Hi all,

I recently got my hands on an 18x18x24 Exo Terra enclosure and I'm interested in doing a paludarium build with it. Originally I bought it with the intent of getting tree frogs, but I've since reconsidered and wanted to get a more quiet frog that's diurnal and a bit more active and interesting to watch. I've been doing a lot of research and I think for my experience level, and what I want in an enclosure (bioactive containing a water feature), fire bellies seem like a good choice for me.

However, one of the things I'm struggling with is how to make a paludarium set up work with a tall tank vs a wide tank. The only example I've been able to find that's been successful with a tall enclosure is this dude and his fire belly set up. However, people seem to say that fire bellies shouldn't have near as deep of water as he has in his setup, yet they seem to do fine and look very happy. He's said that he's had this particular tank for 5 years with no issues. Because of the enclosure that I have I'm thinking of using the above-linked man's build as a kind of template (with improvements).

I'd really like to have a waterfall feature like in the linked video as well as enough depth to have aquatic cleaner species like shrimp and snails but obviously the frogs health and happiness will come first. At the very least, I'll be sure to include features in the water like logs and rocks that give them little islands to stand on. That being said though, what do you guys think about these frogs and water depth? Any other thoughts on enclosure shape and compatibility w/ fire bellies would be appreciated as well. I'm fairly new to the hobby and I'm trying to gather as much info as possible before ever getting an animal.