Today some owners of aquariums are tired of standard fish, algae and snails and they want to diversify the water world, or even completely change the concept of the aquarium. For such cases, there are many exotic options, one of which is decorative aquarium frogs. These are not the huge frogs you meet in ponds and ponds. They are much smaller than their European counterparts and come from far-off Africa. Before buying a miniature frog, you must create the necessary conditions in the aquarium and become acquainted with the peculiarities of its content.
Contents of aquarium frogs
There are several rules for keeping aquarium frogs.
- Water and soil . Frogs are very fond of hiding in the ground and playing, so water can pollute faster than with fish. Buy a powerful filter or change the water frequently - this will prevent siltation and a bad smell. Do not use self-assembled soil and sand - they can be disturbed by biological equilibrium, and the water will be constantly turbid. Get a special mixture from the store.
- Plants . For the maintenance of decorative aquarium frogs choose large plants, with large leaves, thick stems and strong roots. A frog will necessarily want to dig a plant, and a powerful root system will keep it in the ground. Cryptocorynuses, echinodorus, and water-lily plants are well suited. Strengthen the stem with large stones so that the frog does not damage it during the game. Not unnecessary in the aquarium will snags and ceramic shards, as frogs need a secluded refuge.
- Neighbors on the aquarium . Frogs are quite voracious, so it's better not to add them to small fishes. Eliminate the neon, guppy and all the fry. Pick up the fish, which are guaranteed not fit into the mouth of a gluttonous frog.
- What to feed aquarium frogs . Favorite delicacy for a frog - bloodworm. In addition, they are happy to eat with a rain worm, tadpole and daphnia. Specialists do not recommend the use of a tube, as it accumulates toxins and leads to liver diseases. Eat a frog and finely chopped meat and fish.
- Protection . Aquarium with a water frog must always be covered with glass, as it can jump out and die. Glass should be equipped with a sufficient number of holes: the frog breathes, swallowing the air on the surface of the water.
Types of Aquarium Frogs
At home, as a rule, you can meet representatives of the following species of frogs: dwarfheads (Hymenochirus) and spur frogs. Frogs mainly differ in color, size and conditions of detention.
- Hymenocirculus. The smallest aquarium frog. Reaches a length of 4 cm. It is considered the most capricious among the "water" frogs. It needs atmospheric air, so you need to leave an air gap between the water and the lid. The temperature of the contents should not be below 20 degrees, otherwise the frog will begin to ache. With increased light and a temperature increase of up to 28 degrees, the aquarium frogs Hymenohurus are preparing for reproduction. Mating occurs when replacing part of the old water with a warm and fresh one. Tadpoles within a month become full-fledged frogs.
- Shportsevye frogs. They reach 15 cm in length. Boka and back are brown, but often there are pinkish-orange albino frogs. Not whimsical to the temperature and quality of water. They feed mainly on animal feed, but they can also get used to ordinary dry food. Frogs are interesting because at night they make croaking sounds, and before mating the male starts to make a sound similar to the clock ticking. Unlike the hymenhyrus, the tadpoles of the spur frogs develop within 2-3 months.
If you choose between these two species, it is better to stop at the hymenhuis. They will not eat all the fish and look prettier. Shportsevye frogs are quite aggressive and need a large aquarium. They should be kept separate from fish and shellfish.