How to setup a Red Eye Tree Frog BioActive Vivarium. Self-cleaning, self-maintaining

In this video the Dude discusses how to setup a BioDude Red Eye Tree Frog BioActive terrarium kit. In this video I briefly discuss their basic husbandry with how to assemble your Terra Flora Bioactive Terrarium kit. With these BioDude kits your terrariums become self-cleaning, self-maintaining and provide better husbandry and enrichment for your herps! Subscribe, follow the Dude on facebook and check out www.thebiodude.com
Note: We upgraded the HydroGrow - It is no longer white and a different type of drainage layer. You can find the info here:
www.thebiodude.com/collection...
www.thebiodude.com/products/r...
- Website: www.theBioDude.com
- Facebook: / thatbiodude
- KZbin: / @thebiodudejoshhalter
- Instagram: TheBioDude
- TikTok: TheBioDude
Location: The Bio Dude Inc Houston
15116 Highway 3 Bldg 4
Webster, TX 77598
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

[@christinac5116]

Thanks, this video was very helpful for my red eyed tree frog vivarium setup assignment :)

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tojern]

The dude abides!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

INDEED👍

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

I gotta say your setups are thee best and the plus plus is that they are bioactive!!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you!

[@jacobmitchell6808]

I love living in New Zealand ALL THE FREE SPHAGNUM MOSS

[@mariahpowers40]

It grows in northern Wisconsin too :)

[@liddyweed7616]

Such a great video wish I know I could have done a bioactive terrarium for my crested gecko a long time ago but from now of with reptiles I’m going to do this kinda makes more since in my eyes to just spend the money and all this expensive stuff instead of having to clean what every week and a half and not have really plants

[@tlh434]

Can you give us more close ups??

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Future videos, yes!

[@awomanwonderful]

Nice!

[@michellepage5519]

You are so good at setting up your tanks and getting all your supplies , can I have some tips

[@uomorana71]

06:05 i've never ever seen a real dinosaurs

[@reptiles4u210]

Could you do a facility tour I would love to see everything you have even in if took an hour!!!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Soon ;)

[@utsuriman]

Very good video Than ks for this. > question please: to avoid bacterial skin diseases / fungus on RETF's> is it Best to spot clean leaves of live plants ? seems my leaves turn color & wilt after doin that. Also, i spray glass & helps wash off poo. some gets on glass. I then towel it oiff. EOD Thanks again

[@brandonbruss8022]

I gotta say the work you do is amazing, really are an inspiration to reptile and amphibian keeping

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you so much!!!

[@dipstick27]

I love how you guys get to use New Zealand sphagnum moss in your set ups. but we can't use any of your guy's soil mixes over here in NZ :(

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That is crazy!

[@huntergodfrey2255]

Can I just use the fogger which I already have or do I need the mister for red eye tree frogs?

[@randompixels7901]

Notice that cat just hanging out at 3:33

[@SeaWitchinSeattle]

Fuck yeah, this is a great resource. I am going to be all over your website.

[@duncanfkippen7027]

Hi Josh. Thank you for sharing your video of how to set up a tank for red eyed tree frogs. I'm going to buy a terrarium tomorrow and I've written down everything I need it for it. You are a genius and a great help. I was just wondering! Can the frogs breed in this setup because there is only a small bowl for water. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks. Duncan from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@cognitivedischarge9178]

Love your videos. Was wondering if we could get one about a bioactive newt paludarium?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I would love to do a newt video. They are very hard to find down here in TX so once I have the ability to find some I will do it for sure!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Awesome suggestion! More videos will be coming soon.

[@logicvsreason]

Hey Josh, can you post a video about how to clean your vivariums? Also where do you get your tanks from?

[@imperialdrone6261]

You don't clean them. They are bioactive so that cleans themselves.

[@uomorana71]

you 'll clean only the glass with water and sometimes some feces on the higher leaves

[@fatnakedjimmyneutron]

They clean themselves. I have many different bioactive setups and usually what I do is replace the leaf litter, take some water and clean the walls (distilled water), clean waste off of areas where the isopods and springtails may not reach, and replace plants if they are dying or if wood is rotting (which happens every few years, for me I've only had a piece of wood rot once but it lasted me 11 years!)

