[SeaSlugSnorter]

Hello, I am setting up a rain forest vivarium for some dart frogs (Dendrobates Auratus) in Exo Terra's Large Extra Tall (36 x 18 x 36) terrarium. I need some lighting suggestions for the health of both the frogs and the plants.

edit: currently looking between ExoTerras UVB linear bulbs and the Nicrew RGB plus

 

[SeaSlugSnorter]

How much money do you want to spend? 😁

I know that was a rather unhelpful answer, but it’ll help others help you with suggestions. We have some members that are super duper knowledgeable when it comes to lighting.

I see thanks, Im not quite sure about the prices in the hobby, but id say around maybe 400

 

[SeaSlugSnorter]

I can light up about 5 tanks for that cost , but I'm very cheap.

Nicrew aquarium lights (RGB plus or SkyLED plus) work nicely, can be dimmed (have to purchase the dimmer separately), and have nice light qualify in my eyes.

I use an 30-36" Nicrew RGB plus on my 36x18x36" tank and an happy with the plant growth. I don't worry too much about plants though.

thanks for the tip. Coming from saltwater where each part is somehow more expensive than the last lol.

 

[SeaSlugSnorter]

NiCrew are the best. I think I spent $50 for the light the size you need. The dimmer/sunrise-sunset controller was like $15. I'm sure those prices have gone up a little but it'll definitely be less than $100.

Edit:
The 36" SkyLED is $55 currently.
https://a.co/d/cLnK759

Just a single light right? and should I get a reflector?

 

[SeaSlugSnorter]

No the light alone is more than enough for a vivarium. I use this on a 36x36" so it'll be more than enough for an 18" high tank. (BTW, exo‐terra only makes 18", 24", and 36" heights. So the one you're looking at isn't 16".)

whoops, looks like I had a typo, I meant 36 x 18 x 36. Thanks for the light advice!

 

[SeaSlugSnorter]

I like vivagrow 24/7 on the cheap side, but I'm going to throw some spectral designs on a new one I'm doing. Vivagrow 24/7 is $55 for a 36" while the SD is $200. On a 36" tall tank I'd go SD personally

Going to second on spectral designs, I just ordered one for a small terrarium I’m building.

thanks!

 

[SeaSlugSnorter]

One of the important features is the ability to dim the lights - many frog keepers have found that their frogs' behavior changes and they become more adventurous with lower light, so being able to adjust light level until you find the perfect balance for frogs (and slowly turn up light level as plants grow in and provide more cover/block more light) is essential.

great to know! thank you!

 

[SeaSlugSnorter]

I like vivagrow 24/7 on the cheap side, but I'm going to throw some spectral designs on a new one I'm doing. Vivagrow 24/7 is $55 for a 36" while the SD is $200. On a 36" tall tank I'd go SD personally

sorry to ping, but between this and this, what would you say would be more ideal? Is there any point to having the UVB?

 

[SeaSlugSnorter]

No. Not unless you're metering it to make sure you aren't overdoing the UVB.

alr thanks