Newt Compatibility - 10/07/2007
Hi , My name is Amy. I am thinking about buying a newt , and I have a few
questions. What would be the best type of newt to start with? What other
amphibians can be kept with a newt? Can I also keep frogs with them? Any advice
would be helpful.
Thanks,
Amy
<Hello Amy. Newts can make good pets, but it's a good idea to research them
thoroughly beforehand. For the most part they are secretive animals, and unlike
salamanders don't ever seem to become tame. By contrast with newts, several
salamanders will become tame if looked after properly and can be easily hand
fed; Axolotls and Tiger salamanders for example. Two newts that will do
particularly well in captivity and can be recommended for beginners are the
Paddle-tailed newt (Pachytriton labiatus) and the Red-spotted newt
(Notophthalmus viridescens). Paddle-tailed newts are almost entirely aquatic,
and need a clean, very well filtered, room-temperature aquarium with tangles of
plants (real or plastic) to clamber about on. They look very primitive, rather
like some sort of Devonian-era tetrapod. Males will fight each other, but it is
possible to house a single male with one or more females. Maximum size is around
18 cm. Red-spotted newts require similar conditions, though they are a little
more terrestrial and will climb about on a wet, mossy ledge or similar
structure. They are a bit smaller at up to 15 cm, and generally ignore one
another and will work fine in a group provided they are not overcrowded. Mixing
different species of amphibians is generally not a good idea for a variety of
reasons including aggression, competition for food, and the risk of parasites
being transferred between species. Much better to concentrate on a single
species, keep a group of them, and then experience the fun of breeding them.
Cheers, Neale.>
Xenopus laevis comp. 02/17/07
Hi... as I have said before my albino African clawed frog is housed in
a 60ltr aquarium with 4 goldfish (varying in size and variation). I am
thinking of
adding an algae eater into the setup. Is this wise or is it not compatible
with the frog?
<The Xenopus will eat or try to eat all. BobF>
Salamanders: 1/19/07
These guys came from the same stream (empties into large lake) and one is
more developed at ~4 inches, tiny white spots riddle his black skin.
We're in Georgia so I can't figure out what kind he is (Dusky? Eastern?). While
I know the variations must be incredible, but lets say he is a common eastern
salamander - no color on fingers or underbelly, just the white speckling - what
do you think he could be?
<Mineral deposit maybe, perhaps decomposition from being moved into too-warm
setting/out of season>
Three younger ones accompany him and still have their aquatic lungs exposed and
paddle-like tail. They are about ~2 inches each. The last one I caught actually
resembles the grown salamander which led me to deduce they may actually be the
same species, but separate in amphibian maturity.
<Maybe>
Will these guys fare well in captivity (with the four baby crayfish)?
<Not indefinitely... unless there is a good deal of room, habitat>
Given the same environment I tried to recreate, the cascading waterfall filter,
aeration, native water, rocks, moss, and inhabitants, will they be able to fend
for themselves given we feed them regularly and keep the conditions clean?
<For a while>
We recently caught some minnows/guppies (feeder size) from the same environ
(downstream of lake - amphibians and crayfish were upstream), would the
salamanders ever be able to catch one of these?
<Not likely>
Also, I caught two grubs (ginormous, condensed to an inch long fat grub and
extended to over 2 inches of sprawling larvae mass) and thought they'd make good
food for the carnivores.
<Mmm, none of the animals listed are "very" carnivorous when young/small...>
But then, I was experimenting, and fed them all (within first couple days
captivity) a bite of raw ground turkey. I placed a tiny morsel at their hiding
spot entrances and they devoured it. How much should I feed them for a daily
(or every other day) dose?
<Depends on temperature... but very little daily... do monitor water quality...>
I'm less worried about them. The matured salamander, I am afraid, is the more
picky the eater. Should I attempt crickets?
<No>
Also, how much terrestrial space should I provide? As of now, there are but 3
islands (larger rocks jut out (with moss encropped) around the waterfall, and
another smaller at opposite end juts out next to a floating stick from their
environ. Should I provide more?
<Mmm, not in this size/volume>
I was hesitant to expand for fear for trapping someone in hiding, but know they
are all well equipped and evolved to find another way out. I wanted to bring in
a few more larger stones to extend the terrestrial portion so he will have at
least a foot (1 foot by .5 foot) length of crawl space.
