Is there a Haze in your tank's water? Your Tank is Telling You Something

Here's a good topic to discuss, especially since it's been just over a week since Christmas, where many may have set up a brand new tank.

It's about time for newly established tanks to begin to show signs of the going on's within the water habitat. Water cloudiness is often the biggest indicator of how established your tank is.

The two main types of cloudiness in the water boils down to color... a pale milky color or a greenish tinge, both speak volumes as to the conditions in the habitat. For ADF's, one is of more significant concern than the other.
A whiteish colored haze in the water is indicative of excessive ammonia. While ADF's can tolerate ammonia far more than gilled fish, too much is too much and the tank's water needs a partial replacement to dilute the ammonia, but not a total replacement.

The reason for a partial replacement is to give the tanks bio-filter of anaerobic nitrifying bacteria some ammonia to digest. For the bacteria to filter properly it needs ammonia to kickstart it's growth. Over time, as the bacteria culture increases, it's capacity to digest ammonia will increase accordingly. The white haze will eventually go away as the bacteria culture increases, and with it, the need to do partial water changes as well. Once the culture reaches it's peak development, it will stabilize the level of ammonia that's present in the water. There is always some ammonia present, but it's continuously being digested by the bacteria.

The other haze... the greenish tinge..., indicates something altogether different. It indicates the tank has a very efficient bio-filter with plenty of active bacteria, all digesting the waste ammonia & producing nitrates. The greenish haze is microscopic algae cells, A fast-growing invasive plant, living off the nitrates being produced. A greenish tint is a indicator of good health, it's unsightly, but still it shows that the tanks bio-filter is doing it's job. And there's a simple way to get rid of the algae bloom. Simply darken the water in the tank.

Algae is a plant that lives on three things... nitrates, water & UV light. Take away one of those three, Algae cannot grow. Since the tank will have nitrates & water, the solution is to limit the amount of daylight or any light that has UV. Without Ultraviolet, the algae cannot grow. 

But to handle excessive Nitrates, there still needs to be some plant life in the tank. Otherwise the level of nitrites will be overwhelming and harmful. So plant some aquatic, shade tolerant plants to do the job. Once the tank has plants to consume the nitrates, the water will clear right up.

Combating "Conventional Wisdom" with Common Sense

EDITORS NOTE: With the start of the New Year, we thought to reprise an article we published previously. It's certainly good to do so, so that all the new African Dwarf Frog owners who just got their Christmas present, and are seeking out information may be able to find it. 
Anyone searching the internet about African Dwarf Frogs will soon find the following "Conventional Wisdom" in one form or another...

"...Typically, one frog for every 1 or 2 gallons of water is ideal...."

Ideal for WHO? The frog? Or the person selling Aquariums larger than 1-2 gallons?  Many websites seem to follow this common misconception without any real explanation, other than a misguided human emotion that these frogs wouldn't like  confined spaces.  

There's no scientific rationale behind requiring 1-2 gallons per frog.  It's a line of logic for setting up a standard aquarium, and taking in consideration of the needs of fish, who naturally need space to swim, and sufficient amounts of oxygenated water to breathe. Neither of which the species of African Dwarf Frog require. However, 1-2 gallons per frog would be good if you are setting up a unfiltered tank like a Goldfish Bowl... you'd then only have to change the water around every two weeks or so.

No oily skin...

In nature, African Dwarf Frogs only have need of water to keep their skin supple. ADF's do not produce a skin mucus which enables them to emerge out of water onto land like other amphibians, that's the only reason they are fully aquatic. Other than that, they could live in water which can merely keep their skin moist. Of course, they can be at home in larger water volumes, but as for a NEED to have such... emphatically NO!

A more critical water need for this species is WATER DEPTH. Most specifically, THE LESS THE BETTER...

