Dripping Jungle Paludarium for Community of Tiny Frogs (African Dwarf Frog Setup)

I've been getting requests to do a build for African Dwarf Frogs for years now. These adorable little frogs are pretty common and easy to care for. You just have to ensure they're well fed and in a clean, well-decorated enclosure. If given the proper environment, they'll thrive and surely bring a smile to your face. I haven't kept them in many years, but I really enjoyed them when I did.
Like any frog, they'll eat anything they can fit in their mouth. So keep that in mind if you decide to cohabitate with anything else. They're timid and not great at finding food, making them easily out competed. Taking the time to hand feed can eliminate this issue entirely and they'll learn when it's time to do so. Just make some noise and be patient. Once one comes the rest will follow. This will also greatly mitigate the risk of impaction. That said, if you use a fine substrate it shouldn't be an issue because they're pretty good about spitting out non-food items. Definitely worth noting regardless. Go easy on the bloodworms as well. They're not a great staple food and should be provided sparingly.
Also, as I said in the video I don't think they're for everyone. They take a little bit of extra care, but if you're willing to provide it, they're a very rewarding frog to keep. They're just so tiny, clumsy, and goofy! Plus they do incredible in groups and interact with each other. That said, if you hear a little "buzzing" or "chirping" sound near the tank, it's probably a male frog calling for a female. If he's feeling good, you'll hear him all the time!
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the video! Let me know what you think about these little frogs and if you do or have kept them before.
Learn More in my Blog
www.serpadesign.com/blog
Follow SerpaDesign
Instagram - / serpadesign
TikTok - / serpadesign
Second Channel - / tannerserpa
00:00 Intro
00:16 Enclosure Overview
00:40 Creating the Hardscape
04:57 Making the Drip Filter
06:34 Adding the Riparian Plants
07:26 Substrate and Aquatic Plants
08:39 Fine Tuning the Design
09:41 Adding the African Dwarf Frogs
10:37 The Clean Up Crew
10:47 Completed Paludarium
#paludarium #frog #serpadesign

[@SerpaDesign]

Finally had a chance to work with African Dwarf Frog again! Once I knew I was doing saltwater in a different tank, I decided to use the originally planned enclosure for these frogs. They’re so funny and a great addition to the lineup. Don’t you think? Anyway, I decided to upload a day early because of the holidays and everything. I hope you all enjoy the video and have a great time!

[@kaithekoi]

i'm so happy one of my favorites i've had the chance to keep. i love your builds they're so inspiring

[@kaithekoi]

the best part of these frogs is they croak, if you listen at night you'll probably hear tiny tiny squeaking

[@nicksinteresting3071]

I have African dwarf frogs and they are awesome I would get a ghost glass cat fish the two go great together have both and they are champs

[@chrisl1873]

A post on a Friday! Santa came early

[@RadioactiveNapalm]

Ngl I can’t keep them things alive. I’ve tried several times.

[@ThisismeDesign]

These frogs have huge personalities and if you really give them time to get to know you, like handfeeding them and play with them you can teach them tricks, like swimming up and down or likewise before they come and take the food or swimming through circles to get a award (use something that particular frog enjoys the most) I use my hands to form my circles). They like stimulation but can easily be stressed out by it so it's really important to look for any behavior changes. My frogs always comes to meet me at the surface but they always swim away when my husband comes along or just passes by the tank. The vibrations I make as I pass are different from my husbands and I think that's how they know who's coming from so far away.. just a little side note to how amazing these little creatures are 😄

[@vice.nor.virtue]

Ooooo what a cute tip! Damn I want a frog-tank now.

[@grousewithakeyboard]

My Whites tree frogs have gotten really tame recently.

[@alfiebrowning8123]

This isnt ur vid

[@Nyx_2142]

@@alfiebrowning8123 Lol. Shut the hell up.

[@dillonbledsoe7680]

@@alfiebrowning8123 what

[@darkmann12]

Very noticeable uptick in production quality. Love it

[@pieguy566]

@@btchpants ?

[@carlostaffanelly418]

@@btchpants why the unnecessary vitriol? His editing, shot composition, and narration have had a noticable improvement, even if they were already stellar. You don't have to be a snark in the KZbin comment section, you'll bring the energy down.

