Need advise for Red-eyed tree frogs-I'm a newbie

[nanafish]

Hello I am new to this forum. I am wanting to set up a habitat for some red-eyed tree frogs. I am going to use a35g hexagon tank that is about 23 inches tall and about 16-17 inches wide. I have been doing reading on them and have not seen anything about adding heat or any kind low wattage light. I live in northern Ohio so it does get cool/cold. I have seen heat cables available. If these are used, would it be best to run them in the substrate under the moss? Also, could a fogger be used to add the humidity? Or could a reptile waterfall be used alone or with the fogger? Would I want to have a partial lid that is of acryllic an the other half fiberglass screening?
Then the question of lighting. I understand that these frogs are nocturnal. Would a low wattage lamp or a black light be best for these little frogs?
Thanks for having such a great forum.

[flybyferns]

Hello I am new to this forum. I am wanting to set up a habitat for some red-eyed tree frogs. I am going to use a35g hexagon tank that is about 23 inches tall and about 16-17 inches wide. I have been doing reading on them and have not seen anything about adding heat or any kind low wattage light. I live in northern Ohio so it does get cool/cold. I have seen heat cables available. If these are used, would it be best to run them in the substrate under the moss? Also, could a fogger be used to add the humidity? Or could a reptile waterfall be used alone or with the fogger? Would I want to have a partial lid that is of acryllic an the other half fiberglass screening?
Then the question of lighting. I understand that these frogs are nocturnal. Would a low wattage lamp or a black light be best for these little frogs?
Thanks for having such a great forum.

Welcome to Frog Forum, Nanafish !
You will be able to get lots of help here. WARNING !, WARNING ! This is a very contagious hobby.

It is great you arr setting things up BEFORE getting the forgs. "Reading" and learning will really help you!
However, a quarantine period is needed as well - If you get more than one and they are 'together' then they can be in quarantine together.
If they are very young 'froglets' the quarantine in important to monitor their food , poop etc ( get to know them !)
A FF search will provide lots of information of what a quarantine enclosure should look like.

23" tall is nice--- for red eyed tree frogs -- the taller is better!
You will need heat if you can not maintain the necessary temp. parameters. A good probe thermometer is a must.
( I actually us a battery operated ,exterior ,weather station in my tree frog enclosures) Heat cables? Up to you. I use a 6' foot one outside my enclosures/ 2" under the glass! In my experience with these, I would NOT put it in the tank.

YES a day/night light cycle extremely important, It is very important you read more about this to understand how to take care of them properly.

Substrate does not have to be fancy. They really don't care about it . They only come down at night to eat. Read about bowl feeding, I think it is the way to go, as it is very important to monitor the food intake. Loss of appetite w/ these frogs is a sign of trouble. I would avoid moss ! You don't want them to swallow it risking fecal impaction . Yikes !

Plants, plants, plants. Start now----- lots of suspended big flat leaves. The will eventually sleep on these and feel secure there. Read about preparing the plant before they are put into the enclosure! After being re-potted ( and a waiting period) ---you can plop it right into the enclosure in the pot.

Check out member's albums for ideas!

Humidity is very important. An acrylic lid will likely be necessary. Mister or fogers are great. However, hand misting will work if you have to put off that expense for now ?

De-chlorinated water is a must ( for their soaking dish ) cleaned daily /chin deep
Distilled water is okay to clean the glass and for misting- and will not build up on the glass as much. The frog(s) should not be sprayed. .

Small feeders, even for adults--- using a calcium and vitamin supplement on regular schedule .... a must.

Avoid handling---- This is NOT a frog to own if you want to touch it !!!!! If it is necessary, clean damp hands ( powerless gloves) . And wash your hand when you are done !

I would have to say the most importing thing to remember ( for red eyed tree frogs) in my opinion is..... keep it CLEAN. Most illness occur form dirty enclosures, calcium deficiencies, and stress due to an improper set -up.

It's a start
Hope this helps !
Lynn