How to Care for Green Tree Frog Tadpoles
The green tree frog is also referred to as the American tree frog. The frog is a common pet and is sold in several pet stores in the United States. Green tree frogs are easy to keep, live long and easily adjust to living in confined spaces. Watching the metamorphosis of tadpoles to frogs can be a magical experience but most people don’t know how to properly care for their tadpoles because of the limited and brief descriptions of tadpole rearing in publications.
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Instructions
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Prepare an aquarium for the tadpoles using a container which is non toxic and waterproof. The aquarium can be made of either glass or plastic and should be well ventilated and lit. Glass material is best, since plastic can be corroded by ultraviolet lights or break within a short period. The aquarium should also be covered to prevent any external harm.
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Change the water in the aquarium frequently but do not remove the feces at the bottom of the tank because tadpoles eat it. As a survival technique, tadpoles release a chemical into the water to restrict growth of other tadpoles so changing the water frequently will ensure greater chances of survival and good growth.
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Maintain a warm environment for the tadpoles. The minimum temperature during the day should be 27 degrees Celsius. Do this by putting an incandescent globe inside the aquarium or wrapping the back and sides of the aquarium with thick cardboard or sheets of polystyrene. You can also use an aquarium heater.
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Provide ultraviolet light for your tadpoles, as they tend to shelter when exposed to sunlight. Lack of ultraviolet lights can cause stunted and deformed growth in tadpoles. Mount either a fluorescent or metal halide in the aquarium to provide the UV light.
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Feed the tadpole with food items that will not excessively pollute the water. Most tadpole food is vegetation, but they also eat animal matter. Green vegetables such as frozen or lightly boiled lettuce is among the things a tadpole can eat.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow water to stand for at least 24 hours before using in the aquarium, because tap water fetched directly has a high concentration of air which the tadpoles absorb, causing them to float and lose control in their movements.
The aquarium should have coarse gravel for drainage, potting soil for the plants, plants suitable for an aquarium, course charcoal to absorb odors, a well-ventilated lid and pebbles or stones to create habitat and a plastic lid for the live food.
Cloudy water in the aquarium means it is polluted and should be changed immediately.
References
- An Amphibian Research Center Care Sheet: A Guide to Keeping Tadpoles
- An Amphibian Research Center Care Sheet: A Guide to Keeping Green Tree Frogs
- Department of Education and Children’s Services- Animal Ethics Committee: Species Fact Sheet- Green Tree Frogs
- Study Group of NSW Inc.: Collecting Raising and Releasing Tadpoles
- PK Pets: Frogs
- Frog World: Green Tree Frog