[@_Kawaii-Princess]

*Explains how springtails and isopods have been around since the dinosaurs,* -> *Then proceeds to shake them into the Vivarium.* XD

[@lolisuducer4728]

Where did u get the springtails and isopods

[@brendynmolnar7360]

Question I know I’m late but does everything in this video come in the kit??

[@shivarroopnarain_]

Can I use peat moss substrate?

[@nataliew2815]

Do the Isopods and springtails over populate????

[@lamblamb6596]

Just got my frog a week ago. He has a big 18 x 18 x 24 tank with all the stuff from the video in it. He won’t eat anything I give or leave in the tank! Should I force feed him?? Also does that light you have generate heat? My tanks watt is max 29 and I put 40s in there is it safe to leave in while I’m at work all day??

[@ibayiish8148]

Does the kit include all the flooring needed?

[@tiltedwrld8566]

how much was all of this plus the frogs and where is it from

[@michellepage5519]

It is so cute how this guy has 3 red eyed tree frogs.

[@christianvalenzuela1964]

I want to get one already made

[@dyanaterranova609]

do you need to put a draining layer

[@gradydavis1610]

Great video but I'm curious as to what you would recommend for a red eye setup. In another of your videos you have an aquatic setup with several inches of water at the bottom. I'm looking at the Exo-Terra tree frog enclosure (18 x 18 x 24) and could go either way. I may have missed it, but do you have a video on setting up an aquatic vivarium? Thanks

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

hey there the water is for the "ground water" and drainage layer, you can always do this - kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGqQaImMjdufhc0

[@ainsley6071]

Someone I met like a week ago just sent this to me with no context I don’t even have a frog 😭

[@mtk8748]

Ive just started looking into raising pets. How do you clean their feces? It does not look like they will be readily visible inside the tank with all the foliage and stuff. Do you just empty out the tank and clean it once every few months?

[@beatrizluna9203]

will the cork mold

[@minnieg4mer54]

Instead of terra flora, could I use coco fibre?

[@michellepage5519]

Josh, how much are 2 or 3 red eyed tree frogs?

[@gentlemanviking9389]

I wish I could get your product in canada!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hopefully one day!!! :)

[@beastly_brisket_man6249]

Great. First it was fish keeping now it’s this. I can’t decide if I want to build a new fish tank or start this. I’m in trouble hahaha.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Why not both? :D

[@anthonynguyen4088]

The answer? A paludarium with red eyed tree frogs and fish!

[@theprelovedpixie1255]

Do you ship to the uk?

[@lucasgosz5789]

Hey! This video was very helpful but I was wondering if you can use clay pebbles as drainage or is the stuff you used better or worse than that?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You can utilize clay balls for your drainage. We offer 2 types on our website that are beneficial for your set ups. We have our original HydroGrow along with our V2 Hydrogrow! You can take a look on our website as a reference.

[@ryckykay5626]

Please tell me you’ll get more of your kits in at some point and they aren’t completely discontinued or something. I’ve wanted to keep one of these frogs since I was a child. Lol now as grad student working remotely it would absolutely be the best thing to zone out staring at. I did sign up to be notified if more become available just wondering if that’s ever going to be a thing or I’m 4 yrs too late

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there! most of the kits even if sold out online we can get one together and have it shipped, go ahead and send the customer care team an email so we can get a quote going! [e-mail]

[@theprelovedpixie1255]

Do you ship to the UK?

[@chombevasquez4951]

Where should I buy a red eyed tree frog ,online?

[@Skochel]

what would you recommend as far as a thermometer that measures humidity/temp?

[@5kulld]

the exo terra hydro/thermometer

[@bri-kz2nx]

will you guys be restocking these anytime soon?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there, the kit or the froggies?

[@kingliabus8324]

Hey josh, I will be upgrading my red eyes into a 36 x 18 x 36 exo terra. Do you recommend doing a paludarium or Vivarium? I may be interested in breeding them in the future (so obviously I need water in the bottom) but I am worried about the upkeep of having water at the bottom. Do you have to cycle the water in a bioactive enclosure or can I just leave it?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Liam. If you want to breed, the only way is a paludarium or mamma won't lay the eggs. Sometimes you will need a water change, but if it's a well established water area (8 months+) a low flow filtration system will do the trick as beneficial microbes will start to colonize in the water. Remember, sitting water causes stagnation = bad bacteria. Ensure that you have a filtration system that keep the water moving. Tetra Fauna has some great ones.

