Glass Tree Frog Care

Glass tree frogs are named such, due to their semitransparent skin, mainly on their belly, which allows for the viewing of some of their internal organs. There are over 100 different species of the glass tree frog. Type of species will determine just how much of the organs you will be able to see. On some species, you will also be able to see their bones.

Glass tree frogs are not only Nocturnal and arboreal, they are also riparian, meaning they live near streams. It is important to put a great deal of planning and care into setting up their captive environment, so for this reason, I would not recommend this frog to a beginning frog keeper.

Housing Your Glass Tree Frog

If you want to keep your Glass Tree Frog happy and healthy, you should try to simulate their natural habitat as closely as possible, as shown in the following video:

The size enclosure you choose should be based on how many frogs you intend to have. You should allow 4 gallons of space per frog as their average size ranges from 1 - 3 inches. This will give the frogs plenty of space without being on top of each other. The height of the enclosure should be one and half times the width and depth of the tank. A 12 x 12 x 18 would do fine for 1 -2 frogs and an 18 x 18 x 24 would do well for 3 - 4. Whatever tank you decide to use, be sure it has a screen top. Proper ventilation is extremely import for glass tree frogs.

In the wild, glass tree frogs live near running streams, though they are not semi-aquatic frogs, they do spend a small amount of time just sitting in the water enjoying the moving current. To simulate their natural environment, you will need to have a pump, filter or waterfall in order to simulate a running stream. Limit the stream to 1/3 of the bottom space.

2/3's of the bottom space will need to be land area. This can be achieved in several different ways. In my opinion, the best way to do this, is to install a divider between the water and land, using plexi-glass and aquarium sealant. This will make it much easier on you when it comes to maintenance. Another way would be to use large rocks to divide the land and water, with some type of drainage layer under the substrate on the land side.

Substrate

For substrate, I would recommend using plain old dirt or garden soil, that can be purchased at any home supply store. Be sure to buy organic, fertilizer and pesticide free soil. In order to help keep humidity levels up, cover the soil with moss. I suggest a pillow moss. If you choose to use sphagnum moss, be sure to smash it down flat. Glass tree frogs hunt by pouncing on their pray. Though they are incredibly accurate, you do not want to risk them getting the moss caught in their mouth along with their food.

Humidity

Glass tree frogs are native to tropical area,s therefore require high humidity in their captive environments. Humidity levels should be kept in the range of 70 - 80%. Having a running stream in the enclosure will contribute to the humidity levels but will not be enough to maintain the proper range. In order to keep the humidity levels up, you will need to mist the enclosure a couple times per day.

Lighting

In order to maintain a healthy ecosystem, you will need to provide day/night cycle for your glass tree frogs. 12 hours on and 12 hours off is a good place to start. Depending on whether or not you choose to have live plants in the enclosure, will determine what type of bulb you will need to use. Be careful not to use a bulb that will overheat the enclosure. Glass tree frogs do not require any special heating. They are fine at room temperature, provided the temperature in your house remains in the mid 70's.

Furnishings

Due to their arboreal nature, glass tree frogs require plenty of branches, vines and plants to climb on. Whether you choose live or fake plants, be sure and provide broad leaf plants. Glass tree frogs like to sit on the leaves and spy out their prey from above. You will also need to include some foliage on the ground level as well. This will provide your frog with some security. A small cork round works well for a hide as well.

Diet

Glass tree frogs, despite their size, have very large appetites. When they are babies and juveniles, they will need to be fed fruit flies, a lot of fruit flies. As they grow, they can be fed size appropriate crickets. Size appropriate meaning, no larger than the space between their eyes.

In Conclusion

Glass tree frogs are very fascinating creatures but, do not expect to see much of them. They are very shy and typically only come out when all the lights are out. You might get lucky every now and then and see them come out at dawn to start hunting but, if they see you, they will quickly find a safe place to hide.