Dwarf frog care

so, this is my first time using fish lore. Idk if anyone will see this, but I need help with my new dwarf frogs. I'm a complete newbie so I've never had a real aquarium before, so far everything's somewhat okay with my water quality. I got my frogs about 3 days ago, I have a 10 gallon tank with 2 dwarf frogs (getting one more soon) Obviously before getting the frogs I did lots of research on starting my tank. I was having trouble with my water quality because no matter how many water changes I did with multiple kinds of water AND water conditioner/stress zyme added; the nitrites were still high. Like in the stress range, not dangerously high. I guess it's due to the water quality here in florida but I can't seem to get rid of it. The nitrite range was low enough for me to get the frogs(according to the store). They have been fine, very active and eating. Except for one of them. He seems very stressed out and keeps swimming up and down the corners of my tank, especially where the filter is. He dislikes the current but decides to go there anyway. He really seems bothered by soemthing, it could be the nitrite level. If it was though, I'm pretty sure my other one would be acting strange as well, but he's always calm and acts normal. The unhappy one is extra agitated today. and I haven't seen him eat since I got him. Any advice?? I also did another water test today and everything was fine except the nitrite still being slightly high as well as 0 nitrates. I do not have any fish, just the 2 frogs. The temperature is at a constant 76°. I have gravel substrate and only artificial plants.

 

You're going to want to learn the nitrogen cycle. The really simplified version is fish (or frog) waste creates ammonia, which turns to nitrites, which then turns to nitrates. It does this when beneficial bacteria builds up in a filter. Things like left over food will also create ammonia. In tanks with gravel substrates you're going to likely want to vacuum the gravel as it's very easy for waste to fall between them and get stuck.

You're also going to want to specifically look into fish-in cycling seeing as you already have your frogs.

 

You're going to want to learn the nitrogen cycle. The really simplified version is fish (or frog) waste creates ammonia, which turns to nitrites, which then turns to nitrates. It does this when beneficial bacteria builds up in a filter. Things like left over food will also create ammonia. In tanks with gravel substrates you're going to likely want to vacuum the gravel as it's very easy for waste to fall between them and get stuck.

You're also going to want to specifically look into fish-in cycling seeing as you already have your frogs.

thank you!

 

Hi welcome to FishLore!

Skip the stress Zyme. Imo and experience it doesn't do anything.
You can try Tetra Safestart
Q & A With Tetra about Tetra SafeStart | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 58116

Or do daily water changes and every other day and use a water conditioner like Prime that detoxifies ammonia (not removes)

Cycling a tank with out a proven bacterial additive can take 6-8 weeks.

African dwarf frogs are sensitive to water conditions. Their skin is porous so toxins are absorbed and can quickly effect their organs or enter the blood stream.

They normally don't like a lot of current. You might want to think about switchig to a sponge filter.

Do you know what the exact readings are for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

This sticky should help with their care while ou re getting the water under control.
Care Sheet For African Dwarf Frogs | Amphibian Forum | 36417

Good luck!

 

Hi welcome to FishLore!

Skip the stress Zyme. Imo and experience it doesn't do anything.
You can try Tetra Safestart
Q & A With Tetra about Tetra SafeStart | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 58116

Or do daily water changes and every other day and use a water conditioner like Prime that detoxifies ammonia (not removes)

Cycling a tank with out a proven bacterial additive can take 6-8 weeks.

African dwarf frogs are sensitive to water conditions. Their skin is porous so toxins are absorbed and can quickly effect their organs or enter the blood stream.

They normally don't like a lot of current. You might want to think about switchig to a sponge filter.

Do you know what the exact readings are for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate?

This sticky should help with their care while ou re getting the water under control.
Care Sheet For African Dwarf Frogs | Amphibian Forum | 36417

Good luck!

currently I don't have exact readings, my filter is at its lowest setting so it's really not that strong at all. My main concern right now actually is their behavior.. one of them is not only agitated but also has been showing signs of chytrid fungus ): and my other has started to act the same way. The symptom that's most apparent is the "floating" at the surface for long periods of time. and frantically trying to "swim out" of the tank. I don't know what to do.

 

Don't panic about chytrid just yet! Those systems could also mean they are feeling the effects of an uncycled tank.
We need to rule that out.

If you haven't done a water change today, it might be a good idea to do one.
Can you get a test kit or get the water tested tomorrow?

Make sure everything in the tank specially made for aquariums. I almost poisoned my frogs by using a glazed dish.

 

Don't panic about chytrid just yet! Those systems could also mean they are feeling the effects of an uncycled tank.
We need to rule that out.

If you haven't done a water change today, it might be a good idea to do one.
Can you get a test kit or get the water tested tomorrow?

Make sure everything in the tank specially made for aquariums. I almost poisoned my frogs by using a glazed dish.

yes, everything in my aquarium is 100% for aquariums. I can do a water test tomorrow and I'm about to do a water change now. When I do the change should I treat the water first? (with stress coat, not zyme). I'm using purified water gallons from the store since my houses tap water is unsafe. I also don't have a test kit so I'm getting them done at my local pet smart, that's why I don't know the readings lol. I'll ask them

 

Stress Coat is fine normally. I'd suggest something that detoxifies ammonia when cycling with life stock if you can.

Ask the store to write down the readings or ammonia, nitrite and nitrite.
You'll want to take water before any water change tomorrow to get a more accurate reading.
Post them an we can go from there.

Strongly suggest getting a test kit as well. Liquid is more accurate than strips.

What kind of filter are you using?

 

Stress Coat is fine normally. I'd suggest something that detoxifies ammonia when cycling with life stock if you can.

Ask the store to write down the readings or ammonia, nitrite and nitrite.
You'll want to take water before any water change tomorrow to get a more accurate reading.
Post them an we can go from there.

Strongly suggest getting a test kit as well. Liquid is more accurate than strips.

What kind of filter are you using?

I wouldn't worry bout ammonia, they said my ammonia was fine and the only thing that stood out was nitrites. But I'll definitely keep checking and I ordered a test kit that's coming this saturday ^^ together with cleaning supplies!

Stress Coat is fine normally. I'd suggest something that detoxifies ammonia when cycling with life stock if you can.

Ask the store to write down the readings or ammonia, nitrite and nitrite.
You'll want to take water before any water change tomorrow to get a more accurate reading.
Post them an we can go from there.

Strongly suggest getting a test kit as well. Liquid is more accurate than strips.

What kind of filter are you using?

Stress Coat is fine normally. I'd suggest something that detoxifies ammonia when cycling with life stock if you can.

Ask the store to write down the readings or ammonia, nitrite and nitrite.
You'll want to take water before any water change tomorrow to get a more accurate reading.
Post them an we can go from there.

Strongly suggest getting a test kit as well. Liquid is more accurate than strips.

What kind of filter are you using?

as for the filter,, unfortunately all I know is that it's a small sponge filter with strength settings and is meant for 10 gallons

I lost the box somewhere in the house but I can still find out in the store