How to Build a Terrarium for a Frog

Terrariums make great environments for many amphibians, especially frogs. Many species of tropical tree frogs need the heat and humidity that a terrarium traditionally supplies. If you have been longing to try it, now is the time. It won't take you long and can be an enjoyable hobby.

Things You'll Need

  • 20- to 30-gallon aquarium
  • Aquarium cover
  • Gravel
  • Fiberglass window screening
  • Shallow dish
  • Tree fern fiber, shredded oak leaves, leaf compost, milled sphagnum moss or chopped live moss
  • Heat lamp
  • Branches, rocks, caves and similar decorations
  • Water
  • Thermometer
  • Frog
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a suitable container. Typically a 20- to 30-gallon aquarium works best for frogs. You will also need a cover or lid that provides adequate ventilation. Usually this means a screen cover that is modified by taping plastic wrap or glass over part of it to help keep the humidity high. If you plan on keeping dart frogs, you should purchase a glass cover.

    • 2

      Add about 2 to 3 inches of small aquarium gravel along the bottom of the terrarium. Most plants will do well when planted in gravel. If you find that your plants are not, you can keep them in small pots and cover them with gravel.

    • 3

      Choose a few plants that are good for tropical terrariums and safe for frogs. These plants will need to be able to tolerate high light and humidity. A few good choices include African Violets, Bromeliad, Cobra Fern, Resurrection Fern, Chinese Evergreen, Elephant Ear, Earth Stars, Dumbcane, Creeping Fig, Poke-a-dot Plant, Bromeliad, Rabbit's Foot Fern, Prayer Plant, Button Fern, Baby rubber plant, Aluminum plants, Philodendron, Pothos, Silver Vine, Club Moss, Arrowhead Vine, Wandering Jew, Java Moss and Bromeliad.

    • 4

      Wash the plants thoroughly before using them in your terrarium to remove any chemicals or pesticides. For best results, only purchase plants specifically for terrariums.

    • 5

      Add a shallow dish of water. You will want to sink in into the gravel so it is level with the surface.

    • 6

      Top off the gravel with a layer of tree fern fiber, shredded oak leaves, leaf compost, milled sphagnum moss or chopped live moss. Wet this surface down.

    • 7

      Decorate the terrarium with several shelves, branches, rock formations, bark bends and miniature caves. This will make the terrarium look more natural while giving your frog a place to either get closer or further away from the heat source.

    • 8

      Add a heat source, such as a heat lamp. The heat source should be located toward one end of the terrarium to allow the frog to move closer or further away depending on its needs. Check the temperature with a good quality thermometer to ensure that it is at the right level for your frog.

    • 9

      Add your frog. Keep the humidity high in the terrarium by misting it every day.