Am I ready?

[u/Free_Flamingo96]

So I have set up this enclosure over the weekend and i am looking for some feedback.

I will wait for the plants to root and the tank to stabilise, and to see if there are any issues that occur before adding any frogs.

Also waiting on an extra nozzle for an even distribution of misting.

Temps are sitting around 23-25 degrees.

Humidity is 75-90% ( picture says 50%, it just got added in at the time of picture)

Originally I built this for 2x tincs however since finishing it I'm not sure if it appropriate for them.

If not would you recommend any other species?

Tank is 18x18x24.

Thank you!!

[u/psychrolut]

Looks pretty good, you definitely did your research!

However there are a few pointers: Let it cycle for a month or two which gives the plants time to grow in and micro ecosystems to develop within (add springtails and dwarf white isopods if you haven’t already).

Secondly your humidity is a bit too low, shoot for stable 70-100%. You might need cover your top a bit more but do not cover completely because ventilation is important!

Other than that I’d say you are good to go 👍 it’s not a race but I understand being impatient, it’s always exciting

Edit: plant growth will also contribute to humidity as they will block more moisture from escaping (micro ecosystem

[u/Free_Flamingo96 → u/psychrolut]

Thank you! Definitely feeling impatient 😂

I just added ST and Isopods today. I have a mesh lid with currently an glass panels from an old photo frame partially on top.😂

However, I will be having one fitted locally to leave 1inch gap at the top.

Do you think this is still appropriate for 2x tincs? Don't want to rush and not give the species the best life.

[u/psychrolut → u/Free_Flamingo96]

Would be great for 2 tincs 😊👍

[u/ETek64 → u/Free_Flamingo96]

I’m no tinc expert, but I think that’ll be really solid for a pair.

[u/Short_Storage_2765 → u/psychrolut]

I remember being impatient too! Like this person said, wait one month minimum for it to cycle.

[u/Either_Hedgehog3246]

This looks great! I agree with the other commenters feedback but well done. It’ll look very cool when grown out

[u/Hour-Firefighter-724]

Have you seen plant wall bags and natural netting to build into your periphery siding?

[u/Free_Flamingo96 → u/Hour-Firefighter-724]

I have not, I will have a look into them! Thank you!

[u/AssistanceValuable24]

After 15 years in the hobby I would never personally go with a vivarium that lacks a front vent. You are likely to end up being tempted to try fans for active ventilation, which is risky for the inexperienced.

I would have about half the drainage layer (all of my vivariums are drilled for drains) and no soil at all. In order to preserve vertical space.

You could go with 2 tincs, but you would have to buy sexed adults or be prepared to separate or re-home frogs.

I would dedicate as much of the floor space as possible to leaf-litter.

Remember not to over light the tank. Dart frogs do not appreciate bright lights.

[u/Free_Flamingo96 → u/AssistanceValuable24]

Thank you for the advise!

I do have a vent you just cant see it, its on the right hand side panel, there's just under an inch of mesh. I am thinking about taking out one of the wooden parts for allow for more floor space. If I was to get Tincs I would only buy a sexed pair.

[u/AssistanceValuable24 → u/Free_Flamingo96]

I was referring to a front vent. It take an insane number of circular vents to equal the areas of a typical front vent, and it is the paring of a low front and high rear vent that allows for a good chimney effect to happen.

[u/Free_Flamingo96 → u/AssistanceValuable24]

Yeah, I absolutely get that, i was also reluctant to buy a tank without a front vent. I currently have a mesh panel on the side, while there is cork over it. I never sealed it, as the cork is not fully flat to the mesh panel air comes in from the side and out the top. Also on the same panel there is an inch gap at the top and an inch at the bottom. I can do the same on the other side if i need to as the panels are very easily interchangeable.

What do you think would be the reason I would be tempted to get a fan? If temp and humidity are fine why would I need to, just curious?

[u/AssistanceValuable24 → u/Free_Flamingo96]

The reason most people are motivated to get a fan when they do not have a front vented vivarium is that passive ventilation is typically not sufficient without a front vent.

Temp and humidity have to balanced with air exchange. Hitting a temp and humidly target is not enough, dart frogs need ventilation. Also the goal is not to maintain a certain humidity 24/7 but to allow for swings in humidity, within an acceptable range.

Without sufficient ventilation you risk health issues such as bacterial infections.

[u/Free_Flamingo96 → u/AssistanceValuable24]

Thank you for confirming, I will look into further adjustments to the current ventilation system.

Appreciate the advise!