ADF Ancestral Home

In nature... such as in the Rainforests of Cameroon in West Africa, the African Dwarf Frog evolved in shallow rainforest swamps, in a habitat of stagnant low-oxygenated water, in water depths of 8 inches of water or less. Unlike gilled animals such as fish, ADF's breathe air with lungs, and go to the surface to gulp air. As a bottom dwelling creature, the frog subsists quite well in shallow water depths which give them a quick trip to the surface to breathe. Put them in an environment where the water depth is deeper, the frog can survive, but the longer trip to the surface for air is more stressful, and in the wild, would present more exposure to the frog from predators. In a natural environment, you would not find these frog in deeper water than a foot. 
The idea that these frogs need a lot of space, is also a misconception. African Dwarf Frogs main roles in life is simply to eat, avoid getting eaten, and make more frogs. In nature, it's behavior is dictated by instinct & environment, which again, in nature would be in the muddy bottom of a rainforest swamp.

Here's lookin' at you... I think!

The frog is a natural wait & pounce creature in the method of acquiring it's meal. The African Dwarf Frog has very poor eyesight, a heightened sense of vibrations in the water, and a keen nose to smell out food. You may have seen these frogs in a familiar "Zen Pose" standing motionless. This is a evolved trait of still stalking, waiting for something, like a tasty water bug to wander by. It also is a defensive posture that helps make them invisible to larger predators. Unlike fish, ADF's don't school & swim seeking food, preferring instead for food to come to them. Kinda like a aquatic couch potato. They do not migrate, & they do not have a extensive range, except along the shallows of whatever shallow pool of water they'd inhabit.

Remember, when searching the web, seeking out information about African Dwarf Frogs (or ANY topic) there is tons of "Conventional Wisdom" out there... some accurate, some simply a regurgitation of other information posted elsewhere, without much foundation of fact. It sounds right, but really... is it really right? If you have questions, count on us to help give you answers. Our wisdom isn't always conventional, but at least count on it to be grounded in fact.

Frog Calls

THIS IS JUST TOO COOL!
The great folks at the University of Michigan has set up a really neat website for those of us who love frogs.

Ever heard the sound of the Poison Dart Frog? Here's your chance! Check out their Frog Calls page. You'll find sound clips of Mr. Dendrobates auratus, and many more, with links to further information for each. This is a great webpage to refer to when you hear the sounds of frogs in the night. You'll know in flash what frog is singing, and a whole lot more! Check it out & GIVE A LISTEN!

What is "Smart?"

How often have you sat & watched your frog... they watching right back at you, and pondered just what is going on behind those pair of bready little eyes? You just know something is going on in there... there has to... but just what is it? What is it that determines what a little African Dwarf Frog perceives has anything to do with what we would consider as thought? Obviously, they have something... we see personalities, or what we perceive as personalities in them, or have you ever just figured that since these guys are just frogs, there's no way we can ever judge them to be intelligent?
A video of an octopus working out a escape from a boat has gone viral, and lends as an example of how something even more primitive as a frog can show some intelligence in problem solving.
So the next time you get that feeling you're being watched, and you turn around to see a pair of little frog eyes watching you. Don't be too surprised if he's sizing up you figuring out what you're working on. Maybe he can lend a hand? Heck he's smart enough to have you feed him, doesn't he?

How long can you hold your breath?

We marvel at our little African Dwarf Frogs. The world they live in requires them to hold their breath for most of their lives. They come to the surface, gulp air into their lungs and submerge, over & over. All their lives, they live underwater on gulps of air.
Can you imagine trying to live like this? Impossible for humans... or is it. Here's someone who rivals our aquatic frogs in his lung capacity, able to swim to crushing depths on a gulp of air, not only for minutes at a time but to also fish for food underwater. See how long you can hold your breath while you watch this Underwater Hunter ply his trade.

Coming to Stores EVERYWHERE!