[@JoseGonzalez-fp1mc]

do your think the Zilla Tropical Vertical kit is a good tank to use

[@mariahpowers40]

Buy a drainage layer I use that kit for my Crested gecko but soon moving my tree frogs into it the only thing I actually needed was a drainage layer

[@allencummings2448]

i have a question about lighting for these little guys as well as the plant life..what are you using? is the top of the tank screen or glass? im doing a 10 gallon vertical conversion tank. what would be the best lighting for this applicant?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Good morning, Allen. I am using my 8" Tincman Herps BioDude LED. My LEDs emit at least 6,500 Kelvin and 1950 Lumens for your live plants. The top is completely screen, but you need to monitor the humidity and temps to be sure you do not need a small piece of acyrlic or glass to cover some of it.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thank you!

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Good morning Dark Wolf05, for these guys, in my opinion no. Their entire life is spent maneuvering their bodies through sandy dirt. For a kenyan I have never had any issues and I have worked with them for a long time. However, it is still important to watch your snake when they do eat and to overall do wellness checks with your herps to make sure they are healthy : )

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Patrick, Thank you very much for the kind words. I recommend 12 hours on, 12 hours off. Replicate the natural cycle of the sun. Feel free to leave a star review on my website under the product. That really helps with my SEO and overall sales. Thank you for the business!

[@naoisedixon4807]

could i buy this pack in ireland? :)

[@kellynorman3930]

You mentioned the resurrection fern log.... Do you still carry these on your site?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Not anymore. We had issues with scaling them and storing them to have a good product. Lots of defects and DOAs so I decided to no longer carry them. We want to ensure everyone is setup for complete success.

[@destortoise]

very nice! i would recommend doing some ever so light editing and get some cool video shots of the animals you are featuring here.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Aaron, thank you. What video editing software do you recommend? I am still learning : )

[@destortoise]

i mean you could get away with the simplest jump cuts and stuff so iMovie on a budget or Final Cut Pro if you have some $$$. you could also try sony vegas

[@misscasualty]

Bioactive litter box for the cats? 😅

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

If only....Danielle and her damn cats.

[@Monstah_JayD]

Are hydroballs okay to use for drainage layer in this type of setup?

[@uomorana71]

yes

[@brandonwells5236]

Question: With your plants do I still have to quarantine them?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

We do recommend taking the proper cleaning precautions such as: de-dirting them and rinsing the root base under water completely. This helps takes the extra step to ensure nothing transfers into your current enclosure.

[@JoseGonzalez-fp1mc]

how and how much do I feed a red eye treefrog

[@thedroneradventures8374]

Can you use antruium in a veriarium with red eye tree frog. I know the plant is poisonous but is it toxic to these frogs

[@ajcanady5061]

Would this also work for America green tree frogs?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hey there, Here is the Dudes Video for Green Trees! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5XOmGOEnN-Gj5I

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

Thee big question here is,how do you clean the glass with cleaning solutions if the setup is bioactive????Or do you just use hot water for cleaning the sides of glass that the tree frogs hangout on????

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I use RO water and spray the front. I then take an exacto knife blade and scrape off any residuals. Respray then wipe. 100% clean glass that does not leave nasty residuals.

[@veesentdaysendz8113]

Thanks!!!

[@matthewsurabian3410]

Does the red eyed tree frog kit come with the micro organisms?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Matthew. The kits do not come with the bugs, but they all come with The BioShot which does what the bugs do and consists of other microorganisms such as beneficial bacteria and fungi. The bugs have to be shipped separately overnight, and we are currently not shipping them due to the high temperatures.

[@iyytog7050]

Im the 130 like :)

[@enjoywildlife9074]

Do you have any tips for breeding these guys?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Nope.

[@qjbaker]

Could Terra Firma (as a drainage layer) and Reptisoil (as a secondary layer and Leaf litter as a (top layer) be used for RETF?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I would not recommend that. Use the Flora with a drainage layer. I would stay away from ReptiSoil. It stagnates fast and the "charcoal" (which is just carbon for fish filters) loses its efficacy in the first two weeks or so - Its just a mixture of coco and sand.

