The filter cannot do all the work. If the aquarium has a capacity less than 5 gallons, perform water changes at least twice weekly or more often as needed. Aquarium water should never have a bad odor. If the aquarium does not have a filter, all of the water needs to be changed every other day.

    • 5

      Use a small aquarium net to move the frogs if they need to be moved to another tank. They are fragile and should not be held.