How to Clean a Pygmy Frog Container

African dwarf frogs (Hymenochirus boettgeri), sometimes referred to as African pygmy frogs or Zaire dwarf clawed frogs, are easily found in pet stores. However, their care is not easy. These are aquatic frogs that live in the water and do not venture onto land. Like other amphibians, these frogs can absorb chemicals and impurities in the water, so you have to clean their container with care to avoid poisoning your frogs. Depending on the size of your container and number of frogs you keep, you will need to clean your dwarf frogs̵7; container one to four times a month.

Things You'll Need

  • Small plastic pet carrier
  • Cup
  • Aquarium vacuum
  • Water conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill a smaller container, such as a plastic small pet carrier with some dirty water from the frog̵7;s container. Fill it with about 1 cup of water per frog.

    • 2

      Place the frogs in the small pet carrier with the dirty water.

    • 3

      Empty the habitat container of all its décor and furnishings. Leave any gravel you have in the tank.

    • 4

      Use an aquarium vacuum to remove the water. Run the vacuum over the gravel to remove debris as you remove the water. Scoop out any remaining water with a cup.

    • 5

      Rinse the décor with clean water and put it back into the tank.

    • 6

      Fill the tank with clean water. Add water conditioner to the water to remove chlorine.

    • 7

      Let the new water sit for one hour before putting your frogs back in. This ensures the chlorine has been removed. Chlorine will kill your frogs.

    • 8

      Add the frogs and the dirty water back into the container. The dirty water has good bacteria necessary for a healthy habitat for your frogs. Putting African dwarf frogs into 100 percent clean water can make them sick.