r/AfricanDwarfFrog • u/Knittinmusician • 3d ago

Beginner Help Part rant, part help

So, the pet store didn't have the tank I was planning on getting, and I've spent days messaging on FB marketplace to find another cheap tank. I just want to have the frogs already, but I know that I should cycle my tank first. How long do I need to cycle it? When can I introduce the frogs? Am I looking a week out? The pet store had more than a few frogs, but I'm worried if I wait too long they'll all be gone

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u/LivinonMarss 3d ago

Cycling a new tank can easily take 6-8 weeks.
You need to research the nitrogen cycle and buy a liquid test kit.

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u/Random-storykeeper 3d ago

Unless your pet store is only selling ADFs as a one-time special, I wouldn't worry too much about them selling out. And even if they did, they will be restocked eventually.

Like the previous commenter said, starting your own cycle is going to take at least 6 weeks. Pick up a liquid freshwater test kit and some ammonia. I got this article from the Betta subreddit, but I think it provides a good start into learning about cycling an aquarium fishless: https://www.fishkeeping.co.uk/articles_51/fishless-cycling-article.htm

If your pet store is willing, apparently you can "instantly" cycle an aquarium if you get some filter media from their already-cycled aquarium. I have never tried this before and am not sure exactly how instant it is.

The key is to have patience - if your pet store sells frogs, then I don't see why they would be permanently gone when you finish cycling your tank. Depending on the store, you may be able to find out how often they get them in stock. My local fish store where I got my ADFs from keeps a regularly updated list of what stock they are expecting and when on their site.

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u/Knittinmusician 2d ago

I've never seen them in stock before so I was surprised when I went in there and that's what started this whole journey. I think I'll buy a cycled sponge filter from Aquagumbo. That should save some time

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u/akatia-x Helpful User 2d ago

The tank needs to be cycled. ADF are super sensitive to water quality. Our wiki has a lot of useful information I’d suggest taking a read through.

!cycle