[@qjbaker]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter Thank you for taking the time to reply to my questions. Great online feed.

[@itzstrain9676]

One question what do I feed them

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Crickets, soft bodied insects that are not larger than the space between their eyes.

[@gunshow085664]

What are the dimensions of your breeder tank in this video?

[@TheGamingAnimal22]

Hello I may be getting a 18-18-24 tank that has a front facing door would it be fine ?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That would be great for a Red Eye Tree Frog!

[@TheGamingAnimal22]

Hello just one more question I'm getting a plant pack as well and I was wondering how often you recommend I mist or if you know of a good cheap mist system that I can use that won't waterlog the Viv?

[@Arie_Idaho_Reef]

Can I build a dart frog vivarium with a screen top, using the terra flora?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

As long as you are able to provide them the proper humidity they require, yes. Just watch those lids...They rust!

[@Arie_Idaho_Reef]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter I ended up tearing out the screen from the frame and replaced it with glass and aquarium safe silicone

[@benpendleton2010]

Which kit size are you setting up

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi benpendleton2010 this is a 12x12x18 for a baby Red Eye.

[@lenny8911]

what are other plants safe for red eyed tree frogs

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Almost any thick tropical plant will do great with them.

[@FozPlayz]

What size tank is that? I have an exo Terra 12x12x18, would it be good for 2 tree frogs?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

It depends. Maybe some smaller reed frogs, but most TF need more space.

[@FozPlayz]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter I think I'll do just one for now and upgrade it later, your videos are amazing and you replying to my comment is awesome!

[@noahgilliam9696]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter do you think i could make a 55 gal tank work? is it not tall enough? thanks!

[@peytonmorrison]

If I use a 20 gallon tank like vertical how many watts should my light buldbs be and how light bulbs do I need. I know your using a light from your website but that's not what I want to k ow I want to know how many watts how many lights and what kind of lights if you know any good website that can help thanks I would appreciate it if you helped me out a bit! I mean I'm assuming you'll answer cause you answered to a lot of people. One last thing I know a lot of people are asking about the lights and watts could you even make a video on that?

[@peytonmorrison]

Would an exo terra light be ok like the one we're you just tap the top and it turns on

[@parrotfishguy]

Peyton Morrison He won't respond to me either:(

[@parrotfishguy]

And im also wondering the same questions

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Sorry guys I try to get to everyone.. Close to 100+ comments daily. Anyway, do you mean the heating, uvb or plant lights?

[@parrotfishguy]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter , I'm wondering about all 3

[@lenny8911]

What species can you mix red eye tree frogs with

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi BFcubes. I generally don't recommend cohabbing, but if you want to go that route I would go with a specie of similar size, geographical locality, and habitat requirements.

[@RepTalez]

1 Pours water in the substrate 2 says best part hands aren't getting dirty 3 pours substrate in tank 4 sticks hands in substrate to mix it up. ... Hands got dirty anyway... LOL

[@vdfamily8759]

Is that a 12x12x18 or what? Will my crestie be happy in a 12x12x24?

[@michelleorozco6559]

an adult crestie will need an 18x18x24 but you can have a young crestie in a 12x12x18 for a while as it grows!

[@ProfJCsCritters]

Is that a Spider Jerusalem tat?

[@paranorman1646]

does the red eye tree frog kit come with the tank?????

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Negative, they are all tankless.

[@paranorman1646]

good to know thanks

[@Mignificento]

How often do you need to change the mulch/ coconut fiber? Sounds like a frog would be wayyy more expensive than a tarantula. Still. I really want a red eyed tree frog. 😍

[@Mignificento]

By coconut fiber I meant the bedding or whatever. I'm new to this. And am aware this species is not recommended for beginners

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Mignificento. Once your frog enclosure is set up and thriving, the maintenance and cost are relatively low. Once you go bioactive, you will never need to change out the substrate as long as your biome is healthy and thriving. If you ever have questions on their care, you're welcome to reach out to [e-mail]

[@juaneason1976]

@The Bio Dude Josh Halter I have a 10 gallon tall with a baby green tree frog in it, would it be cool to add another species in there with it? baby white's tree frog or a baby red eye?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

I would not recommend mixing species.

