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Two adorable frogs bring the EcoAquarium to life. If kids are pleading for a pet, this aquatic environment is a great way to ease into pet ownership.
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Wild Creations
Frog EcoAquarium
A complete aquatic ecosystem that requires no additional chemicals, filters, or aeration. Includes decorative rocks and 1 year supply of Frog Food. Wild Creations delays deliveries when cold weather might harm frogs in transit.
Please check back later. Cold weather might harm frogs in transit.
Talk about this Grommet
Hello Daily Grommet Fans!
At Wild Creations, we have a deep reverence for the natural world around us. We love talking about nature and the critters whose world we share. We'd like to thank the Grommet team for caring about and sharing the story behind the products they feature. When you are buying living creatures, you only want to do business with someone you trust, so we are especially thankful that the Daily Grommet has provided this opportunity for you to ask us questions, get to know us better and gain your trust.

Our frog manager is fond of saying, "Everyone needs a frog in their life." We couldn’t agree more and we hope you take one home today.
Pete on Oct 26, 2009
Pete, are they male / female or what? Any chance that there will be an army of baby frogs at some point?
DJP on Oct 26, 2009
I like when Jeanne gives a girly scream in the video.
Jules on Oct 26, 2009
what's the lifespan of the frogs? tx
Geoff B. on Oct 26, 2009
Sounds great - a pet we can agree on! How long do these frogs typically live? And does the aquarium really provide them with enough space (it looks so small!)?
ksy on Oct 26, 2009
Hey ... I resent that Jules! I think my scream was more of a "wow, do I really get to keep these two adorable frogs on my desk for the next week until we shoot the video?! How wonderful!" kind of a scream ...(can you tell we're one of those non-pet families Jen was talking about in the video?)
Jeanne on Oct 26, 2009
Special Guest Comment
Hello All! We've gotten some great questions so far, I will answer them both below!
To DJP: We make every effort to include 2 male frogs with each system, but of course we are human and a female can slip through every now and then! In the case you do get a male and female frog of course there is always a chance for little froggies, however, this environment does not support tadpole growth. Very specific conditions need to be met to raise your frog eggs to tadpoles and these conditions can be found on our website at www.wildcreations.com for anyone who has the opportunity and wants to give it a go! We are always here to answer any questions by phone at our office as well!

To Geoff B and Ksy: The average lifespan of the frogs is between 2-4 years. As far as the size of the tank, it does provide enough space for these guys. We based their environment on conditions you would find them living in while in their natural environment. They come from Africa and dwell in shallow river basins in small spaces for safety. These tanks mimic the natural environment of a natural river bed, which is why the ecosystem part of the tank is so cool! So, they can absolutely live in the tank throughout their entire life very happily!
Pete on Oct 26, 2009
I always had aquariums while growing up, but now with kids of my own, this low maintenance version seems very attractive. Nice find Grommet!
JWC on Oct 26, 2009
We have an African Frogs...but we also have lots of other pets. The cats just love the Frogs. The Puppy does not know what to make of them as they are up on the counter. The Gerbil seems to be just fine too. The Frogs are great for the home that does not have many pets...and for the home that does too.
Jeff Bennett on Oct 26, 2009
Very cool product! I got one over a year ago down south on vacation. My kids love them and even take care of them. If I wanted to change my gravel color is that possible.
Blake on Oct 26, 2009
Special Guest Comment
Thanks for all of the great comments on our product, we are so glad our customers love the frogs! They do make a great pet for anyone! Of course you know I am partial!! =0)

To Blake: Yes, you can change the gravel color, it is very easy. You can order a new gravel pack from our website, the cost is $3.99 and you choose what new color you want. It comes with the brown "living" gravel and the color gravel of your choice, and this allows an easy switch without having to separate the gravel. Thanks for the great question!
Pete on Oct 26, 2009
What will happen when people get tired of their "pets" and throw them in to lakes and streams. This is a non-native species and may do harm to local populations of amphibians and fish. Has this been thought through? Bev West
Bev West on Oct 26, 2009
Special Guest Comment
Bev thank you for the great question! We have put a lot of thought into this, of course, we are very considerate of our environment and what impacts it.

To answer your question more directly in regard to the environment, African Dwarf Frogs are not an invasive species and do not reproduce heartily. They pose no threat to local environments. They would not be able to thrive in any US ecosystem. These species of frogs are not banned in the US by any regulatory agency. There is a similar breed called the African Clawed Frog that is banned and is an invasive species, and therefore we do not breed or sell these animals as pets. These frogs are similar to the African Dwarf frog, but much larger in size. They are also much heartier and can reproduce much more easily. Below is more detailed information and a quote directly from the Agriculture Coordinator for the California Dept of Fish and Game.

