How to Cycle a Fish Tank for African Dwarf Frogs

African dwarf frogs are aquatic their entire lives, spending most of their time in the water. In captivity, they need an aquarium with a small land area, rather than a terrarium. Before the introduction of animals, all aquariums must be cycled -- a process that lets essential microbes become established. In the confines of a tank, the waste of frogs and other animals is toxic, if the right bacteria are not present in sufficient numbers to break it down.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon or larger tank, with light
  • Gravel
  • Rocks
  • Heat
  • Nitrifying bacteria culture -- available at aquarium supply stores
  • Fish pellets
  • Bucket
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a freshwater tank with gravel, rocks, heater and filter. Add dechlorinated water, and turn on the heater and filter.

    • 2

      Adjust the thermostat, to maintain a temperature of about 72 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit.

    • 3

      Wait 24 hours. Then introduce aquatic plants to the tank, and switch on the light. Keep the light on for about 12 hours a day thereafter, to support the plants.

    • 4

      Add a culture of nitrifying bacteria and two fish pellets to the tank. The pellets provide food for the bacteria prior to the introduction of animals. Once there are animals in the tank, the bacteria process dangerous ammonia from the waste first to equally toxic nitrites, then into relatively harmless nitrates, which the plants can absorb.

    • 5

      Let the tank cycle for at least a week, before introducing the frogs.