Keeping frogs as pets can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Their jewel-toned skins, bugle calls, and animated movements make them endlessly fascinating to observe. If you’re considering getting a pet frog but are limited on space, a 10 gallon tank may work well for certain species.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Smaller species of tree frogs like green tree frogs and gray tree frogs as well as African dwarf frogs and Pacific chorus frogs can comfortably live their entire lives in a properly setup 10 gallon tank.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about setting up a 10 gallon vivarium habitat for small pet frogs, including:
Ideal 10 Gallon Frog Species
Green Tree Frogs
The green tree frog is a great choice for a 10 gallon tank. These small frogs only grow to about 2-3 inches in length, making them a perfect fit. They come in a bright green color and have toe pads that allow them to climb branches and plants in their enclosure.
Some key things to know about green tree frogs:
- Native to Australia and New Guinea
- Nocturnal – most active at night
- Insectivores – enjoy live insects like crickets and flies
- Require a taller tank with plenty of climbing areas
- Need a heating lamp and UVB lighting
- Medium humidity level around 50-60%
The minimum recommended size for a green tree frog is a 10 gallon tank. This gives them adequate space to climb and hunt for insects. Be sure to add branches, live plants, and hides to recreate their natural habitat.
Gray Tree Frogs
Like their green relatives, gray tree frogs are also good tenants for a 10 gallon vivarium. These cute frogs grow to about 1.5-2 inches in length. They have the ability to camouflage and change colors from green to gray based on their environment.
Gray tree frogs are native to much of the eastern United States and Canada.
Some important care guidelines for gray tree frogs:
- Require high humidity around 70-80%
- Prefer temperatures between 65-75° F
- Insectivores – enjoy crickets, moths, spiders
- Excellent jumpers and climbers
- Nocturnal habits
- Medium lighting requirements
Be sure to include plenty of plants, branches, and hides for climbing and hiding in a gray tree frog habitat.
African Dwarf Frogs
If you want a completely aquatic frog species, look no further than the African dwarf frog. These tiny amphibians reach just over an inch in length. They make great tank companions among plant and fish tanks.
Here’s what you need to know about their care:
- 100% aquatic – require water with no dry land areas
- Prefer water around 74-82° F
- Peaceful community fish tank dwellers
- Cannot compete well for food – require targeted feeding
- Calm and docile nature
- Live plants help supplement their diet
A single African dwarf frog or trio would work nicely in a 10 gallon habitat. Be sure to use a gentle filtration system and include hiding spots among plants and decor.
Pacific Chorus Frogs
Finally, the Pacific chorus frog deserves a spot on the list. These tiny amphibians only grow to about 1.5 inches long. They come in a variety of colors like greens, browns, and grays. Native to the west coast of North America, these frogs are adaptable to captivity.
Let’s overview their care needs:
- Terrestrial setup with both wet and dry areas
- Short lifespan around 3 years
- Insectivores – enjoys small crickets and worms
- Prefers cooler temperatures from 65-72° F
- Allow soft lighting from fluorescent or LED bulbs
- Peaceful behaviors
Be sure to include hides, plants, a small water area, substrate, and climbing areas to meet the needs of chorus frogs in a 10 gallon tank.
10 Gallon Vivarium Setup
Tank Size
A standard 10 gallon tank is adequate for one or two small species of frogs, such as dwarf frogs or tree frogs. The extra space allows for ample territory and proper temperature gradients. Make sure the tank is tall enough for adequate foliage and decor (at least 12 inches).
Exo Terra and Zoo Med make excellent glass vivariums for frogs.
Substrate
Good substrates for a 10 gallon frog vivarium include loose coconut fiber, sphagnum moss, orchid bark, or a mix. Provide 2 to 4 inches of substrate. These materials retain some moisture while allowing excess to drain to prevent the tank from getting waterlogged. Top with dried leaves as décor.
Plants and Decor
Include natural branches, vines, and sturdy live plants like Philodendron, Pothos, or Monstera to provide visual barriers and climbing enrichments. Plants help maintain humidity and water quality. Artificial plants can also be used, but may be less durable.
Wash all decor thoroughly before placing in the vivarium. Create slopes, levels, and hides with rocks, wood, and substrates.
Lighting
Choose an LED reptile growth lighting strip that spans at least 2/3rds tank length. Provide 12 hours of sunlight and 12 hours of darkness daily. Use plant grow LEDs to supplement tropical plantings. Avoid lights that emit lots of heat, as it will dry out the sensitive amphibian environment faster.
Place lights above mesh screen covers.
Heating
Room temperature between 68-78°F is adequate for most smaller frogs like tree frogs and reed frogs. Monitor temperature with an indoor thermometer placed inside the tank. Local heat sources or heating mats can be added to one side of the tank to provide a temperature gradient if needed, allowing frogs to find their optimal temperature zone.
Humidity and Ventilation
Frogs require relatively high humidity between 50-90% depending on species. Monitor humidity with a hygrometer. Tree frogs like it drier while rainforest frogs need up to 90% humidity. Mist tank daily or use an automatic mister. Place water sources like bowls or pools around the tank.
Allow some ventilation for airflow but keep tank mostly enclosed to retain humidity. Glass covers should have small gaps for ventilation.
10 Gallon Frog Care
Feeding Your Frogs
Proper nutrition is essential for keeping frogs healthy in a 10 gallon tank. Most small frogs do well on a varied diet of small crickets, mealworms, waxworms and fruit flies. Only feed as much as your frog will eat in one sitting, as uneaten food will foul the water.
Use vitamin and calcium supplements on feeder insects to ensure your frog gets adequate nutrients. Vary the diet and feed no more than every 2-3 days for adults. Remove uneaten food within several hours.
Tank Maintenance
Perform partial water changes of 25-50% weekly or biweekly to keep the tank clean. Use a siphon to remove waste from the bottom without disrupting your frog’s environment. Check water parameters like pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates and adjust as needed for species requirements.
Wipe down tank walls to remove algae buildup. Completely empty and disinfect the tank every 3-4 months.
Handling Your Frogs
Frogs have sensitive skin so handle them gently with wet hands. Do not overhandle as this can stress the frogs. Scoop or cup them gently rather than grasping. Limit handling to tank maintenance and occasional interaction. Wash hands before and after handling.
Acclimate frogs slowly to any environmental changes.
Signs of Healthy Frogs
Healthy frogs are active, have clear eyes, strong limbs, and smooth moist skin. They have good appetites and normal waste. Watch for singing, croaking, swimming actively and terrestrial movement as signs yours are thriving. Males may exhibit breeding behavior like croaking.
Note normal sleeping habits to distinguish from lethargy.
Signs of Illness and What to Do
Lethargy, loss of appetite, bloating and abnormal bowel movements may indicate illness. Skin abnormalities like redness, swelling, ulcerations and abscesses need veterinary care. Floating, tremors or seizures also warrant medical attention. Isolate sick frogs and contact an exotic vet.
Improper environment like dirty water, incorrect pH or temperature extremes can cause health issues. Quarantine new frogs before introducing them to your tank.
Conclusion
With the proper tank setup and species selection, a 10 gallon tank can make an ideal home for certain small pet frog species. Be sure to thoroughly research the needs of any frog before bringing them home, and invest time into crafting an enclosure that caters to their natural behaviors and welfare.
With good husbandry practices, small frogs can thrive in captivity and provide years of enjoyment as pets.
