Welcome, and thanks for visiting. This page is intended to share information on keeping African Clawed Frogs as pets. These animals are truly amazing and fun creatures. Unfortunately most petstores that sell them and product lines such as Aqua Babies and Grow-A-Frog DO NOT provide their customers with the CORRECT information a new owner needs to know on how to care for and house aquatic frogs properly. All information in this site is intended to show how these frogs SHOULD be kept so that they will grow and thrive and become very much loved members of your family's household. I will share with you some of my experiences in keeping these frogs as well as things I have learned from other African Clawed Frog owners.
These frogs need as much commitment from their owner as a cat or dog would need. PLEASE keep in mind that these frogs are a long term commitment. They have been known to live 20+ years!!!!
BASIC CARE:
These frogs are completely aquatic so they need no land, just water. They need 7-10 gallons of water per frog. They grow a decent size. Normally males grow a bit smaller than females. Females average 5" or more svl. (snout vent length). So they need plenty of room to swim and stretch out. Otherwise they could have stunted growth, bone deformities, or even death.
Basic fishkeeping rules apply to keeping these frogs happy and healthy. Always treat your tap water with an appropriate water conditioner. I recommend using Stress Coat. You can choose to also use aquarium salts but they are not necessary, that's usually a personal preference.
These frogs like cool water. Tempature should be right around 70 degrees. No colder than 68 degrees and no warmer than 75 degrees.
KoiZyme is a necessity to prevent septicemia aka RedLeg. This is a deadly disease caused by naturally occuring bacteria in the aqaurium. It is easily prevented with weekly drops of KoiZyme These frogs do like places to hide so hiding spaces appropriate for their size will help them feel protected. They tend to tear up most live plants so either silk aquarium plant or live anubias are best. You can even use cuttings from Philodendron or Pothos plants. Just be sure no pesticides have been used as these frogs absorb everything through the skin. Sharp plastic things could cut their delicate skin so thick plastic plants should not be used.
Substrate can be river rocks, marbles, decorative aquarium gems, sand or none at all. Barebottom is easiest to clean since these frogs are quite messy, but I prefer river rock, marbles and gems in mine. Gravel is not a good idea for them as they can injest it which could choke them to death, or impact them intestinally.
FILTRATION IS VERY IMPORTANT! A Whisper filter is best because it has less water disturbance than other filters. Overfiltering is key to keeping the water quality healthy for them too.
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