🐾 How to Make a DIY Pacman Frog Enclosure

Build a Safe, Affordable Habitat for Your Horned Frog

DIY Pacman Frog Enclosure - At a Glance

You can make a DIY Pacman frog enclosure using a plastic bin or glass tank, moisture-retaining substrate, proper heating, and minimal lighting. This step-by-step guide helps you build a safe, functional, and affordable habitat tailored to your frog’s needs—even if you’re a beginner on a budget.

 

Creating a home for your Pacman frog doesn’t require an expensive terrarium or custom reptile tank. With a little know-how and the right materials, you can build a fully functional DIY enclosure that supports your frog’s health, encourages natural behaviors, and even looks great.

 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to:

  • Select a proper container
  • Build layers for heat and humidity retention
  • Add dĂ©cor, heating, and lighting
  • Keep your frog safe, happy, and stress-free

Supplies You’ll Need

Category Materials Needed
Enclosure 10–20 gallon plastic tote with lid OR 10–20 gal glass aquarium with screen top
Substrate Coconut fiber (Eco Earth), organic topsoil, sphagnum moss
DĂ©cor Cork bark, hides, shallow water dish
Heating Under-tank heater (UTH), thermostat
Monitoring Digital thermometer and hygrometer combo
Optional LED light (low output), live plants, timer, misting bottle

👉 Best Substrate for Pacman Frogs

👉 Pacman Frog Temperature and Humidity Requirements

👉 Pacman Frog Tank Setup for Beginners

Step-by-Step DIY Pacman Frog Enclosure Setup

Various Pacman frogs in different colors, including green, orange, and yellow, shown in hand and in tanks.

1. Choose Your Container

  • Plastic tote (opaque or clear) – Lightweight, easy to clean, budget-friendly

  • Glass aquarium – Ideal for permanent display setups

Size guide: 10 gallons for juveniles, 15–20 gallons for adults

2. Install Heating (Side or Bottom)

  • Attach a UTH (Under-Tank Heater) to the side of the enclosure (never underneath if using deep substrate)

  • Connect to a thermostat set to maintain 75–85°F

  • Place the enclosure on a heat-safe surface

Never guess temperatures—use a digital thermometer to monitor warm and cool zones.

3. Layer the Substrate

  • Add 3–5 inches of moist coconut fiber or organic topsoil

  • Mix in sphagnum moss for added humidity retention

  • Pack it slightly to allow for burrowing

  • Mist until moist but not soggy

Add leaf litter or moss on top for a more natural look.

4. Create Hiding and Resting Areas

  • Place a cork bark log, half flower pot, or store-bought reptile hide for shelter

  • Ensure the hide sits securely on top of the substrate and doesn’t collapse

  • Add a shallow water dish with clean, dechlorinated water

5. Add Lighting (Optional)

  • Pacman frogs don’t require UVB, but you can add a low-output LED for visibility

  • Set on a timer to mimic a 12-hour light/dark cycle

  • Avoid bright, hot lights that dry out the enclosure

Albino or light morph frogs prefer dimmer lighting.

6. Ventilation & Lid Setup

  • If using a plastic tote, cut out a section of the lid and replace it with mesh or screen for airflow

  • If using a glass tank, use a standard screen top with clips

  • Maintain 60–80% humidity by misting 1–2 times daily

7. Monitor and Maintain

  • Use a digital hygrometer to track humidity

  • Spot clean daily, change substrate monthly (unless bioactive)

  • Refill the water dish every day

👉 Pacman Frog Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know

Optional Upgrades

  • Want to take your DIY enclosure to the next level?

    • Add live plants like pothos or ferns

    • Introduce bioactive cleanup crew (springtails and isopods)

    • Include moss mats or stone tiles for added texture

    • Build a humidity chamber using a sealed hide with moss inside

    👉 How to Set Up a Bioactive Pacman Frog Terrarium

Cleaning & Maintenance Tips

  • Daily: Spot clean poop, check temperature/humidity, refresh water
  • Weekly: Mist substrate more thoroughly, wipe down walls if needed
  • Monthly: Replace substrate or mix in fresh layers
  • Every 6–12 months: Full tank refresh if not bioactive

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a fancy terrarium to give your Pacman frog the perfect home. A simple, thoughtfully planned DIY enclosure can offer everything your frog needs—warmth, moisture, security, and space to burrow. By using everyday materials and following proven care practices, you can build an affordable, low-maintenance frog habitat that lasts for years.

đŸ™‹â€â™€ïž FAQ: DIY Pacman Frog Enclosures

Q: Can I use a storage bin as a permanent enclosure?
A: Yes! With proper ventilation and heating, plastic bins make excellent long-term homes.

Q: Do I need a water filter or pump?
A: No. A small water dish is enough. Just change it daily with clean, dechlorinated water.

Q: How do I keep humidity high in a DIY tank?
A: Use moisture-holding substrate, mist regularly, and reduce ventilation if needed.