Firebelly (B. orientalis) Q's

I am interested in keeping firebelly's as an alternate to aquati turtles. I just have a few questions.

1. I currently have a 15 gallon glass aquarium (2'x1'x1') which I am planning to use. I was hoping to keep a group of firebellys to achieve more interesting social patterns and possibly breeding. How many firebellys could I keep in this tank?

2. Is there a way to get the frogs more colorful? All the frogs I've seen at my pet stores are brown, and I was really hoping to get a grass green frog like you seen in all the pictures. I've heard everything from that they try to blend in so they turn brown to match the dirt to providing more carotenes to that it is a different species of Bombina. Any ideas? So far my ideas were to keep it on green moss, gutload feeders with a lot or carrots, and maybe provide a wate heater so they are happy in tropical temps.

3. Is there a way I can get around feeding crickets? I just REALLY hate crickets, and I don't think the people would allow me to get a firebelly if I have to feed crickets. I was thinking earthworms, mealworms, maybe roaches, and guppies? Also, how do I supplement the foods because I have a feeling all the powder will be washed off instantly in such a moist enviroment.

4. I read a care article that said since firebellys are diurnal, they need a UVB source. Is this true, and could this effect the color of the frog?

5. My house temp ranges from 65 in the winter to maybe 80 in the summer (normally about 75-78). Do I need to provide some sort of heat source, such as a water heater or a basking bulb?

Thank you very much for helping me on such basic questions.

OK, I just found out due to space constraints I will not be able to use the 15 gallon, but instead a 10 gallon. From what I've read I could keep 4 frogs in a 10 gallon footprint. Is this true? Any help regarding any of these questions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I have four in a 20H. I think a 10 would work, but you will need at least 50% of the area to be water. Use a piece of glass/plexi/plastic to make a divider.

I keep a grow light on mine, but mostly for the plants.

If you look here you can see my setup.

If you want them to be more green, try to find the asian firebellies. Mine are all european, so they are rather dull until you see their belly. I don't think a light will make them more green.

My house stays 73 in the summer and about 65 in the winter. I don't think that you would need a heater. If you do decide to use one, just use a UTH on the back of the viv.

If you do decide to make a 50/50 viv, make sure to use a false bottom... I didn't and it is a pain to drain the extra water from...

I hope this helps.

Oh, mine won't eat mealies or supers. I can't get roaches in Florida, so I have to feed crickets.

You could keep 4 or 5 in a ten gallon pretty easily.

You can feed earthworms guppys and crickets but like rusty said most won't take mealies.

Asian firebellies are more colorful but they change color depending on several different factors some being diet, mood, and temperature. So a heater might help but keep it at about 80 or lower, so if you use one turn it off in the summer .

I'm 90% sure they don't need uvb, but if you have live plants it won't hurt them at all. As for color, the lighting will make the tank and frogs more pleasant to look at but It probably won't effect color much.