[@maxrassman4010]

Agreed it's nice to see serpa thriving

[@mimurad99]

I’ve been in the broadcasting industry for more than a decade.. Tanners style is one of the best, if not the best. We l❤ve everything you share with us. God bless you bro & happy new year in advance, brother. 👋🏼 &❤️ from Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪

[@shrawan4692]

Fr

[@MsLeenite]

They *are* cute! And they seem to be happy and healthy in their new home.

[@2fishlplayz]

Don’t it is a scam

[@MsLeenite]

@@2fishlplayz 👍 Thanks for the heads-up. Yeah, that bot is all over the place. Happy New Year, 2Fish.

[@teotlxixtli]

I once kept twelve of these little guys. It was my first planted tank and I didn’t keep any fish so they wouldn’t steal their food. They were so goofy and cute I loved keeping them

[@yutub561]

scape dojo is a pretty cool idea. cheap, simple, and saves you a bunch of headache. nice work!

[@chaseohalloran4516]

He has had it for years.

[@robertbakerii5469]

How can you not love frogs? You’re absolutely right they do steal your heart. The pallidary him looks fantastic and I can’t wait to watch it grow.

[@mentalasylumescapee6389]

obviously not prince charming...

[@sjldfilms5126]

I’ve had so many!! Im looking for a good breeder. I love hearing the males sing!! Got to be careful with rough items in the tank. ❤

[@sophieliu7100]

this is literally the calmest voice ive heard

[@Namoraslife]

As a German I always chuckle at you pronouncing Süßwassertang. Your tank looks absolutely gorgeous, it's always so nice to watch someone as passionate about their craft as you are. I'm not really into aquariums and terrariums, but your genuine passion radiating through your videos always reels me in and I am absolutely hooked. Keep on creating unique tanks and share them with the world!

[@marenjones6665]

I have a family member who collects rocks, and we've found that fish tanks are a great way to display them. Right now we have common opal and jasper as set pieces. They don't have the textures that are currently popular in aquascaping, but I love it.

[@Jyroson]

I've always wanted to put some of my rocks in some tanks too, I heard though that some can leach stuff into the water which some ppl online warned of just a forewarning that some rocks might not work

[@angiebear8727]

A great treat for them is daphnia. It’s adorable watching them hunt them down and they won’t foul your tank.❤

[@JoshUC]

I really like these setup Dwarf Frogs are amazing animals! I hope everything is going fine in the new place, regards from Costa Rica!

[@sjldfilms5126]

I have a friend in Coronado. Are you in the mountains or la playa??

[@JoshUC]

@@sjldfilms5126 I am in the mountains, but what is really magic about Costa Rica is that we are really close to all the beautiful places by bus it takes me 1 hour to reach las most beautiful playas in the world. We ticos are very warm people if you have the chance to visit us please do, you will love this please! happy holidays and a warm hug from Costa Rica!

[@sjldfilms5126]

@@JoshUC ¡feliz navidad a usted!

[@sandraragole2679]

Tank's for information. 🐸 🐸 and I'm in love 😍. They light up Mt life. Feb 2024

[@codygifford424]

I think some celestial pearl danios would look stunning in that tank!!

[@mayacalle4657]

you have inspired me so much after watching one of your videos last year i drove to my nearest aquarium store and bought everything i needed and i went from a tank with artificial plants, gravel, and decor, to a fully planted tank. Please keep up what you are doing.

[@lindahenriksen9248]

I think watching his videos did the same for me. Out went my faux plants, in came the natural plants 🎉

[@silasnauxmal5548]

Pausing the video at any moment while showing the frogs is enough dopamine to last me all week. I have taken so many screencaps for them to live in my computer now.😍

[@Southstar1211]

African Dwarf Frogs are probably my favorite aquarium creature to keep. So much personality in such a small package. It's fascinating when the males sing, such a unique sound. They're absolutely wonderful little friends!

[@TomRenton]

love that you showed your hand as a tool

[@teleegramserpa_design2943]

Congrats you won hit me up 🎉

[@mystra13]

Too cute and great build. These were my first frogs ever and still one of my all time favourites. We've had 2 sets in the past and in each pair one of them was a jumper. Luckily none ever got hurt in their daredevilish escapades.