According to Bob Hulbrock, Aquaculture Coordinator for the California Department of Fish and Game, “There has been no determination and there is no evidence of which the CDFG is aware that Hymenochirus, sp. represents a potential threat to wildlife resources. The dwarf frog is a tropical equatorial species, much less tolerance of cooler temperatures than is the clawed frog. In addition, reproduction of the dwarf frog is limited to still, or very slowly moving, waters and they grow only to about half the size (typically up to 4cm, or less than 2 inches) of African clawed frogs.” Wild Creations understands that a certain genus similar to that of the dwarf African frog, referred to as African clawed frogs (Zenopus, sp.), has been determined to be deleterious to wildlife resources and are classified as prohibited in many states. Therefore, Wild Creations does not possess nor engage in the breeding, sale or distribution of this genus of frog,

Thanks again for your great question Bev! We love our frogs and our environment and we would not want to endanger either of them!
Pete on Oct 26, 2009
Great product, my two girls love it and much easier to keep than fish and no messy tank to clean
Rich on Oct 26, 2009
Sorry Jeanne, we all took a vote here in Daily Grommetland and decided that we're with Jules. It was more of a girly scream. A nice girly scream, though.
Sara on Oct 26, 2009
I have to chuckle over a good memory this product brings to mind. A few years ago, we ordered something similar for my son. The look on the face of the postal carrier when he delivered the tadpoles we ordered to the door was hilarious. He was very concerned that the animals may not have made it due to the heat. Love these African Frogs, though. Much more interesting than the tadpoles (which never really did become frogs...)
bh on Oct 27, 2009
Special Guest Comment
Thank you everyone for your great comments and questions again, we are glad our frogs bring happiness to so many of our customers!

To BH, great story, I can only imagine his amazement that live animals were sent through the mail. We at Wild Creations do not use US mail, we use a ground carrier that guarantees delivery to all homes in 2 days or less for the safety of the animals! We also work very hard to meet all industry standards for shipping live animals in the most comfortable way possible! The heat is certainly a concern and the cold as well. I see you said your son was concerned because of the heat. We watch the weather on a daily basis and adjust or stop shipments to certain areas depending on the current conditions and the conditions it will go through in the next 2 days before getting to its arrival destination. We want all our frogs to reach their new home healthy, hoppy, and happy!

Thanks again for the comment and for loving the frogs!
Pete on Oct 27, 2009
Great questions! I just had one emailed to me about what the kits include! We decided to make sure both kits include food so when your Frogs arrive you have everything you need. The Deluxe includes the gear to catch your frogs and clean your aquarium and a black base to elevate off of wood furniture. For more details check out our detail tab!
Jen on Oct 27, 2009
Shame on all of you (with the exception of Bev West - who obviously did some intelligent thinking about this). There is no reason on this earth why anyone should have these creatures as "pets". They belong in the wild in their own environment - not one that someone created for them, strictly for money. Please don't say you care about their well-being - you don't. It's all about the money you can make and all about the stupidity of humans that think they should be able to have anything they want for their own amusement. Horrible idea, and I was appalled when I saw it on Chronicle last evening.
Lyn on Nov 13, 2009
Special Guest Comment
Dear Lyn,

Thank you so much for your comment. I understand completely that there are many individuals like you who believe pet ownership, in general and as a whole, to be unethical, and who believe strongly that animals kept or bred in captivity do not serve a moral end. While I respect your opinion, I do respectfully disagree. We at Wild Creations feel very strongly that pet ownership, under the proper conditions and with the proper care, can be a healthy and rewarding experience for both pet and owner alike, providing lasting and sentimental memories for generations. It brings the joy of companionship into millions of lives every day while providing a loving and hospitable home for the pet. As well, pet ownership serves a very important function in reflecting upon the delicate balance of nature as well as our role in it while providing a valuable lesson in responsibility and compassion to our children. I regret that you find this product offensive, but I respect your opinion and your choice not to purchase this product. I hope that we can at least agree to disagree to this end.

Of course, I am available if you have any specific questions about the functionality of our wonderful ecosystem habitat or the exciting habits and fun characteristics of these great little frogs, please let me know.
Pete on Nov 13, 2009
While my intention is not to create a debate or animosity, I do want to comment on Lyn's comment above. Animals are the same as people, just in different bodies and they deserve compassion and love too. The girls I nanny for got these frogs as pets because they require less maintenance than a dog or cat at this point and we got them to serve the purpose of making them learn responsibility for another breathing entity early on. Regardless, if they specifically were to get another pet or not down the road these teach vital skills in life that we need in order to possibly take care of our own children down the road. If it were not for these guys these frogs would not even exist on planet Earth so they certainly are not taking something out of nature and exploiting it, they created it, for a purpose other than money I believe. They are in a safe and clean habitat just like you are I am sure. and technically all people should live in the wild, we have just evolved to live in shacks or mansions which is our choice of habitat, like the frogs. It could be argued that "having anything they want for their own amusement" would also include the computer you are using to make your comments. You and the rest of the world use electronics at the expense of the environment, but you seem to be more worried about these harmless little frogs than that aspect of it. I commend Pete for his research and point of view on this project and I know the girls and I look forward to getting our frogs and creating a loving environment for them.
Karla on Nov 16, 2009
We welcome posts sharing various viewpoints on any of our Daily Grommet boards and ask that the conversation remains respectful of everyone's unique point of view. If a post is overly disrespectful you risk having your post pulled and your point of view not represented. It's ok so far, thanks for stopping by!
Katherine - Daily Grommet Team on Nov 16, 2009
Recently a story was published in the Boston Herald that an undercover investigation by PETA found neglect in the handling of frogs at Wild Creations. PETA did file animal cruelty charges in South Carolina against Wild Creations, you can read the story here:
http://bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1217906&format=email

We asked Pete for more information and he forwarded us the following information.