<Not much land space needed, advised>
Any vegetation they prefer?
<What you find in their wild environs>
I put in some green moss last night and he's been buried under it ever since
(before he was hiding out of the water behind the filter). I like seeing him
more comfortable under the moss and in and out of the rock/water crevices than
pinned against glass and plastic filter backing.
Also, please expand any further on suggestions to make sure they have a good
stay or what other inhabitants they'd like (more minnows or bugs per chance).
<Wish I could... a matter of your investigating... the Net, books... on local
fauna... ecology>
Keeping Frogs And Newts Together 10/26/06
Hello, I have two Fire-Bellied toads together in a 10-gallon tank. I
feed them guppies. I was wondering whether it would be possible to place some
Fire Belly Newts in the same tank.
< The frogs are way to active for the newts. The frogs would eat all the food
and leave none for the newts.>
Furthermore, I am curious whether the Newts can live off of the guppies, or
whether I should put some other food source in with them?
< The newts require some slow moving invertebrates like worms and insects.>
My main concerns are the poisons in each species' bellies, also whether they
will be able to eat the same food. Finally, I would also like to know whether
the presence of either newts or more toads will affect the
breeding ability. Am I best with just two toads (I believe one is female
but can't be sure)? Thank you so much! Jt
< For best long term results I would keep each species separate.-Chuck>
African clawed frog and fire-belly toad... not together
6/23/06
Hi I would like to combine two African clawed frogs with some fire-belly
toads. Is that possible?
<... Mmm, not really. Xenopus are entirely aquatic, the Bombina
"semi-aquatic"... Please see here re the care of the latter:
http://www.wnyherp.org/care-sheets/amphibians/fire-belly-toad.php >
Are both compatible and if yes, which would be the required tank size?
thanks
Cristian
<A minimum of ten gallons for both/either. Bob Fenner>
Cohabitation with African Clawed Frogs 5/21/06
Hello,
<Hi there>
I recently purchased an African Clawed Frog. I'm having trouble finding
information on what types of fish can safely cohabitate with this type of
frog. He is currently housed in a ten gallon tank. I'd like to add a
couple of fish (aside from the guppies) but don't want the frog to eat
them. I also want to ensure that the fish we purchase don't harm the
frog. Any suggestions? Also, I read that this type of frog is social so I
was thinking of adding another. Is a ten gallon tank too small for two
frogs (some sites are telling me 5 gallons per frog and some are saying 10)?
Thanks in advance,
Tara
<Mmm, well... Xenopus will eat most anything fish-wise small enough to fit
in their mouths... and a ten gallon tank is too small for anything of
sufficient size, speed, smarts to avoid predation... You're pretty much set
with a choice between the frog or something/s else. Bob Fenner>
African Clawed Frog ... comp. 5/2/06
Hello Crew,
<Hello Matthew!>
I'm new to the interesting life called African Clawed Frogs.
<Cute but dim, aren't they? I have a pair myself.>
As such I have a question regarding the webbing on its back feet. It
appears it is either shedding its webbing or it has been "eaten" by one of
my other fish. Am I looking at infection or poor water condition?
<It is hard to say without knowing what tankmates are in with it. It is not
recommended to keep African Clawed Frogs with fish. If the fish don't nibble
at the frog, as the frog gets larger, it will damage the fish. Infection is
often a sign of poor water quality, so do try to keep the water pristine to
allow the frog to heal.>
Will this webbing regenerate itself?
<If the frog is not harassed and the water quality is good, then yes...
frogs do have a remarkable ability to heal/regrow.>
Hope to hear from you soon
<Do separate this frog... and make sure it has no "escape routes" (an
inch-wide crack in the canopy is enough to lose these renowned
escapologists). Best regards, John.>
Sincerely
Matthew
African Clawed Frog Advice ... sel., comp. 5/2/06
I was cruising around your site, and was intrigued by your mentioning of the
African clawed frog. I kept an ACF for around 6 years. I found it
interesting that your site did not clearly state one thing: an adult ACF will
unhesitatingly consume any fish 1 inch in length or less! I often fed
mine feeder guppies from PetCo. I would pass this along to anyone thinking of
keeping guppies, tetras, etc. with an ACF.