[@greyb3659]

I currently have a 5 gallon setup with 5 live plants, 2 African Dwarf Frogs, and one Black Racer Nerite Snail. Someday, I'd love to upgrade the tank size, but it's not practical for me right now. This is amazing inspiration for me! Also, I love seeing you work with African Dwarf Frogs ❤ they have so much personality!

[@Todomo]

ah these frogs are extremely entertaining to me, they always look so goofy even when they’re just standing there

[@ScumQueen]

What a beautiful build I absolutely love it

[@danielleb.7055]

I'm loving these cuties and their beautiful enclosure/ tank. Have a great day

[@watcher02571]

Crypts are an underutilized and hardy plant… great to see them in such a cool setup

[@lakeshiamills1454]

I haven't kept these in over 20 years as well. I've been considering it for the last few years you've inspired me to keep them again!

[@patriciacrumrine5890]

It’s good to finally see animal enclosure builds. I imagine it’s going to feel great for you when all the animals are settled again.

[@tacticoolbeats7193]

you have inspired me to create terrariums, house animals and make my own buisness. im only 13 and these videos really help me choose my career path. im going to persue botany just ike you!.

[@darklordojeda]

This quickly became one of my favorites of your builds, they're all amazing, these frogs just stole my heart though. They're super cute and the scape is beautiful. So glad to see more videos as of late. Thank you for sharing your gift to us.

[@malquezare]

Beautiful. Thanks to share your technique

[@blixtbritt1563]

I love african dwarf frogs! I had them a couple of years ago and I would love to have some again. They have so much personality! 😍

[@littlewigglemonster7691]

Clay/glass dishes work well for a food bowl for the frogs :)

[@jeannierichards522]

You are so creative n caring for the animals !! You’re great. Love love your videos

[@primalrage9785]

You should do a video with hermit crabs. Would love to see it!!

[@kaithekoi]

it's a lovely idea, but i think tanner would have to make sure people are aware 99% are wild caught. to buy captive bred hermits you have to order them online and they go for around $50 plus shipping. i have rescue crabbies and i love them so dearly, but i wish they didn't exist in the pet trade honestly, they get so mistreated and they have a long life.

[@jic1]

He put hermit crabs in his saltwater tank in the last video.

[@grimlockgodqueen6389]

@@kaithekoi Thank you so much. You are the only person here I saw that is aware that these exotic animals are wild caught and not meant to be held as pets.

[@primalrage9785]

I'm sure if tanner did a hermit crab enclosure he would make people aware, but if he did do a video on it he could raise awareness about how to properlly keep hermit crabs.

[@jic1]

@@grimlockgodqueen6389 Everything in the hobby was originally gathered from the wild before people worked out how to breed them in captivity. In fact, that applies to every pet period.

[@sams7708]

Magnets for the aqua soil?! Who would have thought, that is a HUGE tip! Thank you!

[@daturaa.a]

I love seeing how you utilize different things to make building more convenient, I’m so happy for you

[@ESF19791111]

I ENJOY THE LOOK OF THE JUNGLE-PALUDARIUM :) THANK YOU FOR SHARING :) THANK YOU FROM ISRAEL :)

[@mdxoutdoors5462]

This was my first aquatic animal I had ever owned. He or she lived for 2 years until she jumped out of the tank. Don’t know how for 2 years he had never done it. But still one of my favorite aquarium animals!

[@sandraragole2679]

😘 my 🐸 today, and now it's TIME TO PLAY... 2/14❤

[@lulib6372]

The little frogs are adorable, frogs and toads are slowly becoming one of my favourite creatures.

[@cambuxton6835]

I love African dwarf frogs. They are the coolest frogs ever. They LOVE to eat small pieces of earthworms for a little treat once in a long while. They also need ReptoMini pellets for calcium. That is really important to remember with these awesome little frogs.

[@glassyGREEN_]

It's unbelievable that you can provide us with such beautiful builds and content even though you're still in the stress of moving. Happy holidays 😊

[@davidmckay7050]

As someone who has kept these little guys..I would seriously recommend a lid. These guys are escape artists. And also smaller tanks are better because they have to swim to the top of the water often and bigger tanks make it harder.