Wild Creations has got the Goods... ready for store shelves nation wide!  The popular self-contained bio-system aquarium is now available in a "Dry-Goods" packaging concept. Now stores can stock a EcoAquarium™ Kit with a redeemable coupon for the "Live Goods", which are fulfilled separately from the Wild Creations website.
Answering the call from stores wishing to stock the popular aquatic product, but not having to contend with the need to stock live frogs & plants, Wild Creations developed the dry goods packaging to meet that need. "It's a working winner..." says Pete Gasca, Wild Creations CEO, "...since we ship live plants & animals nationwide already, we can offer an attractive product with a indefinite shelf life."
The EcoAquarium™ Kit includes a Tank and Lid, along with decorative rocks & gravel, plastic tank base, food and complete instructions. Also included will be a redeemable coupon for ordering the Live Frogs, Living Gravel™ & Lucky Bamboo which completes the EcoAquarium™. After purchase, customers may order the live goods online.
Look for the EcoAquarium™Kit making it into stores this fall.
ATTN:STORE OWNERS Interested? Let us know...send us a email asking for more info at sales@wildcreations.com

Love is in the Water

The following article is a repost from last year, it fitting we present it again for those just joining us and missed it the first time. -ED
It’s spring again! The time of year that signals the start of warm weather, green grass and bright flowers, baseball, BBQs, and amplexing. That’s right, you heard me … amplexing.

And, while this may not float your boat this time of year, it is definitely on the minds of our little African dwarf frogs.

Spring is mating season for frogs, the time of year when frogs become a little more aggressive … and a little more provocative. For the most part, the mating season passes quickly, but it undoubtedly raises very stimulating questions about the behavior of your frogs.

Something to whet your appetite...

Over at our facebook page, we've been tinkering away, doing some sprucing up. We've added some features like a feed of this blog, a video page, easier links to our online catalog, and most especially, we've set up a coupon page. Because while it's nice that we have neat videos to watch, informative articles to read, great customer service, and quick access to available products, we know what you all really want...A DEAL!
Yep, everyone wants something... and preferably at a discount. That's what we all search for, it gives us all meaning, purpose, something that let's us say LOOKIE what I GOT!!!

So. You've read this far. If we have your attention, you're welcome to click this link to find out more...

Get to know your African Dwarf Frog

EDITORS NOTE: This article is a repost of one we published back in 2009. Since each Christmas we gain so many new EcoAquarium Owners, it's a good idea to repost this article since it covers a lot of ground concerning African Dwarf Frogs.

This holiday season, someone somewhere is getting a gift of an EcoAquarium(TM). If you have received one, you may now be searching out more information about your desktop eco-system and it's web-footed inhabitant. Here's some info about our star of the show...Hymenochirus Curtipes, the African Dwarf Frog.
Small in stature, big in personality...

African Dwarf Frogs (ADF) are originally native to the rain forest swamps & wetlands of West Africa, but due to man's development of the land in the region, it's natural habitat has virtually all been erased.

Wild Creations makes Inc.'s 500 Top Companies List

In today's tough economy, establishing a successful company is a major accomplishment. But becoming one of the top 500 fastest growing companies in the country while doing so, is an achievement beyond expectations. South Carolina-based Wild Creations has achieved that mark by being ranked in Inc. magazines 500/5000 list.    Ranked 259 out of the top 500 fastest growing companies in the nation, Wild Creations has shown that is possible to succeed despite hard times.   We thank all our customers for helping us achieve this milestone, and we fully intend to continue our growth by hard work and striving to provide the best products and service that we possibly can.  We're South Carolina proud!

WMBF TV News filed this report...
 

Love is in the Water

It’s spring again! The time of year that signals the start of warm weather, green grass and bright flowers, baseball, BBQs, and amplexing. That’s right, you heard me … amplexing.

And, while this may not float your boat this time of year, it is definitely on the minds of our little African dwarf frogs.

Spring is mating season for frogs, the time of year when frogs become a little more aggressive … and a little more provocative. For the most part, the mating season passes quickly, but it undoubtedly raises very stimulating questions about the behavior of your frogs.

First, it doesn’t matter whether you have a male and female in an aquarium. When mating season starts, he will start his mating ritual without reservations and regardless of whom he shares company with. Dwarf frogs have very poor vision, so most of the time they can’t see what is in their aquarium anyway. So when the season of love starts, so does your frog.

He will start by performing his mating dance, which consists of arching his back and kicking outward. This is accompanied by soft humming, which is your frog crooning to Sinatra. When it is very quiet, you can hear this beautiful singing. He typically prefers to sing at night, which is when your frogs are more active, but you may hear him sing any time of the day.