Finally, for anyone looking for an ACF, I recommend "Grow-a-frog." That's where
mine came from, and they sell great food and other supplies.-Robert
< Thanks for the advice and we will post it on the site.-Chuck>
Undesired FW snails with amphibians 4/10/06
I have some firebelly frogs and have noticed that's some really small snails
just appeared. this is the second time this has happened to me with
different aquariums. I find this extremely odd any info you can give me
about these snails and how they manage to appear from thin air would be
greatly appreciated
<Likely "came in" with some live plant, food material... Can be removed...
killed in a few ways, but I want to emphasize the need to remove the frogs
if using toxins. Please read here:
http://wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwsnails.htm
and the linked files above. Bob Fenner>
Mormyrid/s, and some species of frog 2/23/06
One very quick question that I can't seem to find an answer for anywhere. I
have a 25 gallon tank with have 1 Elephant Nose and 4 Albino Frogs in it. I know
Elephant nose do better in groups of @ least 3 so very soon
<Stop! Not in this sized tank... too small for even just one>
I plan on buying at least a couple more. But anyway, my question is, are these 2
species ok being together?
<The frogs and Mormyrid should mix fine>
They don't seem to bother each other. My fish stays hid and my frogs just do
their own things. I occasionally feed my Elephant Nose dried baby shrimp
"recommended by the pet shop owner" and my frogs eat it too. Also, the pet shop
owner just said it would make the frogs grow. Anyway Anyway Anyway, getting off
the subject...are they okay together?
Thanks!
Morgan
<Keep your eyes on all... the frogs can be messy... I take it these are
African... Dwarfs, not Xenopus. Bob Fenner>
African dwarf frogs 12/12/05
WWM Crew,
I wondering what you guys think about putting African dwarf frogs with dwarf
puffers.
<Definitely not... they will be harassed/nipped.>
or the frogs in a snail breeding aquarium.
<This sounds more suitable.>
thanks
<You're welcome.... John>
Can Frogs, and cichlids live together, and also a 6" pleco. If a frog can live
in a 55 gallon aquarium, what kind.
<It honestly depends on what kind of frog and what kind of cichlids you have, as
well as your stocking levels. Two fully aquatic frogs are commonly available in
the trade: African Clawed Frogs and African Dwarf Frogs. ACFs get quite large
and have the reputation of harming or eating fish. I have two of these in a
small, dedicated tank. ADFs remain very small and as such are unlikely to harm
your fish, but may be picked on by your cichlids. Both can be quite messy and
will place additional strain on your filtration. Despite not appearing to be the
brightest of creatures, I think they make great pets, but I would prefer to keep
them separately from my fish. Best regards, John>
Clawed Frog Constipation? - 11/19/2005
Hi,
<Hello. Sabrina with you, today.>
I've owned my African Clawed Frog for almost 3 years now and I have never had
issues with him. He's had to deal with living at college with me and the trips
back and forth and the freezing cold dorm rooms and has lasted through it all.
<Mm, sounds like some stressful times.... Do please be cautious; such stresses
can make an animal much more prone to disease....>
Right now I have him in a 25 gallon tank with a ground feeder and a snail. The
past week his butt has started to get red and irritated looking and it actually
looks like he's almost constipated.
<Hmm....>
Last night I came home from being out and he had that bloated look of what
Dropsy is but not as severely as some pictures I've seen.
<Alright....>
I woke up this morning expecting the worst but the bloating actually went down
and he's eating and is shedding right now and acting normal except for looking
irritated and constipated back there.
<If he was constipated, he may have become bloated from the blockage, then after
it passed, the bloating subsided. Mind you, though, I/we am/are not frog
experts, so take anything from me with a grain or to of salt.>
I've looked up stuff on red leg but it doesn't seem to be that.
<Good.>
I have the tank at a steady temperature of 76 and I always clean the tank the
same way so there haven't been any drastic changes in his routine recently.
<Mm, but do you test your water? Readings for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate?
Please do be testing for these, and maintain ammonia and nitrite at ZERO,
nitrate less than 20ppm, with water changes.>
Do you think you know what this might be because I can't find anything about it
on the internet.
