The Bognook Amphibian Care Cheat-Sheet
Bognookhonest amphibian care · bognook.comAmphibian Care Cheat-Sheet
Axolotl
- Tank
- 20 gal long (1 adult), +10/extra
- Temp
- 16–18°C / 60–64°F — cold water, no heater
- Water
- Fully cycled, ammonia 0, dechlorinated
- Floor
- Bare or fine sand (never gravel = impaction)
- Food
- Earthworms (staple), soft pellets
- Never
- Warm water · gravel · handling
Tree Frogs
- Tank
- Tall/arboreal viv, branches + plants
- Temp
- ~75–82°F day, cooler at night
- Humidity
- 50–70% (White’s) · 70–90% (red-eyed)
- Food
- Gut-loaded, calcium-dusted crickets
- Beginner
- White’s tree frog. Red-eyed = advanced
- Never
- Dry air · dirty water dish · rough handling
Poison Dart Frogs
- Tank
- Bioactive planted viv (18×18×18 in+)
- Temp
- 72–80°F (above ~85°F is dangerous)
- Humidity
- 80–100%, misted daily
- Food
- Flightless fruit flies + springtails
- Good news
- Captive-bred darts are NOT toxic
- Never
- Wild-caught · low humidity · heat
Toads
- Tank
- Terrestrial, deep moist substrate to burrow
- Temp
- Room temp, species-dependent (~65–75°F)
- Humidity
- Moist substrate + shallow water dish
- Food
- Crickets, worms, dusted with calcium
- Note
- Hardy & long-lived; secrete mild toxins
- Never
- Handle then touch your face/eyes
Newts & Salamanders
- Type
- Aquatic, semi-aquatic or terrestrial — check species
- Temp
- Cool: ~60–68°F. They hate heat
- Water
- Cycled + dechlorinated (aquatic species)
- Food
- Worms, bloodworms, appropriate live prey
- Note
- Fire-belly newts secrete toxins — wash hands
- Never
- Warm tanks · frequent handling
🌿 Golden rules (all amphibians)
- Cycle the tank BEFORE the animal (ammonia = 0).
- Always dechlorinate tap water.
- Cool beats warm — most amphibians are cool/cold species.
- Look, don’t handle — their skin absorbs oils & soaps.
- Buy captive-bred, never wild-caught. Quarantine new arrivals.
- Never release a pet into the wild (it spreads disease).
- A real setup costs more than the animal — budget for it.
- When in doubt, ask — no shame in learning. 💚