This is when it becomes interesting. If the there is a mate in the water, and sometimes even if there is just another male frog, the crooning frog will grab his companion around the waist just above the lower legs, as if engaging in a big-brother type of bear hug from behind … and he will not let go. This is “amplexing”. If he is grasped to a female, the female will swim to the top of the water and release her eggs, which are later fertilized in the water by the male after the ritual. If your frog is affixed to another male, well then all bets are off. A fight will seemingly ensue, with the winner gaining bragging rights at the next major sporting event they attend with their friends. They prefer to call amplexing a “bro hug”. Regardless, this behavior is completely natural and nothing to be concerned about.

African dwarf frogs are very unique breed of frogs, because they will not grow very large and actually learn to adapt to the environment they are in. Unfortunately, their eggs and off spring aren’t as adaptable, and often the water conditions in an aquarium are not conducive for raising fertilized frog eggs to maturity. More often, the adult frogs, given their lack of proper eyesight, will mistake the floating eggs as food and … well, you can conclude your own ending to this paragraph.

In all, the ritual looks as though the frogs are engaging in a fight, and often individuals believe that one frog is trying to hold the other frog down. This is not the case. While it’s not dinner and flowers, this is actually froggie romance … se la vi. It’s natural, and there is nothing you need to worry about or need to do.

So, when it’s time to make up the family picnic and head out for a day at the park, just remember that someone in your house may have different plans, and it doesn’t’ involve taking in a baseball game in your absence … more like a wrestling match.

We wish to thank the readers of our facebook page who submitted the photos included in this article-ED.

Parents' Choice Chooses Classic EcoAquarium

Our Classic EcoAquarium is a miniature eco-system in balance and perfect for teaching children about the environment. The seen-it-all judges at the Parents’ Choice Foundation’s Spring 2010 Awards heartily agreed, giving it two green thumbs up with a revered Approved Seal.

Perfect for a child’s bedroom, the classroom or living large on the kitchen counter, the Classic EcoAquarium is a hit with kids. Each EcoAquarium

is a complete aquatic ecosystem environment that requires no additional chemicals, filters, or aeration. Simply change the water every five or six months using fresh, bottled spring water.

According to the Parents’ Choice website, only 20% of those items submitted to the Parents’ Choice Awards™ program receive a commendation in one of the six award levels! The Parents’ Choice Awards committees look for products that entertain and teach with flair, stimulate imagination and inspire creativity.

superdumbsupervillian does a super review!

Putting us between the Betta Tank, and the tank full of Glow-in-Water Toys, the good folks at SuperdumbSupervillian has wrote a cute article reviewing one of our Classics.



Don't be shy, check out the article as well as all the other great articles they have posted.

Kudeos & Thanks to another great blog...

Accidentialmommies have "huggie" froggies

Our hats off to Accidentialmommies.com terrific Blog "Whats that Smell", for posting a great article of their experience with a Classic EcoAquarium, including some wonderful photos! Be sure to check out the article.

It pays to read good books...

Our thanks & congratulations to Chrissy Harris, our Winner of our "Name your Frog Contest"!

Chrissy was inspired by the characters from a classic story... Mark Twains's "The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County", of which both "Smiley" & "Webster" figure prominently.

The judging was tough, great names were given, and a lot of creativity was shown by all, ( I liked "Fe Fi & Fo Fum" but I'm not a judge). Chrissy's entry showed us all that inspiration can come from an old story that's still new today, and can serve as inspiration for anyone tomorrow.

Congratulations again Chrissy! We'll be sending you out one of our new imports from the UK...

The Science Museums "Science Putty".

Our March Frog Fan

We fell in love with those eyes.

This months frog fan is the lovely daughter of Dynae S., one of our fans on facebook. This photo of her daughter with her EcoAquarium has melted our hearts.

Favorite color is pink, she loves her teddy bear and her Froggys and has the makings to be a Marine Biologist since according to proud Mom, "she loves [her ecoaquarium]...she sits and looks at it for hours."

Let's dive into water...