Follow up police statement from the WMBF News (Myrtle Beach, Florence)

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Horry County Police began investigating allegations that a Myrtle Beach business is abusing frogs on Thursday, but were unable to find any wrongdoing.

Officers began investigating Wild Creations, located at 1560 Pine Island Rd., on Thursday after People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) reported cruelty to African Dwarf frogs kept there.

After a two-hour inspection, officers said the business was in clean condition, the tanks for the frogs were satisfactory, and the frogs appeared to be healthy and cared for. The owners of Wild Creations were able to provide documentation from a state-licensed veterinarian showing the care that had been provided to them, according to HCPD spokesman Sgt. Robert Kegler.

Officers contacted a SC Department of Natural Resources herpetologist to ensure the frogs were being properly cared for, and no evidence supporting the allegations was found.

--------

Pete also forwarded two documents. (If you click the link, a .pdf will open). The first one is the most recent inspection report from the Veterinarian who stops by quarterly to review conditions and procedures.
Vet Letter

The second letter shows the standards that Wild Creations sets for itself.
Wild Creations Handling Standards

Wild Creations has always been responsive to our inquiries and has been a great Grommet partner.
Katherine - Daily Grommet Team on Dec 15, 2009
I am so sad for those poor frogs being kept in such a confined space, and the fact that the water is only changed twice a year is outrageous!, not to mention how they are sent in a plastic bag in the mail, imagine that! Additionally the CDC just published a study that these water aquariums have the risk of illness associated with salmonella, not only in th frogs but in the water of the aquarium. Salmonella can survive extended periods of time in the environment causing the risk of indirect transmission through environmental contamination.
Kakalina on Jan 08, 2010
Kakalina,

We certainly respect your point of view and concerns, and hope you'll take the time to read the thoughtful responses from Wild Creations above, as well as the documents they asked us to post (just above in Katherine's comment from December 15th). We have every confidence that these folks have thought through all the various issues around safety for the frogs and cleanliness of their environment. Of course, we welcome everyone's comments here and respect all points of view.

Thanks for stopping by.
Jeanne on Jan 08, 2010
I hope you guys keep selling these. I have one and its makes my girls faces light up every time they see them. I read the report from the CDC and it does not say these aquariums cause salmonella. This woman clearly has an agenda...I wish people would stick to the facts and not try to scare people with misinformation.
Blake on Jan 11, 2010
We love the frogs in my house. I read the cdc report and no where did it say these aquariums cause salmonella. I happen to work in public health and see these reports all the time and what the study means is that in general when you have an aqaurium you should wash your hands just like you would after handling meat or eggs.
Pat on Jan 11, 2010
How often should I change the water in the tank, and how high should I fill it up?
Lauren on Jan 18, 2010
@Lauren, you change the water every 5-6 months filling it up per your instructions. Let me know if you no longer have the instructions that came with your tank and I will get them to you.
Katherine - Daily Grommet Team on Jan 18, 2010
looking beyond the instructions, this has been a very enlightening site. Understanding all that has been said of the frog's natural environment, is it inappropriate to buy extra gravel kits and furnish a new abode maybe thrice the size they're in? They are so fun to watch that I was thinking just a little more room to dart would please me, but what about them?
Allen on Jan 20, 2010
@Allen - that's a great question. We will have someone from Wild Creations stop back and address that. Thanks for stopping by!
Katherine - Daily Grommet Team on Jan 20, 2010
Special Guest Comment
Thank you for such a great question! If it would please you for the frogs to have more “leg” room I am sure it would please them as well! You would need more “living” gravel to increase the size of the tank and this is something we can help you with on a special order basis by calling our office; 843-448-8880. I would recommend first purchasing the new home for your frogs and then calling our office. We will need to know roughly the size of the tank in order to recommend the correct amount of “living” gravel to filter the water. Thanks again for a great question and we are so glad to hear you love your frogs!
Pete on Jan 21, 2010
when will the weather be good so the i can buy a frog and how much will it cost?
mandeep on Feb 28, 2010
@mandeep - we'll contact you directly because the answer depends on where you live!
Katherine - Daily Grommet Team on Feb 28, 2010
how much does the frog with all of the supplys and the tank cost
karampal on Mar 06, 2010
The classic is $25 and the deluxe is $30.

* Classic EcoAquarium includes 4 × 4 plastic aquarium, two frogs, brown & blue “Living Gravel”, 1 live bamboo, decorative rock and a year supply of Frog Food

* Deluxe EcoAquarium includes 4 × 4 plastic aquarium, two frogs, brown & blue “Living Gravel”, 1 live bamboo, decorative rock, black decorative base, and Eco-Aquarium Care and Food Pack (baster, net, and food pack)
Katherine - Daily Grommet Team on Mar 06, 2010
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