[@juaneason1976]

ok thanks bro. also I have a 24x 18x 12 exo terra and I wanted to do a paludarium for a tiger salamander. in your paludarium video for the borneo eared frogs, could I use that same set up maybe? what should I tweak in order to accommodate a tiger salamander?

[@MountainKoi91]

Is it the same setup for a clown tree frog?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

You can absolutely use this for a clown tree frog.

[@zoomrc1516]

Any suppliers in Canada?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Not yet.

[@arachnivuetarantulasunlimi7415]

what size is this

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

This is a 12x12x18 tank

[@aidenpatterson5169]

You should do a chameleon bio active

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Working on it!

[@aidenpatterson5169]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter that's super exciting and I love your vids hoping to get a red eye

[@Fooslifts]

Im a bit late but this is what your kid for 84.99 comes with right

[@parrotfishguy]

Is it ok if i only have one red eye tree frog alone?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

They do fine alone or in small groups. 10 gallons minimum per frog : )

[@parrotfishguy]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter , Thanks and they would be fine in a 10 gallon during adulthood too?

[@adessajhim5381]

What if the isopods population grows out of control. Will the red eye frog eat them?

[@benjewitt9629]

100th commet

[@hunterperry1379]

Does your frogs have problems with your cat? I kind of want to get some but I’m afraid my cat might try and eat them?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Hunter. I've never had an issue with my cat. That being said, he's a very good boy and every personality is different.

[@hunterperry1379]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter yeah, she would probably be fine. She’s a pretty good cat.

[@lukeholt8197]

I live in Perth, Australia, is there anyway for me to get a red eye tree frog??

[@hyunibee6721]

Do you tong feed your frogs? Or do you just toss insects into the vivarium?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Let them hunt!

[@ogstreets3636]

The Bio Dude Josh Halter can u make a bio active setup for weed

[@ismaelb2392]

Does red eye tree frog need nothing else that an led light ???

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Mightytech. The LED is mainly for the plants growth. I recommend a tropical UVB for the frogs.

[@tropicalterrarium1742]

So you are telling me you never have to do anything and the plants eat up the frog poop?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

That's the beauty of being bioactive. Your microfauna breaks down the waste for you!

[@johngaineswatts5409]

It’s pronounced SFagnum moss

[@MyPeopleNeedMe]

Isopods eat poop?

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Yes and other types of organic matter.

[@MyPeopleNeedMe]

@@TheBioDudeJoshHalter ok thanks

[@samuelserrano9037]

poor frog

[@ponyboy5.0coyotewild63]

This guy has a chip on his shoulder. Some advice he gives is totally incorrect but he is just a kid.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Thanks for sharing, you are so observant. Obviously a winner!

[@chrishasaclue]

everything is good, eccept the tank itself..... glass tanks and screen tops simply do not work. doesn't hold heat, humidity and no privacy for your reptile. i would like to see you do this in an animal plastics or a cage made by Vision.... only pro's a glass tank has is it shows off your animal, but that's were it ends.

[@TheBioDudeJoshHalter]

Hi Chris! While I see your point with some species,I respectfully disagree with you in regards to the Red Eyes. I have been keeping and breeding them since 2001 and have always utilized this method. I still have my original trio I got in 01' in a 95 gallon tank with a screen lid (I'll be posting a video of that soon) for everyone to see. If you keep up with basic husbandry daily (as you should for all of your pets) you would be misting this enclosure and making sure your husbandry is correct by checking your temp/humidity. As with the heating, these are amphibians that like it room temperature. I have a few clients that use my Terra Firma with their Ball Pythons in their animal plastics racks.

[@chrishasaclue]

Might work for some reptiles like bearded dragons, but for others like green tree pythons, blood pythons and BP's unless you plan on heating and humidfying the entire room, I would recommend a pvc cage where heat and humidity can barley escape. Each to his own though. if you haven't had any shedding and heating issues with your animals more power to you! I would recommend you atleast check out a video called '' JKR Pro Tip - Ball Python Caging''.

[@victorsandoval4792]

Just use a tank made out of paper, it works fine and everyone can complain about it.

[@liyakjo]

das d ugliest vivarium ive ever seen