Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Bioactive Dart Frog Vivarium
As a passionate dart frog keeper with over a dozen tanks in my home, I've refined this process to create thriving habitats that mimic the rainforest. This guide is for fellow hobbyists looking to set up a safe, natural enclosure. It takes 1–2 hours a day over about 3 days, plus 4–8 weeks for grow-out. Let's get started!
Choosing the Right Vivarium Size
Arboreal types like Ranitomeya (e.g., imitator Varadero or vanzolinii) prefer taller enclosures. Ground‑dwellers like Phyllobates terribilis do well in wider tanks. Dendrobates tinctorius thrive in a mix—my Robertus stay mostly on the ground, but Azureus often climb higher.
I use a variety: 18×18×24" Exo Terra for smaller groups, up to 36×18×36" for larger or breeding setups. Aim for at least ~10 gallons per frog, but bigger is better for natural behaviors.
| Species Type | Recommended Dimensions | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Arboreal (e.g., Ranitomeya) | Tall: 18×18×24" or taller | More vertical space for branches |
| Ground‑Dweller (e.g., Terribilis) | Wide: 36×18×18" | Focus on floor area |
| Mixed (e.g., Tinctorius) | Balanced: 24×18×24" | Climbing and ground options |
Check our species page for behaviors and availability.
Materials You'll Need
- Exo Terra or similar glass vivarium
- Aquarium‑safe black silicone
- Cork bark and branches
- Great Stuff spray foam (pond & stone)
- Supports (e.g., Rubbermaid lids)
- LECA, plastic screen, ABG mix
- Live plants, springtails, isopods
- Mister system (MistKing or similar), oak leaves
Estimated cost: \$150–\$300.
Step‑by‑Step Build
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Apply Silicone & Arrange Cork/Branches:
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Apply Spray Foam: Foam behind cork/around branches to secure. Use supports while it expands. Cure ~24 hours.
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Add Background Texture: Pick the cured foam for texture, then apply black silicone mixed with ABG dirt and ground cork.
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Clean and Upright: Blow out/vacuum debris, then stand the tank upright.
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Drainage & Substrate: 1–2" LECA + screen + 2–3" ABG mix.
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Plant the Vivarium: Add tropical plants for cover and humidity.
- Introduce Cleanup Crew: Seed springtails and isopods.
- Install Misters: Drill top screen; aim nozzles backward.
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Leaf Litter & Grow‑Out: Spread ~1" oak leaves, then let the tank mature for 4–8 weeks.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over‑foaming: keep space open.
- Poor humidity: test misters.
- Rushing: let the tank mature fully.
Questions? Reach out or browse available species.