<As above, perhaps the animal was in fact constipated.... or perhaps this is
from ammonia or nitrite poisoning (any reading on these above ZERO should be
considered toxic). I would urge you first to test your water and maintain
optimal water quality, then do some Google searches on clawed frog nutrition and
disease. Wishing you well, -Sabrina>
Turtles Will eat The Newt 10/22/05
Hello, I would like to thank you for your extensive question database which
has provided me with many answers!
I was wondering just how long one red-eared slider baby would be alright
in a ten gallon tank. I've been researching and planning for providing a great
home for one of these guys for a long time and realize that one day it will need
a nice happy pond.
< A ten gallon tank would only work for a few months depending on the temps you
turtle is kept at.>
Would a Whisper internal (10i) filter be good for about 5 gallons of water for
the little guy?
< Turtles are messy feeders. A filter helps but only as long as you are willing
to clean it. Clean it often and do many water changes.>
I also have one fire-bellied newt and was wondering (although I am quite
doubtful) if they would be okay in the tank together until the turtle grows
larger, or if a separate tank right at the beginning would be necessary.
< Turtle will try and eat the newt every chance it gets. The newt may also be
toxic to the turtle.>
If this is possible, my newt tank is planted heavily with live plants. I would
not mind if the turtle ate them, but have heard
that some plants are not okay for a turtle to eat. I have mondo grass,
Anacharis, java moss, and a few other plants (I don't know the names of the
others.)
< Turtle would pick at the Anacharis and probably leave the others alone but it
would be a bull in a china shop with all the plants being uprooted every chance
he gets.>
I also have a five gallon tank at home that is not being used and think that
either the newt or the turtle could stay in it for a while. (I think the newt
would be happier there than the turtle since it would only have about 2-3
gallons of water.) I previously had three newts, but the other two were VERY
young and, like many pet store fire bellies, had a rough beginning and came to
me with rot which I was unable to cure.
I eventually separated them from my adult, who is still living a happy and
healthy life hanging out in her favorite plant, the Anacharis bunch. Also, what
is your opinion on the occasional snack of a ghost shrimp for aquatic turtles?
< Great.>
(I know I am asking many questions here.) There is a very large debate over
whether to use gravel or not. Of course cleaning is easier without it. I read
where someone had used no gravel but had vinyl flooring in the bottom to give
traction. Do you think the turtles really care?
< No not really.>
Like fish do, would turtles eat their own poo if there was no gravel to trap it?
< They have been known to eat their own fecal matter if they are hungry and no
other food is around. Many fish stores carry gravel vacs that will do a great
job of cleaning your gravel while siphoning the tank water.>
Thank you in advance for you time and patience with my plethora of questions. I
appreciate what you do in an attempt to rid the world of people who improperly
care for their pets.
< Just plugging away one question at a time.-Chuck>
Frogs with Crabs? 8/6/05
I have hermit crabs. I'm wondering if I can put frogs in the same
terrarium?
Sharon
< The first chance they get, the crabs will attack and probably kill the
frogs.-Chuck>
Amphibians in aquarium? and freshwater plenums, anemone questions
I was skimming over your site again; this time the fresh water section and i
saw the amphibian part.
<Yikes... yes, another "section" started... to fit a few incoming FAQs... that
needs/deserves serious/non-serious "skull sweat"... input, imagery...>
There's only a little about aquatic frogs so i was wondering if you could help
me with something else. Could you put Axolotls in an aquarium with fish?
<Hmm, yes... have seen these neotenic salamanders placed, kept with peaceful
fishes in private, public aquariums>
I've got 2 in a 20g upright with no heater or anything for filtration, there are
3 Cory cats in there too they're doing
great but i was wondering if i could set up my 180 as a freshwater-tropical and
put them in?
<Not so much tropical... Though my fave hobby sites for Ambystoma:
http://www.fortunecity.com/Roswell/chupacabras/4/calixto.htm
states they can/will live at 75F... I would use this as an "upper limit"
temperature wise.>
Is there an average temp that the fish and axolotls will tolerate together? I
know cannibalism could be a problem with smaller tetras
but I'm willing to take that risk. Also; have you ever heard of using a plenum
in a fresh water system?
<Yes, have even done this... for decades...>
How well would/does it work? are there drawbacks?
<Same sort of arrangement as marine... an hypoxic water area on the bottom (good
to have a drain arrangement for here...), a grade or two of media above
separated by a screen (I put soil mix in under the screen with coarser
gravel...). Downsides: some chance of anaerobiosis...>
My saltwater plenum works great but there is quite a bit of Cyanobacteria lately
(the tank's a year old), is that an issue in a fresh water tank?
