• Minimum adult tank: ~24×12×15" (≈20 gal long); bigger is better (e.g., 36×18 footprint/“40 breeder”) for dilution, stability, and enrichment.

• Layout: Mostly water with a sloped beach/large rock or dock for full haul-out; strong lid (they jump).

• Filtration: External/internal filter with GENTLE flow (baffle if needed). Dechlorinate water (handles chlorine & chloramine).

• Plants & cover: Floating plants (real or artificial) and submersible hides (PVC, clay pots) to reduce stress.

• Absolutely NO tankmates (they bite and will eat smaller animals).

• Photoperiod: ~12 h light / 12 h dark.

• UVB: Not strictly required but low-level UVB is beneficial in amphibians when provided safely; create shade and cover so the frog can avoid light.

• Target: a very low UVI gradient (~0.5–1.0 at the water surface) if you provide UVB; verify with a Solarmeter 6.5.

• Use cool-running LED for general light; avoid hot basking lamps over the water.

• Water temperature: ~77–82°F (25–28°C); cooler water suppresses feeding/health.

• Air over the tank can run room temp if water is in range; avoid high heat sources.

• Chemistry: Amphibians are VERY sensitive — keep NH3/NH4+ = 0 ppm, NO2− = 0 ppm, and keep NO3− as low as practical (<~20–40 ppm; lower is better).

• pH: neutral to slightly alkaline is fine (≈7.0–8.0); stability > “chasing numbers”.

• Testing: In new or newly cycled setups, test frequently; partial changes weekly/biweekly to maintain parameters.

• Substrate: Bare-bottom is easiest/safest. If used, very fine sand only; avoid gravel/pebbles (impaction risk).

• Hides: Weighted PVC elbows, clay pots, stacked flat stones (stable), and dense floating cover.

• Access: Provide broad, stable haul-out (they’re poor climbers) and ensure no entrapment points.

Staples

• Earthworms/nightcrawlers (top staple), roaches, appropriately-sized crickets, the occasional BSFL/silkworms; high-quality amphibian pellets can be part of the rotation.

• Avoid mammalian prey (pinkies) and fatty fish; do not feed wild-caught prey.

Schedule (general)

• Juveniles: feed small meals ~5–6×/week.

• Adults: feed moderate meals ~2–3×/week; watch body condition—obesity is common.

Supplementation

• Gut-load insects 24–48 h and dust with Ca + vitamins (vit A & D3 per product) at a conservative cadence; earthworms are naturally Ca-balanced.

• Tong-feed to control portions; remove leftovers promptly.

• Minimize handling; they will inflate, screech, and bite defensively.

• If necessary: use wet, powder-free vinyl/nitrile gloves and support the body; brief, low-stress handling only.

• Solitary species—do not cohab (aggression/cannibalism risk).

DAILY: Spot-remove waste/uneaten food; confirm temp; top-off with dechlorinated water.

WEEKLY: Test NH3/NH4+, NO2−, NO3−, pH; perform partial water change (10–20% or as testing dictates); rinse mechanical media in tank water.

MONTHLY/QUARTERLY: Service filter thoroughly (preserve bio-media); deep-clean décor; verify heater/thermostat operation.

Watch for: Lethargy, refusal to feed, buoyancy issues, reddened skin/“red-leg” signs, skin sloughing abnormalities, bloat/dropsy, ocular swelling, mouth lesions.

Immediate checks: Verify water temp, NH3/NH4+, NO2−, NO3− and pH; correct diet/supplement routine; reduce stress/handling.

Vet help: Seek an experienced amphibian vet (ARAV-type exotics) for systemic signs or trauma; amphibians decline rapidly with poor water quality.

• Public health: Amphibians can carry Salmonella — wash hands after contact with the frog or water; keep out of kitchens; supervise children/high-risk people.

• Wildlife ethics: Never release pets; confirm local/state rules for non-native amphibians.

□ Long, low aquarium (≥ 24×12×15"; bigger preferred) with tight-fitting lid

□ Submersible heater (guarded) + reliable thermometer(s)

□ Gentle filter (baffled outlet) sized for your water volume

□ Water conditioner that treats chlorine & chloramine

□ Liquid test kit (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, pH)

□ Large, stable haul-out (dock/rock) + floating cover plants

□ PVC/clay hides (weighted), smooth décor (no pinch points)

□ Quality amphibian pellets; earthworms; feeder insect supplies

□ Calcium + multivitamin powders; insect gut-load diet

□ Dedicated buckets/siphon; towels; reptile/amphib-safe disinfectant