[rosequoll]

I've been searching around online for a few hours and haven't been able to find exactly what I need to know, and while this isn't a DARTfrog tank, it is a frog tank so I'm sure you all can help. =)

I've created a planted tank using LECA, egg crate, flyscreen mesh and substrate. With plants (I'll attach a photo). When I first set up the tank it was simple LECA and spag moss with a UTH, which was keeping the tempteratures fine but 'burning off' the water in the LECA very quickly.

Since creating the egg crate bottom raised up, I'm now not getting very high temps in the tank. It's currently fine, but it's only heating about 1.5-2 degrees above ambient temperature and while it's 26`c/79f out that's fine, but once winter kicks in soon (already getting chillier at night, I'm in Australia so we're heading INTO winter now) I'm worried that I'll come out to 14`c/57f frogs. =(

I've added a bit of water into the LECA area hoping that it will heat up and help, but I think perhaps a heat mat on the SIDE of the tank may help the matter a bit more. I have a few worries here though:

1. I created the raised eggcrate bottom because I was, quite literally COOKING the plants, and the spagmoss bottom was easily reaching 32c/89f or more just below the surface. I don't want to create too much heat and fry the plants again.

2. I have tree frogs, and I'm quite worried about them burning their bellies on the glass if the heat mat is too warm. I can add little rubber feet/spacers but I don't want to even RISK this happening.

3. I'd go with a heat lamp instead, but this will burn off the humidity far too fast and bake the plants (and frogs).

Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[DemonicalEnvy]

Well if your tank doesn't have a glass top i would consider getting one it will keep humidty higher and the tank warmer. Using a low watt bulb should keep the tank warm even during winter. The more humid the tank the less the tank will fluxuate in temperature. I would be wary of UTH w/o a thermastat cause without one you are asking for burned frogs. A glass top is your best bet you may also need to cover the vents on your exo terra tank.

 

[PatEmig09]

I thought it was against the law to keep frogs as pets in Australia. Just what I heard. Don't know if it's true. Probally not. Just thought I would ask.

 

[rosequoll]

I thought it was against the law to keep frogs as pets in Australia. Just what I heard. Don't know if it's true. Probally not. Just thought I would ask.

Against the law to keep anything but native frogs, but totally fine to keep our natives (on license). We can actually wild catch and keep a few species in small numbers but they have to be caught from our own property.

Mine are on license, Magnificent tree frogs (Litoria splendida). Sadly any dart frogs would be illegal, though I'm sure they're here somewhere. =/

 

[rosequoll]

Well if your tank doesn't have a glass top i would consider getting one it will keep humidty higher and the tank warmer. Using a low watt bulb should keep the tank warm even during winter. The more humid the tank the less the tank will fluxuate in temperature. I would be wary of UTH w/o a thermastat cause without one you are asking for burned frogs. A glass top is your best bet you may also need to cover the vents on your exo terra tank.

Picking up a thermostat soon. =) Wont run one on the side of the tank without it.