<A possibility... but with regular "good" maintenance, use of live plants... a
calculated risk...>
my last question is in regards to my anemone. I bought it as a "corn" anemone.
It's Bright green with orange tips and it's bubbled (just
like a bulb anemone) but i haven't seen any bulbs anemones with this coloration.
It's scientific name started with R., so it definitely wasn't
labeled as e. quadricolor.
<Mmm, maybe a "Radianthus" species, or one that is labeled as such... Please
take a look through our general coverage of Anemones:
http://wetwebmedia.com/anemones.htm
... You may see this species, and find that Clowns will pair up with ones that
they don't do naturally in captivity...>
My maroon lives in it too. And one more -sorry-.
What's normal growth rate for anemones? This one's almost doubled its size
in 2 months (i feed silver sides too) it's also got funny division around
the tentacles; some are splitting up to 4 times on each one. Is that normal.
<Normal under highly favorable conditions... or it may be this specimen was/is
"just expanding"... get squeezed down for shipping...>
Sorry for the length. Your advice is appreciated as always.
Dustin
<Thank you for writing. Bob Fenner>
Newt... not political
Dear Sirs, I have a 10 gal. freshwater aquarium with 4 guppy, a Buenos Aires
tetra and a African toed frog; would it be possible to add a newt to the
collection?
<not likely my friend. Many reasons here. Tetras can nip their flesh... there's
not enough "land" to climb out on, and the clawed frog will get large enough to
eat it one day>
I'm thinking of making a sort of cage out of hardware cloth on the top so that i
can have the tank full of water and still have a newt. Of course I'll also have
a floating island for the newt
to go on, would this work? thanks! Elizabeth
<it would be best to have a separate dedicated tank for the newts. I suspect
they will not fare well or die prematurely in a fish and frog display. Kindly,
Anthony>
Mixing Amphibians
Can fire belly toads live with baby whites tree frogs if they are about the
same size? What about adding green tree frogs to the mixture?
<I would not mix any of these, they all have different environmental
requirements. If you want entertainment go with the fire bellies, if you want
an adorable frog that is not as active, go with the Whites Tree frog. I like
tree frogs as well, but they are really jumpy, open the lid to clean them an
BOING! all over the room. Ok, it is not that bad, but they are really fast. Do
some research on all 3 and go with the one you like best. -Gage>
Frogs
The letter below was posted by me to you. I have been trying to follow what you
told me in your response. I was able to get another 10 gallon tank as I have no
place for a larger one. I was moving the Dwarf Frogs and one jumped out of the
tank and was on the floor for about 5 - 10 minutes. I am not exactly sure. I was
so upset and put him in the tank quickly when I found him and he seemed ok. Now
he has something of a red bulge coming out of his bottom. I've never seen this
before. Will he be ok? Also. The two long skinny algae eaters passed away. I
think the other Gold fish ate the small Rosey Red. The fish have been acting so
aggressive over the last two days. The Black Moor seemed to try to bite the Frog
and the frog lunged at the Black Moor and the today I saw the Black Moor with a
mark on his side. I do not know what is going on. The long skinny Algae eater
was acting crazy so I took him out and isolated him in a fish bowl over night
and he was swimming so fast and then about 20 minutes later he was dead. I
am moving the goldfish to a colder spot and putting the Frogs and Shrimp in the
warmer area. Do you think this will be ok? Thanks, any help will be appreciated.
I am new at this. I've only ever had goldfish. but I do love these frogs.
>>Hello Yolanda; Have you tested your water for ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate? I
am new to the crew, but Sabrina gave you some good advice, so I will try to
follow up on it. The fallen frog sounds like he has some internal injuries, you
will have to wait and see how he does. He may not make it if the injuries are
severe. I agree that all the animals should be separated, move the frogs away
from the goldfish, algae eaters too, and the shrimp and Rosy reds also. This is
quite the problem! I hope you are doing frequent partial water changes to keep
all the animals in good health. -Gwen<<
Housing Newts with Other Species
In addition to adding a shrimp to our ten gallon, we intend to get another
ten gallon aquarium and move the frog (Pickles) in with two fire newts, for
which my oldest boy is saving his pennies, is this going to work ?