Each day we get calls from our customers about our EcoAquariums, seeking advice, getting a question answered, or just to chat. (We love those) The calls are important to us because it allows us to help our customers, and to put a voice behind our products.

It seems that the most common questions we get revolve around the subject of water. Why can't I just use tap water? What is the difference between the types of bottled water available? Why only bottled spring water?

We recommend Bottled Spring Water as the eau de choix for our EcoAquariums. We prefer it to insure that the living gravel stays living. The brown gravel at the bottom of each of our EcoAquariums has been cultured in spring water and infused with anaerobic bacteria. It serves as the bio-digesting filter of waste products in the water and is the most underrated part of the ecosystem. Without living gravel, EcoAquariums are simply containers with water, plants, frogs, & gravel, but with it, a balanced ecosystem can be sustained. Using Bottled Spring Water exclusively, you can count on having the most natural water available, free of additives & chemicals.

Why not Tap Water? It's because of Chlorine. Most tap water has chlorine in it. City water supplies generally put 1 part per million of chlorine in its water to kill water borne bacteria. That's good for you & I to drink, but bad for the bacteria in living gravel...very bad. And filtering tap water won't do no good since you cannot be sure to get all the chlorine out. No tap water in EcoAquariums please.

On a side note, someone suggested using tap water and then conditioning the water with Chlorine "Fixers"... the chemical treatments sold in pet stores in aquariums. Again, we do not recommend Tap Water ever... the reason being that by using bottled spring water, you do not have chlorine to begin with, so there's nothing to treat. Spring water is as natural as bottled water can be, free of anything added except natural minerals and salts. You simply have no need to add chemicals (and hope you have added the right amounts). The objective is to have a EcoAquarium with the most natural internal environment possible. Unless you absolutely know what is in the water coming from your tap, you cannot be absolutely sure.

The real head-scratcher is what is the difference in all the different types of bottled water available.

To answer, let's go to the "font" of information...the Internet...

All bottled water sold in the United States (whether imported or domestic) must meet all of the same regulations.

Artesian Water\Artesian Well Water: Bottled water from a well that taps a confined aquifer (a water-bearing underground layer of rock or sand) in which the water level stands at some height above the top of the aquifer.

Drinking Water: Drinking water is another name for bottled water. Accordingly, drinking water is water that is sold for human consumption in sanitary containers and contains no added sweeteners or chemical additives (other than flavors, extracts or essences). It must be calorie-free and sugar-free. Flavors, extracts or essences may be added to drinking water, but they must comprise less than one-percent-by-weight of the final product or the product will be considered a soft drink. Drinking water may be sodium-free or contain very low amounts of sodium.

Mineral Water: Bottled water containing not less than 250 parts per million total dissolved solids may be labeled as mineral water. Mineral water is distinguished from other types of bottled water by its constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements at the point of emergence from the source. No minerals can be added to this product.

Purified Water: Water that has been produced by distillation, deionization, reverse osmosis or other suitable processes and that meets the definition of purified water in the United States Pharmacopoeia may be labeled as purified bottled water. Other suitable product names for bottled water treated by one of the above processes may include "distilled water" if it is produced by distillation, "deionized water" if the water is produced by deionization, or "reverse osmosis water" if the process used is reverse osmosis. Alternatively "_____________ drinking water" can be used with the blank being filled in with one of the terms defined in this paragraph (e.g. "purified drinking water" or "distilled drinking water").

Sparkling Water: Water that after treatment and possible replacement with carbon dioxide contains the same amount of carbon dioxide that it had at emergence from the source. (An important note: soda water, seltzer water and tonic water are not considered bottled waters. They are regulated separately, may contain sugar and calories, and are considered soft drinks.)

Spring Water: Bottled water derived from an underground formation from which water flows naturally to the surface of the earth. Spring water must be collected only at the spring or through a bore hole tapping the underground formation finding the spring. Spring water collected with the use of an external force must be from the same underground stratum as the spring and must have all the physical properties, before treatment, and be of the same composition and quality as the water that flows naturally to the surface of the earth.

Well Water: Bottled water from a hole bored, drilled or otherwise constructed in the ground which taps the water of an aquifer.

