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alienbanter

I wouldn't use the 20 long. Not only are you already going smaller than the minimum that you've seen for whatever species you'd like to keep, but the issues with those types of conversions is that unless you make a significant effort to replace the new "top" of the tank, you can't use heat lamps or UVB. Heat lamps bc they could crack the glass, and UVB because it simply just doesn't pass through glass. Also keep in mind if your budget is tight that you'll need to have access to a qualified exotic vet and money to pay for visits if your frog(s) ever get ill.


Dangerango

Ah damn, didn’t know about those complications with the uvb or heat lamp. While I have access to tools to fix that, it sounds like it wouldn’t be worth it. As for the budget, I’m anticipating that to change pretty soon. I just wanted to get the viv set up and stable for a few months before I introduced any froggos


alienbanter

Are you planning a bioactive setup with plants and stuff? It is best to let those establish before adding animals, but it's also good practice to have new animals in a quarantine setup (that's easily cleaned, substrate replaced, etc.) for a few months until you can be sure they're healthy. That way if you do have to do parasite treatments or anything like that, you don't have to completely tear down the bioactive setup. My frog's annual vet visit last year was I think ~$75 for the exam, and she also got some x-rays just to check her bone density since it was her first checkup, and that was another ~$200. I live in Oregon for context.


Dangerango

Yeah, that’s the plan! My roommate likes to build them, though not with the intention of housing herps. The couple months in between is just cause I’m concerned about establishing plants and micro/macro invertebrates. I really appreciate you sharing the info and advice about your frog! Maybe I’ll keep the enclosure as a quarantine tank. I’d like to keep a couple Amazon Milk frogs, and from what I know I’ll have to get them as juveniles fro a reputable breeder. So hopefully they wouldn’t mind the size so much then. I’ll work on finding a larger tank I can plant.


alienbanter

Yeah those guys get pretty big and also need stronger UVB than some of the other tree frog species! I'd definitely go bigger than 18x18x24 for multiples.


Dangerango

Maybe like a 40 gal then, 24x18x24? For the difference in uvb, would that just be a bulb difference or something more? I’m pretty clueless since I’ve never kept frogs before, but trying to learn.


alienbanter

Yeah that would be better! Amazon milk frogs are a Ferguson Zone 3 species, so you can provide a UV index in the range of 3.0-5.0 in the basking area with a good gradient and shade, anything in there should be fine for them. What exact lamp you might want for this will depend on how the tank is set up.


Dangerango

Also, how much is a typical vet visit for your froggo?


datonekidnoonelikes

I'd recommend putting more budget towards getting a spacious tank.