Lights for my VIV

Red Lights seem to work fine for long term viewing. You could have a little light in the room (like a nightlight) that allows you a view of the frogs. I turn my basement lights on when I feed so the frogs are acclimated that when the lights go on at night, food is coming.

Pardon my ignorance but are they just regular red light bulbs or are they special for frogs? Where can I buy these bulbs?

It's my understanding that many herps cannot see into the infrared spectrum - though a number of diurnal species of reptile (bearded dragons and iguanas for example) do seem to be affected by the bulbs and these should not be used as a nighttime heat source for this reason.

Most red bulbs you see are simply painted red (not truly infrared), and therefore can be seen. I don't believe it is so much that they cannot see the red light, but it is much easier on the eyes than white light. Red light has a very low frequency and high wavelength; imagine sitting in a room lit by a standard 60watt incandescent bulb...now picture yourself in the same room with a 60 watt red bulb. The light is much less intense on the eyes, and you could probably sleep in this room with the red light.

You can find low wattage infrared bulbs at some pet stores, online reptile supply sources, and hardware stores, and even cheaper bulbs that are painted red. Regardless, I would only use the bulb for viewing during feeds and would not leave it on all night so that it does not disturb the frog. When using these bulbs with my Rhacodactylus geckos, I noted pupil constriction when they were exposed to the brightest area of light emitted by the bulb.

As Jeff states, red is the way to go. I have tried some of the moon light bulbs but they didn't do much to help with viewing.
You may find that with some frogs, when the lights go on they will cease activity. This is very common to occur with Red Eyed Tree Frogs.
On the other hand, my Whites Tree Frogs liked the red night light and fought for a spot to sit under it some nights.

Thanks Jeff and Don. One more question if I may and anyone who has the answer please chime in. Ive heard frogs can accidentally eat and die from moss. I bought moss for my frogs but am reluctant to use is because I fear this will happen. Any suggestions on what I should use in addition to the eco earth. Ive noticed that the eco earth get stuck to the pads on there feet and I have seen them struggle to get if off of them. What do you guys suggestion as far as ground cover for my Red-Eyed Leaf Frog. Thanks

I use leaf liter over my Eco Earth or Plantation Soil substrate. Agressive eaters on occasion miss crickets and end up grabbing a piece of moss and then swallow it since they have a hard time removing it from their mouth or just think its the cricket. The moss binds up in their stomach and can not pass. Sphagnum Moss is the biggest culprit I find for this occurring. Took me forever pulling and untwisting a 6 inch long piece from a Whites Tree Frog one time and thats something I don't want to do again.

Sheet moss, found as Christmas tree moss or tropical moss seems to work well but needs the right lighting to survive long term.
Since your tree frogs should be found on leaves, vines and branches, the more you provide for staying off the substrate the better anyway.

I sometimes use Sphagnum moss between the drainage layer and the top substrate to help retain some moisture.

Thanks very much Don. I will follow your advice

If your in the process of building the viv, check out members photo albums and some of the build journals here on the forum. You'll get a lot of ideas.

Where can i find the build journals?

Here are a few links to some of my builds and hopefully you can get some ideas there.
Here are those links:
New Viv Construction - pic heavy

A Quick False Bottom

20 Gallon Vertical Build Journal

15 Gallon Vertical Build

Originally Posted by DonLisk

I use leaf liter over my Eco Earth or Plantation Soil substrate. Agressive eaters on occasion miss crickets and end up grabbing a piece of moss and then swallow it since they have a hard time removing it from their mouth or just think its the cricket. The moss binds up in their stomach and can not pass. Sphagnum Moss is the biggest culprit I find for this occurring. Took me forever pulling and untwisting a 6 inch long piece from a Whites Tree Frog one time and thats something I don't want to do again.

Sheet moss, found as Christmas tree moss or tropical moss seems to work well but needs the right lighting to survive long term.
Since your tree frogs should be found on leaves, vines and branches, the more you provide for staying off the substrate the better anyway.

I sometimes use Sphagnum moss between the drainage layer and the top substrate to help retain some moisture.

Here is the mods I made to my viv. Hopefully my frogs won't be cover with eco earth when the crawl in the ground surface while feeding.

Very nice. wait until those plants grow in too. :-)

Thanks. It's not as nice as yours but I'm still a beginner. My girlfriend and I are already taking about getting a bigger tank. Do you know where I can buy a ledge or perch that can stick on to the glass of the tank? I've seen some pics of others that have these ledge type things for the frogs to perch on.

Lynn (flybyferns) is the person to ask about the attachable ledge things. She bought some ones that double as planters that attach via magnets

Thanks for the reply

I agree with Josh, Lynn has some beautiful ledges.