How to Build a Fire-Belly Frog Habitat

Fire-bellied toads are easily cared for, and they are suitable beginner pets. They are semi-aquatic and need a habitat consisting of both land and water. Properly cared for, they can live to be up to 12 years old. One of the most important aspects of caring for a fire-bellied toad is providing a clean and healthy habitat.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Screen cover
  • Gravel
  • Peat moss
  • Sphagnum moss
  • Real or artificial plants
  • Tap or spring water
  • Dechlorinating water treatment
  • Filter (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Choose an aquarium for your fire-bellied toad. The toads are fairly small, so the aquarium does not have to be large. A 10-gallon minimum tank is recommended. You may need to choose a larger tank if you want to house more than one fire-bellied toad. Also make sure to choose a tight-fitting screen cover, as the toads can escape from even the smallest openings.

    • 2

      Place an equal mixture of gravel, peat moss and sphagnum moss in one side of the aquarium. Make sure the gravel mixture ramps down gradually toward the water so the toad can easily exit from the water to the land. The toad will need a place to hide, so choose a few plants, real or artificial, and place them in the gravel mixture.

    • 3

      Fill the other side of the aquarium with shallow water to a depth of about 2 to 4 inches. The water must be dechlorinated and stale. You can purchase a water-treatment product that will remove chloramine and chlorine from the water within minutes. Let the water sit for 24 hours before adding it to the aquarium. You may also choose to use bottled spring water which is already treated, but you will need to replace this water frequently. You may use a filter to help keep the water clean, but it is not necessary.