How to Build a Frog Vivarium

Help your frog feel at home by creating a vivarium made specifically for your pet. Vivariums recreate part of an ecosystem from the frog's natural habitat on a small scale in an enclosed space, such as an aquarium. These environments usually include live plants, substrate and other features that are not only decorative but also functional. Research the environment your frog species came from to better understand the needs of the animal.

Things You'll Need

  • Glass aquarium
  • Cork bark
  • Scissors
  • 100 percent silicon rubber sealant
  • Clay pellets
  • Plastic egg crate
  • Fiberglass window screen
  • Substrate
  • Plants, wood, rocks and vivarium decorations
  • Lights
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a glass aquarium for your frog. Ensure the tank is large enough for the reptile to comfortably live. For example, a dart frog needs at least a 10-gal. aquarium, while an adult bull frog requires a tank at least 100 gal. large. Research your frog breed to better understand how large its aquarium must be.

    • 2

      Create a background for the vivarium with cork bark. This lightweight material will look natural in the habitat and also hold in moisture. Buy a sheet of cork bark and cut it to fit the inside back wall of the aquarium. Attach it to the vivarium with 100 percent silicon rubber sealant.

    • 3

      Establish a false bottom drainage system in the vivarium to avoid making the soil waterlogged or mildew. Start by making a 1-inch deep layer of clay pellets along the bottom of the tank. Cut a sheet of plastic egg crate to fit on top of the pellets. Layer a sheet of fiberglass window screen on top of the egg crate. This will prevent the substrate from moving into the pellets while still allowing excess water to drain.

    • 4

      Add substrate on top of the false bottom drainage system. Use a premade mix, which can be purchased from a pet store. Choose one that has nutrients to support plant growth. Ensure it does not have Styrofoam pellets in it.

    • 5

      Landscape the vivarium with materials and plants that would be found naturally in the frog's habitat. For example, dart frogs, which come from the jungle, would feel at home among bromeliad plants. Wood pieces, rocks and water features are other decorations you can use to landscape the vivarium. Ensure everything you put in the tank is free of poisons, pesticides and herbicides, and is safe for the frog.

    • 6

      Set up a lighting system above the vivarium. Use a full-spectrum light bulb to help with plant growth. If the frog needs ultraviolet (UV) rays, install a florescent UV light. Place a heat lamp above the aquarium, as well. Research your species of frog to better determine how much light it will need.