[@parmerapps69]

I missed your classic "Yo, what's up Serpasquad?" but this paludarium was quality nevertheless! The scape looks like a slice right out of an African river basin. . . well done. By the way, you've gotta give us all a tour of the new animal room soon! Can't wait to see what you've done with the place! 🙃

[@janinebean4276]

The enclosure is gorgeous, and I love those little guys! They’re so cute! ❤

[@seanbrabston4832]

I wont lie, you have been such an inspiration in my enclosure building experience. I started by repairing a glass tank, then built a 4x2x2 for my bunnies, amd now I'm almost finished finishing a beautiful 4x4x2 I'm using as my Red Tail Boas forever home. Dont stop what your doing man. Keep it up!

[@nathanclarke6694]

That magnet hack is a super useful tip!

[@opengreen6022]

This has to be one of my absolute favorite builds yet it looks stunning

[@mokko759]

Always thought these little froggins were adorable but never acquired some myself. I'm more of a fire belly toad fan. Serpa definitely inspired me to have a go at making a paludarium for my toads and while it is not a perfect recreation of what I had planned, I'm still happy that my little fire bellies are happy.

[@jamess4056]

I have always been inspired by your channel Tanner! About 4 months ago I set up a group of 3 African dwarf frogs in a 120 litre planted tank. Beautiful by my standards but nothing on this. Seeing you go all out for animals that cost almost nothing is inspiring. Keep up the good work!

[@ImperialKneazle]

Lovely tank, the frogs are gorgeous - not a sentence I ever thought I'd write, but they you are - thank you for showcasing them so well. 🙂

[@veronica5896]

They are CUTE! Epic scape as always, I'm looking forward to see it grow and mature. And the cuties of course!

[@Stephen-jw8ci]

i’ve never had luck keeping these guys but that was back when i was new to fishkeeping and only offered the pellet food. but seeing this makes me really want to give them a try again in my newly scaped and planted 56 gallon corner tank. amazing work as usual

[@gardeninginthedesert]

They're adorable! Beautiful sca or, I love the open space to get a good view.

[@alexanderrock1417]

Love this scape! I have been looking for a video like this about dwarf frogs 🐸

[@SandraNelson063]

Frogs are for joy. 🐸

[@Enzo-tu5dl]

Awesome build I really enjoyed it. An idea for a future video. It would be really cool if you built a discus and cardinal tetra blackwater tank! Hope you take it into consideration awesome job!

[@nagi3900]

I've had a pair of ADF's for a few months now and I adore them!! They're such bizarre little dudes! This video gave me some ideas for when I'm able to upgrade them, amazing build as always!

[@piteusx8440]

Tanner takes really good care of his animals. Incredible set ups.

[@lilitharam44]

The little frogs are sweet. I've had a few through the years, and they do sing! They have a lot of personality for something so little. Great job! Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year to you and yours!

[@onebilliontacos3405]

As an adf lover it’s so cool to see you scape a tank for some adfs! That’s not a commen sight seeing these fellas on anything other then colored gravel.

[@GabbyPlaysGames02]

I was surprised to see you use trumpet snails here. Most people try to avoid them entirely. But I’ve found that if you can keep their population in check (I just remove most of the babies), they’re actually pretty entertaining little guys. I’ve got the more rare of the two subspecies, so they look a little different, but they love digging around in the sand and climbing all around to explore. They’re fairly active for snails I’d say, and they’re kind of cute in a way. They absolutely ARE opportunistic creatures though. I found that out when they ended up eating my sister’s Betta once it got too sick to swim away. But luckily they don’t try and do that otherwise, they’re perfectly fine eating whatever little crumbs are left.

[@little76boo1]

Another awesome scape! Beautiful 😍

[@mtngypsy111]

Love em! They're so cute 😍 and as always a beautiful piece of art for them to live in

[@ggoannas]

Fantastic! I love these frogs and have never seen them in such a great setup.

[@josiemorris615]

This one is absolutely stunning

[@tamrynmanzonijohnson6755]

Wow, i love all the enclosures you make. keep up the good work

[@theawecat27]

the frogs are adorable!! looks like they'll be very happy in their new tank

[@kasieleow3165]

Love your setup I think it's worth it when you did it! They all look so happy

[@hooktraining3966]

Easily among the best starter frogs and a lot of fun to keep!

