How to set up a Dart Frog Grow Out Bins or Temporary Enclosure

The benefits of temporary dart frog grow out bins

When it comes to raising dart frogs, especially young or newly acquired ones, creating the right environment is key to their health and development. Temporary dart frog grow out bins or enclosures are an invaluable tool for hobbyists looking to monitor their frogs closely before they move into their permanent vivariums.

These simple setups allow you to focus on the frogs’ well-being without the complexity of elaborate backgrounds and hardscapes. In this article, I’ll walk you through the benefits of using temporary bins, share my preferred setup process, and explain how these bins provide an ideal space for growing out young frogs or managing new arrivals. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hobbyist, understanding the importance of these temporary setups is essential for keeping your dart frogs thriving.

Selecting the right bin or tub for your temporary vivarium

Temporary grow out bins are a great option for rearing younger frogs which have just morphed out. In my experience, clear plastic bins or tubs are preferable for your temporary vivarium. The plastic holds humidity well, is lightweight, and easy to work with.

Any decently sized bin or tub can work in a pinch, however, I prefer using IP67 waterproof tubs with a seal to prevent fruit fly escapes. It is important to note, if you use these sealed bins you MUST add ventilation. I have used several different types of waterproof bins, recently I have favored the IRIS 44 quart bins from costco, you are able to buy 4 for $50. Target and Home Depot also have great options as well and Home Depot will price match any brick and mortar establishment. The bins I use are roughly 16×20 in and 11in tall. I would say this is ideal for younger frogs or temporary housing for a couple of frogs.

Water resistant bins from Costco are what I use for temporary vivariums for my frogs

Ventilation and misting for your your dart frog grow out bin

The major con with setting up a temporary bin is usually hand misting. Some hobbyists combat this by hooking up misting nozzles to their temporary enclosures. I usually hand mist and monitor the water level in the false bottom.

Misting your bins every day is usually not required once it has some water in the drainage area. Personally, I mist around once every few days. Keeping fast growing plants such as philodendron verrucosum, episcia cupreata, aluminum plant, or begonias helps maintain a consistent humidity while providing frogs with cover. To learn more about propagating plants for your vivarium and temporary enclosures for your dart frogs check out this article.

For ventilation I have done basic vents but cutting holes in the plastic bins and using silicone or hot glueing fiberglass window screen or stainless-steel mesh. I typically prefer stainless steel 40 mesh as it doesn’t impair air flow and has small enough holes that melanogaster fruit flies cannot escape. This is the stainless-steel mesh I use for all my vents: https://amzn.to/41mtluE.

Although these days I use my 3d-printer and print out frames for my vents. The files are publicly available here if you want to take a shot at making them here is the 3d model.

These vents are exactly 70mm and I easily drill a hole using my 70mm bit which I got off amazon: https://amzn.to/3ECmlkm

Here I used a 70mm hole saw, a 3d printed vent, and stainless steel mesh to create ventilation for my dart frog grow out bin.

Lighting for your temporary vivarium

I used to not use any lighting for my bins and settled for low-light plants, however, recently I moved all my grow out bins to a bakers rack and added barrina LED T5s. These lights are inexpensive easy to daisy chain and effective at growing plants. almost all of my vivariums have these T5 LEDs as their primary light source and many other hobbyists have had great success with these lights. https://amzn.to/4aZNERD

How to set up a dart frog grow out bin or temporary enclosure

The substrate is probably the most important part of these grow out bins. In the past, I have used ABG mix with great success. However, I have converted all my grow out bins to use filter foam.

Filter foam is an excellent alternative for several key reasons. First of all, its relatively affordable and easy to obtain. I usually purchase it in bulk on Aliexpress or Amazon if I need it quick. Filter foam is also easy to sterilize which is especially important when you are quarantining new frogs or sick frogs. Finally, filter foam can serve as both the substrate and the false bottom, reducing weight and complexity of these set ups.

Aside from adding filter foam I also add a thick layer of magnolia or oak leaves, and either horticultural charcoal or clay substrate. The charcoal or clay serve as a refuge for springtails and isopods while the clay also offers some additional calcium to younger frogs.

For the microfauna I typically stick with hardy species of isopods such as dwarf whites and dwarf purples as well as springtails. As with all my vivariums, I often reseed springtails to ensure there is an active population for froglets to eat.

In this dart frog grow out bin, I used filter foam magnolia leaves and calcium bearing clay substrate.

Why use temporary grow out bins for your dart frogs?

Temporary grow-out bins are an essential tool for dart frog hobbyists, offering a simple and effective way to monitor and care for newly acquired or young frogs. These bin allow for close observation of frogs’ health, activity, and feeding habits. Setting up a temporary bin with a suitable substrate, like filter foam, and adding hardy plants and microfauna helps maintain humidity and provides the frogs with the necessary cover and nutrients. Proper ventilation and lighting, such as LED T5s, further support a healthy environment for growing frogs. Whether for quarantine or raising newly morphed frogs, these bins offer a practical and affordable solution that ensures the health and well-being of your dart frogs before they move to their permanent vivariums.