The drain works, water stays below the separator, lights and misters are reliable, and condensation has a normal pattern.
New keeper pathway
Start slowly. Build a living system.
A calm, practical sequence for learning the parts of a planted vivarium before animals enter the picture.
How to use this page
Move through the checklist in order, taking notes about your own space, equipment, and routine. Each link opens a focused guide or working example.
The checklist
A first-tank path with room to observe.
- 01Start researching →
Choose the frogs before the equipment
Research the exact species, a responsible source, and the legal requirements before choosing a tank or shopping list.
- 02Plan the routine →
Plan the room and the routine
Choose the location and account for water, power, access, and a backup keeper before the enclosure arrives.
- 03Follow the build →
Build the hidden systems first
Plan drainage, ventilation, lighting, misting, and drain access before the visible landscape goes in.
- 04See planting →
Let the enclosure grow in
Establish plants, leaf litter, and a cleanup crew while you observe drainage, fogging, and mold.
- 05Plan feeding →
Make food dependable
Keep multiple staggered fruit-fly cultures and the supplements needed for a dependable feeding routine.
- 06Review the routine →
Add frogs only when boring is normal
Wait for predictable operation and ready supplies before the enclosure is occupied.
Before the frogs arrive
Ready means the routine works without the frogs.
More than one culture is active, the supplement label and date are checked, and clean tools are ready.
An exotic vet is identified, and a backup keeper knows the routine.
Spare essentials are ready, with a plan for heat, power, or equipment failure.