<Oh, wow, I have absolutely no idea.... I'll pass this along to Gage for his
input; hopefully he'll be able to help you on that one better than I can.>
Thank You
<Batter up! HI, Gage here I may have missed what type of frog you have, but I
am not sure mixing anything with newts is a great idea. I have never kept them
myself, but there are some good reasons to keep them in a species only tank. I
found the article below while searching on google, check it out, hope it helps
you in your decision. Best Regards, Gage
http://www.livingunderworld.org/amphibianArticles/article0007.htm
>
Hello there!
<Hi, Pufferpunk here>
I have a northern tree frog. I'm not quite sure how old he is, I found him in a
parking lot and brought him home. I have had him for 3 1/2 years in a 20 gallon
tank. Now I have some bullfrog tadpoles, that I am raising, and I was just
wondering if when the bull frogs get to be not tadpoles any more if I could keep
one or two in the same tank as the tree frog? Or would you recommend getting a
separate tank for each?
<Bad idea to mix bullfrogs with any other frogs, sometimes even smaller
bullfrogs. They will eat anything they can fit into their very large mouths,
even cannibalizing each other. They also need a very large tank, as they have
huge strong legs & can jump very far. They can damage themselves jumping
against the glass of a tank that is too small.>
Thank you for your help. Allison
<Good luck with your froggy friends! ~PP>
Goldfish, newts and mosquito larvae control
I was wondering if goldfish and newts can be housed together, because I have
a mosquito larvae problem? And I read that goldfish can eat the larvae.
< Sure. Fish do eat aquatic insect larva. Both goldfish and newts have similar
water requirements too.-Chuck>
Knives, Spines, Rope and Fire. OK to add Claws?
Hi, thanks for the info that you've given me so far, but I've got another
question. I've got my 130 gallon tank set-up with a 10" clown Knifefish, 12"
spiny eel, 6" fire eel, and 12" ropefish. <No guppies or swordtails for you,
huh?> I also own two African clawed frogs (about 4" long each) that are being
kept at my mothers work. I'm wondering if I would be able to put the two frogs
in the 130 gallon tank. In your opinion, do you think that the clown might
decide to take a bite out of the soft, fleshy frogs, or would he leave them
alone? Right now, the clown eats 3" long goldfish, but I'm trying to get him to
accept frozen shrimp. <A bit risky, IMO. A Knife will eat anything he can fit in
it's mouth. Even if he only tries, he may kill or injure the frog. Not a great
mix. Risk would be reduced if the Knife was off live food first and kept well
fed. The eels may even cause problems at night, but less likely.>
Also, one other question. For my 130 gallon tank, would a Classic Eheim 2215
canister filter and a Fluval 404 canister filter be enough for the tank? I'm
going to be adding more fish to the tank than I have now and prefer to have
above average filtration. If the filtration isn't enough, what's a good filter
that I could add to the other two? <Each are rated for around 100 gallons. You
should be fine as is, but those are some pretty large fish in there, and
growing. I'm a big fan of Marineland's Emperor 400 for bio filtration. Surely
wouldn't hurt to add the bio wheels to help with ammonia processing.>
Thanks for all of your help.
<One last point, which I'm sure you knew was coming. Try very hard to get the
Knife off live fish. Hard to do, I know. But unless you can QT the feeders,
sooner or later you WILL (not "may") bring Ick or some other nasty into your
system. Treating a 130 with these large fish will be a challenge to say the
least. Don>
Frogs and Bala sharks
I recently began a small semi aggressive community of fish and aquatic frogs
(2). After about 2 months, I am experiencing some problems with my tank. The
frogs are faring just fine, but I am having problems keeping a Bala shark alive.
I have gone through two now. The only other fish in the 2.5gallon tank is a
Betta fish and he seemed to get along fine with the balas. I am aware that
stress from the 2 albino African clawed frogs could have caused the shark's
demise, but I am believe it had something to do with the water quality. It has
become cloudy and foamy. I used spring water that I treated before I put
the fish in and I clean the tank monthly, using Aquasafe as a water conditioner.
Recently, the water took on a pungent, stale odor and became cloudy. I tried
cleaning the tank and the cloudiness continued. A few days later, the surface of
the water started frothing (or foaming) in front of the filter and circulating
around the tank.
