African dwarf frogs are one of the most common aquatic frog species found in home aquariums. Because of their popularity, many inexperienced hobbyists want to have them.
Frogs, like all living beings, have needs that must be met if they are to live a healthy life, such as food, company, environment, and water. As a frog owner, we must ensure they have proper living conditions, such as an appropriate pH, ambient temperature, just the right amount of nitrate and nitrite, etc. But how exactly do we identify the correct amount for each of them?
In this article, I will be focusing on describing the ideal water parameters for African dwarf frogs.
How much Water do African Dwarf Frogs need?
Typically, an African dwarf frog needs about 2 gallons of water. But for a pair of frogs, you need to organize a tank with a minimum capacity of 20 gallons. This is due to the fact that your frogs will need adequate space to move and roam around. But capacity isn’t the only thing you need to keep an eye on. You need to look at the following parameters too
African Dwarf Frog Water Parameter Chart
Here is a chart that states all the necessary measurements of different parameters in the water:
| Parameter | Measurement |
| Temperature | Between 68° F and 78° F (20° C and 26° C) |
| Nitrate | Less than 20 ppm |
| Ammonia/Nitrite | 0 |
| pH level | Between 6.5 and 7.5 |
| Carbonate Hardness (KH) | Between 4 and 15 |
| General Hardness (GH) | Between 5 and 20 |
| Tank Size | Minimum 20 gallons (for 2 frogs) |
These are the water parameters that are best for African dwarf frogs. You will see that the parameters have quite a flexible range. This is due to the fact that this species of frog is versatile and can adapt to different situations.
However, these amphibians are known to be pretty sensitive to ammonia and nitrite. Therefore, I would suggest cycling and testing the water in the aquarium before you bring the frogs in.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you use Tap Water for African Dwarf Frogs?
You should not use tap water in an African dwarf frog tank before cycling it properly. This is because the uncontrolled pH level of water and the ammonia and nitrite content of tap water are harmful to these frogs.
You should consider using bottled distilled water, or cycle and adjust the tap water to the recommended parameters before bringing the frogs in.
How often should you change African Dwarf Frog Water?
I would suggest completely changing the tank water and cleaning it if you see a lot of dirt accumulating in the water. If the tank is not very dirty, you should still change 20% of the water twice a week. By doing this, you’re going to minimize the amount of dirt gathered in it. The cleaner the tank, the healthier the tankmates.
You can learn more about this from my guide on how to clean an African dwarf frog tank.
Do African Dwarf Frogs need a Bubbler?
These creatures swim up to the surface from time to time to breathe air into their lungs. They also absorb oxygen from the water through their skin. Therefore, it is not an absolute must to include a bubbler in their tank. But, having one in the tank can be beneficial, as there will be aeration in the water.
Conclusion
I hope I have given you a better insight into the water parameters required to house African dwarf frogs.
Now, if you are feeling confident and determined, check out my guide on how to set up a completely functional tank for African dwarf frogs to know more before buying your own!
