What sand can I use for my ACF?

Hello!

I don't know anything about using sand as substrate. I have an ACF, and I really need to get the gravel out of his tank ASAP. I'll either do bare-bottom or sand. If I do sand, what types are acceptable with their sensitive skin?

Thanks!

 

Personally, I thinks it's always safest to keep frogs in a bare-bottomed aquarium, but if sand is used, there are a few things to consider. The frogs will inevitably ingest some particles of sand while eating, so the sand should be smooth, so that it passes easily through the frog's delicate digestive tract. For this reason, sands, like Eco-complete or coral-based sands are not a good choice. Another thing to consider is the sand's ingredients. As, Soltarianknight wisely pointed out recently, in a thread about using hermit frog sand with ADFs, sands that contain carbonates (i.e. calcium and magnesium carbonate), could bind together in clumps when ingested, causing digestive blockages and fatal bloating.
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If a bare-bottom aquarium is used, there are a few things which can be done to make it more aesthetically pleasing. Placing a dark piece of cloth, such as a towel, under the aquarium makes it look more natural, and it also helps the frogs to visually determine the water's depth. Or, similarly, a piece of aquarium background can be affixed to the aquarium's underside. Plants which do not require substrate, such as anubias, can be placed on the bottom to create a more natural appearance as well. I like to use artificial plants in my frog's tanks, simply because I find they are easier to keep clean. Not only do the plants help cover the bare bottom, but they also give the frogs a place to hide and play. - frogbreeder

 

Thanks a lot Frogbreeder! Great info!

 

Hermit frog sand?

 

Ooops, Akari, I meant to type "hermit crab," not "hermit frog." I must have frogs on the brain.

 

I knew that's what you meant, I was just giving you a hard time ;D

 

I noticed my frog had some bulges in his body 2 days ago. I figured he probably swallowed some gravel. That is why I decided NOW was the time to change his substrate. So, last night I took out the gravel. I went bare-bottom (Thanks Frogbreeder!) with just a few large river rocks and his decor. I also lowered the water level because he was seemingly having trouble swimming to the surface for air since he had so much added weight. Well, yesterday I started praying that these rocks would pass through him. This morning I saw him swimming and I thought he looked like his normal self and swimming faster\easier than the night before. So, I got my flashlight and checked the tank. Sure enough, 7+ rocks on the bottom of the aquarium. Thank God!!!

 

Thank goodness, he was able to pass the pieces of gravel. In many cases, they are too large to pass, and the condition proves fatal. Often, the owner has no idea why their frog became bloated and died. Or, sometimes, larger pieces of gravel become lodged in the frog's mouth and prevent them from eating altogether - very horrifying to see and very difficult to extract without injuring the frog. Hopefully, the gravel has not damaged his digestive tract and your frog will be alright. Only time will tell, but it might be wise to either fast him for a day or two, or, at least, feed him foods that are very soft and easy to digest, such as beefheart or very small pieces of talapia fish, etc. Actually, talapia would be an ideal food at the moment, because it is a little oily and would help him to pass any pieces of gravel that still remain. I'd probably hold off on feeding him any bloodworms or aquatic frog pellets (unless they are pre-moistened and very mushy) for a few days, just in case, as these can cause irritation. If you do decide to try using sand substrate (personally I'd just go with a bare-bottom instead), it would be best to wait a couple weeks before adding the sand to give him time to heal.

It's sad that so many pet stores mislead people by telling them that aquatic frogs can be housed in an aquarium suitable for fish. Really, aquatic frogs should be sold in the amphibian and reptile section, where they would get the individualized care they require. I can't tell you how many times I've seen ADFs and ACFs housed in aquariums which contain gravel substrate. I'm so glad you were able to identify and remedy the problem quickly. I'll keep my flippers crossed for your little guy. Hopefully, he'll be just fine. - frogbreeder

 

Thank you so much for the help!

Would frozen bloodworms be a good food to feed?

I plan on going just bare-bottom.

 

My frogs go nuts for frozen BWs. Makes my male feisty, too

 

Under normal circumstances, bloodworms would be fine (although personally I'm not a huge fan of them, especially for ADFs, because of certain risks involved; but, HikarI frozen bloodworms should be alright, because they are sterilized and bio-encapsulated. At least, I've never had any issues with feeding my frogs Hikari, only store-brand bloodworms). No doubt, both ADFs and ACFs go nuts for them, as AkarI says. Aquatic frogs sure do love bloodworms. For the next few days, however, I think it would be best to either fast your frog, or feed him things that are very soft and easy to digest, just to be on the safe side. I'm concerned that the pieces of ingested gravel might have caused some internal irritation/damage, even though your frog was able to pass them. As I mentioned, oily foods might help, especially if there are still some pieces of gravel left to pass. Perhaps, I'm being overly cautious, but I think it would be best to give your frog's digestive system a few more days to heal. Certainly, the fact that he is swimming easier and acting more himself is a very good sign, and hopefully indicates he will be just fine. I wish I had enough room to breed ACFs, but they would require more aquarium space than I could provide at the moment. Nonetheless, I'm tempted to get a few ACFs, just to keep as pets. They are just so cool! - frogbreeder

 

I have the HikarI biopure or what ever they are, and they get a much better response than any other brand I have fed, from the frogs and the fish.

 

Yes, I agree. HikarI are so much better than the other brands.

 

I used to use San Fransisco Bay, but pulling out all the green and black worms was too much work lol

 

Yes, I too have found that SFB brand does have a lot of bad worms and yukky stuff mixed in. I've even found the occasional large, flying insect in the package. Eeeeew! The FSB bloodworms are thicker and larger, and the frogs definitely don't like them nearly as much as HikarI bloodworms.

 

Sorry, I was away. Thank you all for the great responses! Thanks again Frogbreeder!!

 

You're welcome fbn. Always glad we can help. I hope your little fellow is doing alright. Please keep us posted. - frogbreeder

 

He is doing great! He is calling for a mate pretty much every night. I wish I could get him one, but he is in an unfiltered ten gallon.

 

I agree, ten gallons would probably be a little too small for two ACFs, but I'm sure he'll be just fine by himself for now. They get used to being alone, if that's all they've known. Perhaps, someday you'll be able to get him a larger habitat and a girlfriend, or two. No doubt, he'd like that. Their social behaviours are extremely amusing, when frogs are kept in groups. My "ADF reject tank" contains about twenty frogs and I love to watch they way they interact with each other. They are hilarious. Although ADFs aren't particularly territorial, I've noticed that certain frogs do prefer to hang out together, while others don't get along very well, and, of course, they all have their favourite resting/hiding places. Life would be boring without frogs. They are such amazing, little creatures! I'm glad yours is doing well. All the best. - frogbreeder