Where Do I Start?

can I do it myself or do I need to buy the tank with the waterfall or river already made into it, do I have to cut the tank to put in the fall

You can do it yourself. In fact there really isn't anyway to do it otherwise. There is no cutting of the tank, its all about construction and supplies.

I have to disagree with you liz, I know a lot of dart keepers have waterfalls/rivers in their tanks, but it isn't needed. Their are two species of darts that will only breed in the near of running water but they are very rare to find in the hobby. A lot of dart keepers also have started using expanded clay, Tree fern, or even covered syropor for the substrate to keep tanks cleaner. With a good misting the wast falls into the drain and then in to the sump tank to be tossed or filtered back to the misting system.

Here's a good link with insructions on how to build a tank with a waterfall without substrate. The instructions are in German but you should get the idea from the pictures. Heres the link E.N.T. Terrarientechnik - Regenwaldterrarium mit Berg und Wasserfall

Yes, I forgot to say, a waterfall ISN'T needed. Heavy misting can take the place of a river or waterfall. Live plants are they key. It will help create a self-sustaining tank.

Originally Posted by mikecoledarts

ok that I knew, however if we touch them while in the tank or something like that will they hurt us?

If I were as unsure about the animals I was about to keep as it seems as you are, I would not get them! Start out with something a little less complicated and easier to keep and maintain. Get your "feet wet" so to speak. Read and research before you commit to PDF's. (You wouldn't want to make a mistake and harm yourself, family, loved ones. That's why they are called Poison Dart Frogs!)

WG -

Hate to say it, they aren't poisonous in captivity....

But you are right. Much more research has to be done before they should be purchased. Don't forget feeding them. You need to be well rehearsed in breeding wingless fruit flies as well!

The frog's poison comes from certain insects that they eat in the wild. Captive born darts are lacking in this dietary source and are not toxic.

Originally Posted by Merlin

The frog's poison comes from certain insects that they eat in the wild. Captive born darts are lacking in this dietary source and are not toxic.

Thank you Merlin. I had no idea that they needed to develop the toxins in the wild. The uninformed has become the informed. My apologies.

No problem. I wouldn't have known either except that this topic has come up before.

even wild-caught specimens lose their toxins after 6 months. Not that anyone should encourage capturing of wild animals for pet trade. It's just a fact I came across when I was researching the frogs. I'm still tossing the idea around. The real kicker for me is the whole culturing of insects. It sounds like a lot of work, and I'm a pretty lazy person.