Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
- Understand the purpose of hardscape in a bioactive vivarium.
- Choose safe and appropriate materials (wood, cork, stone).
- Design hardscape structures that support plant growth and frog behaviour.
- Create height, depth, and sheltered microclimates.
- Secure hardscape safely and avoid common design mistakes.
Lesson Content
Hardscape refers to the non-living structural elements of a vivarium, such as wood, cork, stone, and branching features. It is the physical skeleton of the environment and sets the stage for all planting and behavioural enrichment.
For dart frogs, hardscape is essential: it creates climbing opportunities, hiding places, natural foraging areas, and territorial boundaries. A well-designed hardscape also improves water flow, airflow, and microfauna distribution.
1. The Purpose of Hardscape
Hardscape materials perform several important functions:
For dart frogs:
- provide hiding spaces and line-of-sight breaks
- offer calling posts (especially for males)
- support safe climbing and perching
- reduce stress by offering cover and microhabitats
For plants:
- anchor epiphytes (bromeliads, mosses, vines)
- provide height for light-loving species
- block direct UVB exposure in sensitive species
- create tiered planting zones
For environmental stability:
- slow evaporation
- create humidity pockets
- stabilise substrate
- create airflow channels
The tank becomes more natural and functional when hardscape is well planned.
2. Types of Hardscape Materials
Cork Bark
- lightweight
- rot-resistant
- easy for frogs to climb
- ideal for creating backgrounds and hides
- safe with high humidity
Cork is the most commonly used and one of the safest materials.
Driftwood / Hardwood
Suitable types include:
- Malaysian driftwood
- Mopani (use sparingly due to tannins)
- Spider wood
- Bogwood
- Grapewood (if fully cured)
Wood provides natural branching structures but must be monitored for mould during the first few weeks (normal and temporary).
Stone / Rock
Use stone sparingly with dart frogs — they do not require rocky terrain.
Safe options include:
- volcanic rock
- dragon stone
- slate
- lava rock
Never stack unstable stone structures; frogs move quickly and can be crushed.
3. Designing the Hardscape Structure
A good hardscape layout should achieve:
A) Height
Dart frogs, including Dendrobates and Ranitomeya, use vertical surfaces.
Hardscape should rise toward the back or side of the enclosure to create a gradient.
B) Depth
Use cork and wood to create:
- pockets
- tunnels
- hides
- ledges
- shaded zones
Depth increases the natural feel of the habitat.
C) Planting Points
Hardscape should:
- support bromeliads
- allow attachment of moss and vines
- create anchor points for epiphytes
D) Microclimates
Hardscape design should encourage small environmental changes:
- cooler shaded areas
- warmer exposed surfaces
- dry spots for occasional refuge
- wetter zones near water features
E) Naturalistic Flow
Hardscape should appear organic, not symmetrical or “placed”.
A common method is the “Rule of Thirds”, placing the largest feature off-centre to create visual interest.
4. Securing and Anchoring Hardscape
Hardscape must be stable and safe.
Methods to secure pieces:
- silicone adhesive (aquarium-safe)
- zip ties (hide with moss or bark)
- stainless steel screws for cork panels
- planting pockets behind or within wood
- wedging cork between enclosure walls
Never rely on leaning pieces — frogs move unpredictably and may dislodge them.
5. Creating Backgrounds
Many keepers build hardscape backgrounds using:
- cork bark panels
- expanding foam + silicone + coco fibre
- premade backgrounds (Exo Terra, etc.)
- stacked cork flats
Backgrounds increase usable space and help mount plants.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Overcrowding the tank too early
Leave some space for plants to grow.
❌ Using untreated or unsafe materials
Never use pine, cedar, or chemically treated wood.
❌ Hardscape that blocks airflow
Large flat surfaces against the glass trap moisture.
❌ Loose or unstable pieces
Risk of collapsing onto frogs.
❌ Designs that are too “open”
Frogs feel safer when multiple hiding spots and shaded zones exist.
Key Takeaways
- Hardscape is the backbone of a bioactive vivarium’s structure.
- Cork bark and safe hardwoods create natural climbing and hiding spaces.
- Vertical and horizontal elements create microclimates and behavioural opportunities.
- Stable anchoring is essential for frog safety.
- Hardscape should support plant growth and naturalistic design.