SOURCE: International Bottled Water Association (IBWA)

That's a pretty definitive description of all the different types of bottled water available, and if you have made it this far into the article, you can consider yourself an expert on bottled water trivia...The bottom line is this, to keep your EcoAquarium healthy, always use Bottled Spring Water. Count on it being the purest, most natural water you can buy, and you can be sure you have water free from harmful chemicals that can effect the ecosystem.

All this article writing has made me thirsty, I wonder why?

Wild Creations a “Toy of the Year” Hopeful

Myrtle Beach based company Wild Creations Inc., makers of the EcoAquarium™ await to see if a year of remarkable sales growth pays off, when the winners of the Toy Industry Associations 2010 “Toy of the Year Award” are announced at Toy Fair 2010, Saturday night in New York City. Wild Creations has been nominated in the Specialty Toy Category.

Wild Creations EcoAquarium™ is a compact aquarium ecosystem featuring African Dwarf Frogs with special appeal for young children to adults. The low maintenance, self contained aquarium allows you to get a “bird’s eye” view of a natural working environment.
In 2007 the company started distributing EcoAquariums™ to local stores. It was introduced for the first time on a national level at Toy Fair 2009 in New York City. To date, EcoAquariums™ are now sold in over 900 stores nationwide, as well as offered online at www.wildcreations.com .
On February 13, 2010 at Pier 60 / Chelsea Piers along the Hudson River waterfront in New York City, the “Oscars” of the toy industry will celebrate a decade of the most creative, innovative toys, games and entertainment products to thrill children of all ages, and will usher in a new year by honoring the most outstanding new toy products to hit the marketplace. Toy of the Year Awards will be bestowed in twelve (12) product categories PLUS an overall “Toy of the Year” designation recognizing North America’s top choice for the single best product to deliver fun and excitement to young consumers. The industry will also salute two of its own by honoring the 2010 inductees into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame.
“The TOTY Awards celebrate the creativity and innovation of the toy industry and the products on the ballot represent this year’s “best of the best” as selected by those in the know – members of the industry itself,” said Carter Keithley, president, Toy Industry Association.
TIA is the not-for-profit trade association for producers and importers of toys and youth entertainment products sold in North America, representing over 500 companies who account for approximately 85% of domestic toy sales. Toy safety is the number one priority for the toy industry. TIA has a long history of leadership in toy safety including development of the first comprehensive toy safety standard more than 30 years ago, and working with government, consumers and industry on ongoing programs to ensure safe play.

Lookie here...

We're suckers for a pretty face, especially one peeking out of the water at the camera...

Our thanks to Takako Tsu for capturing the moment and posting it our Facebook fan page.

Early last year we started a page on facebook, today we have over 1080 fans. You can be one too...check it out here.

A peek behind the curtain...

We've been working a break-neck pace since long before the holidays, and it seems it will not let up anytime soon... especially since some of our efforts are about to bear fruit.

Here's a quick peek at a few items getting ready to crank up...

www.wildcreations.com

New Website, New Look, New Features

We've outgrown our website. It served us well as a launchpad for our online product catalog, but wildcreations.com is getting a much needed face lift with a fresher look, more information, and more features. Our online catalog is also getting a complete upgrade to make online shopping a hassle-free experience.

New Products
You spoke, we listened...

Look for new EcoAquariums... bigger, with more features, but all with the same low maintenance, and great "frog appeal".

And not only EcoAquariums, we'll be soon offering more nature-education products like insect habitats, explorer kits, science projects...for children of all ages. Products which offer greater awareness of the world outdoors. You can expect to hear more about our new products soon, with a complete product line debut by mid summer.

Wild Creations in the Classroom...
Bringing frogs, ecosystems, and students together.

We proud of our efforts to bring EcoAquariums to classrooms across the country. Soon, we will have a special Educators Package that not only offers a classroom of EcoAquariums in kit form, but complete lesson plans & projects for students, along with teaching aids and classroom materials.

Keep a eye out in the next few weeks as we leap into these new projects, bringing you the best we can offer in products designed to educate, inspire, and entertain.