My first question is: what causes this foaming and what can I do to alleviate it
before it kills another of my fish? The 2nd Bala died yesterday 2 days after the
foam started and the first one died almost immediately after purchase.
The second question is: Is it wrong to keep those three species together?
Was the stress level too high for the Bala?
My third question is: Even though these are small fish in a small tank with a
filter, do I need a larger tank or perhaps an aerator? Thank you for any
assistance you can provide.
Sincerely, Lauren
>>>Hi Lauren,
A few things. First it is generally not wise to keep herps and fish in the same
system unless it's properly designed to accommodate them. Especially in such a
small system. Second, what kind of filter do you have? When you say you clean
the tank monthly, what exactly do you mean? Do you empty it an strip it down?
Third, Bala sharks get HUGE, and are active and nervous fish. 2.5 gallons is too
small *in the extreme* for this species. Long term, 55 gallon minimum.
Without any other info, my advice would be to get a larger tank for your fish,
and leave the frogs in the 2.5. Get a good hang-on BioWheel filter or a canister
filter, and DO NOT break the tank down when you clean it. Any filter pads and
such need to rinsed in water from the tank to avoid killing the bacteria in the
filter.
Jim<<<
Albino African clawed frog
I have searched for an answer and have not found one. Can you please help? I
recently received an Albino African clawed frog. The owner's were moving and
were not taking him. Anyhow, he is in a small 10 gallon tank with a pleco. My
question is can I take him out and put him in my 75 gallon cichlid (mostly
African) tank? The smallest fish would be my Mbuna. The largest would be my
green terror. Thanks for your help.
< Your newly acquired African frog would turn into a mobile banquet block for
your cichlids. Even though your cichlids may not be able to eat it entirely they
would be able to take chunks out of its flesh and eat the limbs that eventually
would become infected. Not good for the frog. If the frog died then it would
breakdown and pollute the tank which is not good for the fish.-Chuck>
Mixing it UP in My Cauldron - Herp Question
Hi there! I was wondering if it was ok to mix Australian white tree frogs
with firebelly toads because I might get some once I get the $$. And one more
thing: one of my firebelly toads ( Jeff ) seems to like to go scuba diving
occasionally. He goes underwater in the deepest, most secluded part of the tank,
looking kind of dead ( which he isn't because he swam to the surface after a
while). he has done this three times already. Is this normal and why does he do
it?
< White tree frogs are very arboreal and are usually found at the upper levels
of the terrarium. Fire belly toads are very aquatic and usually don't do too
much climbing. If the tree frogs try and eat the toads then there could be
problems because the toads are somewhat toxic and I am not sure of the effect on
the frogs. To be safe it would probably be better to keep them separate. You
fire belly toads usually can swim all over an aquarium but they really need a
place to get out of the water.-Chuck>
Aquatic Frog compatibility
I want a aquatic frog but, will it bother my mollies and algae eater?
Love Ellie
<Your algae eater might actually bother it. Please read here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/amphibfaqs.htm
Bob Fenner>
Belly o' Fire, Toe of Newt!
Is it ok to keep [a] fire belly newt in my tropical fish tank with my fish
and frogs? Thanks.
< Fire-belly newts are mostly aquatic but do benefit from an area to get out of
water for a short time. It could be some floating plants or a turtle raft. As
long as the fish don't physically eat the newt or pick on him he should be fine.
The main problem will be getting food down to him where he can eat it. Try
earthworms or mealworms. Commercial aquatic turtle food is good too if he will
eat it.-Chuck>
Firebelly Toads 3.28.05
Alright, I'm sorry if my improper punctuation bothers you.
<I must have missed the first message, I am sure it was nothing personal, just a
lot of emails to edit and post on the website. No worries.><((((º>
Anyway, my dad thinks I should get a little fish to live in my firebelly toad's
pond. But I'm worried that the firebellies might eat the fish or poison it with
their skin toxins, and the fish food might poison the toads. Is it okay to get
such a fish? And if it is, what species would be most appropriate?
<I'd leave the fish out of this setup, in my experience firebellies will try to
eat just about anything that wiggles. I doubt eating the fish would harm the
toad but it would not be very fun for the fish. The fish and fish food will also
foul the toads water faster which means more work for you cleaning the pond.
Best Regards, Gage >
