How to Raise Tadpoles

Housing the Tadpoles

Find a suitable container to house the tadpoles. Tadpoles can be raised in most containers, though it's best for them to be housed outside so that you attract more mosquitos to lay their larva for the tadpoles to eat, nature provides a cleaner and more oxygenated atmosphere and because it's more natural. Be sure to keep them in the shade at all times, though. Suitable containers include: A large aquatic tank A large oven roast bowl A small pool if outside A tub

Lay a suitable base on the bottom of the housing. Use gravel to cover well. Add a big rock or two for shelter and land when the tadpoles transform. Put small weeds and grass with the roots attached to the water so the tadpoles can hang onto them, and they eat the roots. Make sure there has not been a recent application of pesticides on any plant life added, as this will kill the tadpoles within a day.

Provide shade for about three-quarters of the area if the tadpoles are outdoors. The tadpoles must be able to get out of direct sunlight when they want to.

Keep about 5-10 tadpoles per litre of water. You can keep more, but they may die out faster or become carnivorous.

Managing Water Quality

Keep the water clean. Tadpoles need clean, dechlorinated water. Rainwater is one of the best waters to keep your tadpoles in since it contains mosquito larva and doesn't contain any chemicals. Some advise using water from where you found the tadpoles. Do not use tap water; it's too full of chemicals that can harm tadpoles. If you want to use tap water, use water conditioner sold at pet stores for fish.

Change the water regularly. Try to only change half the water at a time to keep the pH of the water balanced. A turkey baster is good for this and disturbs the tadpoles as little as possible whilst making it easy to remove debris that gathers at the bottom of the container. But this is optional--not many tadpole/frog owners have these.

Overseeing the Development of the Tadpoles

Be patient. They usually develop from egg to tadpole in 6 to 12 weeks. Keep that in mind and don't panic when it gets cold; in winter the tadpoles will grow more slowly. The ideal temperature is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit, or around 20-25 degrees Celsius.

Prepare for their metamorphosis. When your tadpoles develop legs you will need a container with dirt for them to crawl up onto, or they will drown.

Do not feed the tadpoles when they have sprouted arms. At this time the tadpole will be using its tail as food and it will become an adult frog.

Provide more food after metamorphosis. If you aren't releasing the froglets, they will likely need larger housing.

Be aware that many froglets dislike being handled. The tank or housing for them must be kept clean daily, otherwise, bacteria will spread rapidly and can kill them.