Things You'll Need
- Large Aquarium, Pond or Other Habitat
- Rocks, Sand or other Soil
- Aquatic Plants
- Dechorlinated Fresh Water
- Food (depends on species)
Instructions
Buying and Caring For Tadpoles
Before purchasing your tadpoles, it is essential that you have a habitat fully set up for them. The size of your enclosure depends on the species of tadpole you choose, and where you plan to put them. If you're planning on keeping them indoors, a large aquarium (20-50 gallons) is sufficient. If your plans include outdoor tadpoles, then a large pond, or child's swimming pool works well.
In setting up your habitat, keep in mind that tadpoles tend to prefer shallower water, so a few inches of sand, soil and rocks make an excellent base for your new pets. Fill the habitat with dechlorinated water, which is easiest to achieve by setting a few gallon containers of water in the sun for a few days to allow the chlorine to dissapate. Add in a few live aquatic plants for oxygenation of the water, and allow the enclosure a few days rest to settle before acquiring your tadpoles.
A variety of places sell tadpoles, most of them being aquarium or fish supply stores. There are many species of tadpoles and frogs, so once you've decided on which type you'd like to raise, you can contact your local pet store and see if they carry the species you've chosen. Local bait shops also often carry tadpoles, as many people use them as live fish bait. Another excellent place to look for tadpoles is in your local water sources. Springtime yields tadpoles of various species of tadpoles depending on your location, so you can do a little research and find out what lives in your area.
Once you've got your tadpoles, it's time to head home and introduce them to their new home. Upon arrival, place the closed container of tadpoles in the water of the enclosure for a few minutes, to allow the water temperatures to adjust a bit. The tadpoles will be much more comfortable if the water temperatures are similar when you introduce them. Slowly pour the container, water and all, into your habitat, and allow the tadpoles to acclimate to their new surroundings.
It is important that you feed your new friends soon after arrival, as they are young and most likely hungry. Different species eat different things, but tadpoles are mainly herbivores and thrive on vegetable and plant matter. Frozen spinach is an excellent food, along with flake fish food, or store-bought tadpole feed. Feed small amounts a couple of times a day, and avoid overfeeding, which will cloud your water.