New Guy & My New Red Eyed Tree Frogs

[frogdad]

Hello, new to the site and new to the hobby.
After a lot of research I decided to try out my hand with tree frogs. I kept a successful saltwater reef aquarium for several years (see pic) so I think I should have good luck with these. They require a lot of care just like the saltwater corals and fish.
I purchased a pair of red eyed tree frogs from our local Petco, I was surprised to find them at a big chain store. Each frog is about 1 1/2"-2" long and my 5 yr old son has named them Lizzy and Bubba. They are being housed in a 12"x12"x18" Exo Terra terrarium. I'm using Eco earth compressed coconut husk for the substrate with an Exo Terra moss mat on top of that. I haven't read much about the synthetic mat but it keeps the frogs clean. I have an under the tank heater and I'm running a 23watt CFL bulb to simulate the day. My humidity is staying between 75-85% and the temp is staying low to mid 70's.
I'm feeding gut loaded crickets and dusting occasionally. As soon as I can find a good bowl I'm going to try and feed from that so I can monitor.
Is there anything that I may be doing wrong? Temp, humidity, etc? I've only had them a week so I want to make sure all is perfect for them.
Thanks in advance for any advice!
Here are some pics.
Lizzy

Bubba


Here was my reef.

[frogdad]

Wow! Can't believe I'm doing everything right. Haha! JK
I know someone has an opinion.
I can tell you that the Exo Terra moss mat is not cutting it for me. It looks good, holds water good but stinks to high heaven. It's been in for 2 days and smells like old wet carpet. It's gotta go immediately!

[flybyferns]

Wow! Can't believe I'm doing everything right. Haha! JK
I know someone has an opinion.
I can tell you that the Exo Terra moss mat is not cutting it for me. It looks good, holds water good but stinks to high heaven. It's been in for 2 days and smells like old wet carpet. It's gotta go immediately!

Hi Frogdad,

I'll chime in . Happy to help!
First of all Welcome to FF.

Just as well anyway/ the moss should go if it is real.
It could cause an fecal impaction if a red eye were to swallow it grabbing a feeder insect.
(Unless you are bowl feeding)
In the pic, the bottom of the viv is dark. So I am unable to see what's on the bottom
Change the moss to : ie zoo med coconut fiber substrate. Dampened , of course.
There are plenty of threads on alternatives ie false bottoms.
Check out members( tree frog owners) albums for ideas

I don't see temp or humidity gauges? If you have not had a chance to get them it's extremely important.
Here is a great Red Eye Tree Frog care sheet :
http://www.frogforum.net/tree-frogs/...caresheet.html

Your frogs looks very nice.
Tempting , I know !!! But handling should be only when absolutely necessary! (w/ clean hands before and after) .
Double check your artificial plants for sharp pointy ends or exposed wire as a startled frog can be injured if they jump into it.
Monitor the light, its looks close; especially if one falls asleep in the AM on the upper right plant leaves !
Put your wrist on the interior of the enclosure trim etc .
If it too hot for your skin it will most certainly burn a frog .
Just a little fine tuning !!

And, your reef tank is beautiful!

Lynn

[flybyferns]

<My humidity is staying between 75-85% and the temp is staying low to mid 70's. >
Sorry did not see this. it's past my bedtime !
Humidity does not need to be above 80%
The temp is too low.
daytime 78-82 F
night 71-75 F
If the "moss mat " ( if fake) can not be cleaned properly, you are right...... it will cause problems.

Bowl feeding works great. However they do need a little practice.
Aren't the crickets escaping under the moss?

[frogdad]

Thanks for the reply!
I am using dampend coconut fiber substrate, I was trying the moss mat to keep the frogs clean. Ive been reading up more on false bottoms and using live plants as well. I can see this is gonna be as addictive as a reef tank!
The gauges are in there just can't see them in the pic. And don't worry, clean hands and handled just to put them in the tank.
I hadn't thought about the light or plants but I'll definetly check them out.
I'm working on bowl feeding too. Hopefully this works out bc I want to monitor the amount they eat.
Thanks again for the reply and welcome.

[frogdad]

The temp is too low.
daytime 78-82 F
night 71-75 F

Bowl feeding works great. However they do need a little practice.
Aren't the crickets escaping under the moss?

No problem to bring the humidity down but any ideas how to raise my temp a few degrees? I'm using an UTH.

[flybyferns]

No problem to bring the humidity down but any ideas how to raise my temp a few degrees? I'm using an UTH.

Check the temp of the substrate. Stick an aquarium thermometer in it.
Maybe it is warmer than you thing.
That temp is okay for nighttime.
The light bulb you are using does not throw off any heat?
You could get one that does, so you could add a little during the day.
ie Like a plant spot. Philips brand -home depot

enjoy your frogs , and yes it is as much work as a reef tank, maybe more

[BlueisallIneed]

Welcome to the forum!!! Great pics!!! I don't have to chime in hahah just read what they all said! Congrats on your new baby!

[frogdad]

Welcome to the forum!!! Great pics!!! I don't have to chime in hahah just read what they all said! Congrats on your new baby!

Thanks for the welcome!

I think I have found my heating issue. The moss mat was blocking the heat from the UTH from getting thru.