African Dwarf Frogs

[Crocus]

Not sure if you can help but would really appreciate your advice if you
can. My 10 year old son had been asking to keep aquatic frogs so as a
reward for efforts at school and for a massive clearout of his room I
bought a new aquarium with filter, light and heater included, after
research on the net bought correctly sized stones and plants and waited
for the pet shop delivery of African Dwarf Frogs. With material found on
the net we correctly identified them and my son excitedly added his new
pets to the aquarium along with 2 largish circular shelled snails for
algae control. We bought 2 frogs on Friday and on a return visit to the
pet shop the following day bought an additional frog and a small catfish
algae eater. All 3 frogs have remained at the top of the water with the
2 original purchases swimming underwater for very short bursts, straight
down and up again on very few occasions, the 3rd frog only stayed at the
top and yesterday we found him dead in the tank which was really
upsetting. I changed 2 thirds of the water as, having only had the frogs
for 4 days don't want to freak them out by catching them again to clean
the whole tank. We have been feeding with frozen blood worms as advised
but as this really pollutes the water have done several partial water
changes and have of course, treated all water for chlorine. Having found
PETCO's definition of healthy African Dwarf frogs I am really concerned
i.e: swims actively; eats vigorously; remains in the bottom half of the
aquarium; hides often; clear eyes and smooth skin. The first 3 points do
not apply at all, we have not seen them eat, they don't move much when
the bloodworms are put in and they definitely have not spent any time in
the bottom half of the aquarium. I would like to know if their behaviour
is likely to be due to the fact that it is a new environment and what I
can do to ensure that Leap and Crocus live a full and happy life, my son
is already attached to them and I would really like to make a success of
looking after them. Any advice you can offer will be gratefully accepted
as the pet shop is new to this and the people there know very little
about them, I printed sheets so that they could identify them!

[justyn725]

Did you cycle the tank before putting in the frogs, snails, or fish? I'm thinking the frog died from the ammonia. I believe you have to cycle the tank for aquatic frogs just as you would for fish.

Here is a thread about cycling: http://www.aquaticcommunity.com/aquariumforum/showthread.php?t=5640

[angelcakes]

hello,it sounds like you needed to cycle your tank before you added and frogs or other fish,and what small catfish algae eater did you get?

All 3 frogs have remained at the top of the water with the
2 original purchases swimming underwater for very short bursts, straight
down and up again on very few occasions,
now this bit can be normal but also is there enough air in your tank circulating?
you could also be doing to many water changes as you tank has not been cycled you must built up some bacteria

we have not seen them eat,
get some freeze dried tubifex cubes (thats important)and float it around your tank just drop it in and leave this should attract them as they are at the top,now i have 4 of the larger species in albino and 3 do sit about the top of the tank in floating plants and the larger 1 does sit at the bottom of the tank,
2 questions for you, what filteration do you have and what are your heater settings?

[nwnittany]

From my experience, once the ADF starts hanging at the top (ie, just floating up there), the writing is on the wall.

I've kept a bunch of these in various conditions and to be perfectly honest, ime, it's a crap shoot. I've had one do well in terrible conditions (ie, through a recycle due to owner-error) and I've had a couple pass on in very good tank conditions (ie, good water quality, stable temp/ph, properly stocked, compatible tankmates, etc).

In talking with others, I think the introduction period can be tough on them. Ie, when first put in your tank, you might see a higher mortality rate.

I agree with Justin and Angel that you should make sure your tank is cycled (if you are not sure about this, ask and the folks here can give you a ton of information). You might also give some more tank information (ammo, nitrite, nitrate, ph levels, temperature, what type of filter, tank size, etc).

Best of luck ! Keep us informed...

[angelcakes]

its the next day and how are the frogs now????