Red eyed tree frogs. First time keeper. Opinions / Advice required :-)

[DonLisk]

Real plants are always a plus since they provide a more natural enviorement and actually utilize the frogs waste. Snake plant, pothos, and bromeliads all make great additions as do branches and vines since your frogs are not usually found on the substrate or ground and travel from leaf to branch to leaf and so on to move about their surroundings.

As for substrate, I like to use plantation soil, coco fiber, or Zilla's jungle mix covered in either leaf liter or some moss.
Both help with humidity.

[ben7ani]

Ok cool, shall I sort it out asap? Or do it once they are settled. Came home tonight to find one of them sleeping on the glass at the top but not hiding is this ok? (he has moved drastically from where he was originally in his hiding place).. And my other frog is sat in the water dish. Signs good so far? I just want them to settle in asap and make sure they're ok.

[ViperJr]

I can see that you got some great advice already, but I just want to add with a few things:
1. It can't be stressed enough how much they need it to be dark at night. Like, pitch dark, at least when they're settling in. After a month or two (or more correctly, when they're settled in to their new home), you can add night lights to view them at night.
2. If you want even more feedback on the terrarium, post a picture of it. It's hard to actually comprehend how it looks with just words.
3. If you ask me, personally, I really think you should have a lot of real plants. There's no reason not to have it, unless it's a quarantine tank or something like that.


Congratulation on the new frogs! I hope to see a lot of pictures.

[DonLisk]

I'd let them settle in some before doing anything drastic. You can set a plant in there and then do a major change later.
Any plants going in need to be rinsed well and the soil (which is probably fertilized) removed and then plants right into the substrate. You can set potted plants in if out rinse them well and ensure the soil in the pot is not fertilized.


As Martin stated, the more plants the better and total darkness is the way to go.
Check out some of the other members photo galleries for examples and to get ideas.

Oh, and if they are moving around thats a good sign. Just monitor their physical condition for color and weight when you can get a good look at them. I use a dim flashlight at night and try not to shine it right on them to look mine over.

[ben7ani]

I have removed the 60w moonlight bulb and replaced it with a 25w day bulb. I've also added a lucky reptile heat mat to the side the viv attached to a on off thermostat. There is currently no night time viewing bulb. I have added the bowl... But no joy last night. Should I remove the uneaten crickets or just leave them at the bottom of the bowl and chuck some food in for the them so the crickets don't die.