[@keith4805]

Thank you, one of your best craft I watched and really enjoyed. 😊

[@EricOnYouTube]

Oh come on, they have to be some of my favorites from what you've shown. :)

[@GlitzyWitch]

Love the little frogs, your setup is genius 👌

[@GalileoRamosSkeletons]

This paludarium is really beautiful! I love the creations you make.

[@pmlm1571]

Really lovely setup, and nice frogs!

[@minh3640]

all the tanks are amazing

[@emikaneeran4490]

The timing for this video was impeccable! I recently was given an African dwarf frog from my friend who could no longer care for it. I was searching everywhere for a video similar to this, and am so excited to start my own project. If this isn't a sign, I don't know what is!

[@morneschaap2944]

Beautiful setup, I can imagine spending hours in front of it. Love the frogs!

[@garrickanderson5204]

This makes me so happy! I love my little ADFs, possibly my favorite animal in my fish room!

[@Ragadollite]

Man you really outdid yourself with this one, the composition is beautiful!

[@ebenoid6643]

Cool thanks dude. We just got 2 birds but im welcome to throw in some frogs but was worried my tanks may not work out for them. Anyone using expanding foam be careful. The adhesive they use will have to “wear off” if you get it on your skin. I had to use sandpaper to scrub it off band that didnt even work. Knowing that assures me how powerful that foam is without the expanding.😂

[@feralon9570]

I hear mine chirp every evening.. It's a fun sound.

[@jackphillips2874]

I love the height of this tank !

[@aaronbecker5617]

Love it! I love dwarf frogs! 🐸

[@Paul_Jonathan]

You alway do such a wonderful job. You make it look easy. Some people just have a green thumb and you are definitely one of those people. Great video and content.

[@WildflowersCreations]

These frogs are amazing to keep as pets. They do very much love to hide though, and they will dig. We have a large piece of driftwood and they have made a home underneath it by digging under it. It is now their favorite hiding place. I do recommend getting more then one, when they breed they make some amazing noises in the evening.

[@WildWyomingProductions]

I may be the only one, but I think some Gray Bichir would look really good in this paludarium. They would really compliment the scenery

[@kampfgeist7703]

I've always wanted one for these little frogs. They are so cool!

[@tigerboy243]

This reminds me of when I had my dwarf frog, great set up and I love to see the frogs!

[@ReginaRegenbogn]

While I'm not too much into frogs and toads, I quite like these. And the build came together well, too!

[@metrobooks2845]

Fantastic video. Thank you.

[@LooneyPort]

ADF are so derpy, I absolutely love mine!

[@BULLFITE]

such a gorgeous home for these lovely animals!! when i worked at a big box pet store, i came to resent the little guys - not through any fault of their own, but because getting customers to understand their needs and take care of them properly without them thinking i was just upselling them on a bigger tank or better filters was always such an uphill battle. your setups are like a breath of fresh air for me, this one especially! i just know theyre going to love having all that space, and especially having a little land area to climb onto! ours were always escaping 🤣hopefully these guys will be less adventurous. have you ever considered freshwater clams or mussels in any of your builds? i know they can be tricky to get ahold of and you might be limited by your location, as i know theyre banned in some states due to their invasive nature. i think they're really underrated as far as inverts that can aerate the substrate and clear the water column go though - ive got a handful of small asian clams in my 29 gallon crayfish tank, and they're probably some of my favorite animals i've ever owned just because of how cool it is to watch them shuffle and dig around. it's a shame they aren't more popular!

[@theslybacon]

Feel like I'm starting to see Serpa in my feed regularly again! Hope the new space is serving you well brother, can't wait to see what's to come!!

[@BigShrimpin416]

I loved the filter mod! Great idea! I always learn cool tricks from your videos. Awesome build as usual! ❤

[@xiolv]

Loved the setup. Thank you só much!

[@teleegramserpa_design5402]

Serpa_Design

[@Tacos437]

My absolute favourite stuff far! Divine!

[@bessejager2886]

No better way to start the year then a new set up!!!

[@apricotjuice5891]

its relaxing to see a good ol clasic video again

[@genehasenbuhler2594]

I bought what was supposed to be an African Dwarf Frog back in the 90's! Turned out to be an African Three Clawed Frog! It grew to over 11 inches in length and ate everything in my tank!