:INFO
Bioactive Dart Frog Vivarium
A bioactive vivarium mimics a rainforest floor ecosystem. Live plants, a drainage layer, and a microfauna cleanup crew (isopods and springtails) maintain water quality and reduce maintenance. Dart frogs thrive in this environment.


:COUNTER.half
18 x 18 x 24 inches
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80 Percent

:PATH
Build the Drainage Layer
Description: Add 5 to 8cm of hydroballs or lava rock at the bottom for a water reservoir. Separate it from substrate with a mesh screen or foam layer. This prevents root rot and acts as a water buffer.

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Plant the Vivarium
Description: Use a bioactive substrate mix of orchid bark, coconut fiber, and sphagnum moss. Plant bromeliads, pothos, ficus pumila, and mosses. Establish plants for four to six weeks before adding frogs.

:PATH
Introduce the Frogs
Description: Source captive-bred dart frogs only. Quarantine new animals for 30 days. Introduce frogs after plants are established and microfauna (springtails and isopods) are well-populated.

:CHECKLIST
Vivarium Build Checklist
[ ] Seal all glass seams with aquarium-safe silicone
[ ] Add drainage layer and separation screen
[ ] Mix and add bioactive substrate to 10cm depth
[ ] Plant and mist; allow four to six week grow-in period
[ ] Seed with springtails and isopods before adding frogs
[ ] Install misting system or mist manually twice daily

:NOTE
Never use wild-caught dart frogs. Captive-bred animals are healthier, legal in most regions, and do not carry the wild toxins produced by a diet of wild ants and mites.


:LINK
https://www.dartfrogforum.com
Dart Frog Forum: vivarium design, species care, and sourcing advice