New To Whites Tree Frogs

[Cylifornia]

I currently don't have a frog of my own and I know the basics: Don't let them get dry or they'll die, whites tree frogs tend to over eat so be cautious etc. I've done my research and I will continue to, but I have a question.....

I found an article online that says to have a white's tree frog, I just need the following:

- Terrarium with a minimum of 10 gallons but prefferably high

- forest substrate

- UVB lamp

- Thermometer

- Hygrometer

- shallow water dish

- food dish

- decorations for the frog to hide/play on nd on

I didnt want to listen to google then end up with a sick frog so I thought I'd ask the people with experience. any clarification or things that should be on the list?

ALSO: What substrate should I use?

thank you

[deranged chipmunk]

that's a bare minimum. i would recommend you get the largest enclosure that is within your budget, since you are probably going to want more than one anyways....lol you don't really need a uvb light. but if it makes you feel more comfy, then go for it. therm/hygro, don't cheap out on this one, they are the most crucial instruments in the frogging arsenal, so your best bet is to go digital. stay away from the dial gauges, they are prone to be less than accurate. there is an excellent care sheet at the top of the tree frog forum for white's, (i'm sure you are probably reading that now...LOL). then go check out the vivarium section and see other's enclosures. you may just find some inspiration for your new future pet's home

[Cylifornia]

now what about heat lamps, are they necessary, would they hurt if I got him one anyway? is it ok if I get an infra red one so I can watch him at night? will he need any specific lighting at all?

[deranged chipmunk]

specific lighting, no. as far as heat lamps, i can't really answer, i don't use them. all my enclosures use a false bottom setup and i heat the water with an aquarium heater, which in turn, heats the air above it. many people do use heat lamps and ceramic heat emitters. i'm sure someone who uses them will weigh in soon enough

[Sasha]

I'll weigh in on this. You are going to need a way to heat your tank, whites need to be kept at about 75-80 degrees during the day and maybe around 70 at night. I don't have a water element in my tank so I have a heat lamp. It's just a dome light fixture with red heat bulb. My tank is tall and I have the decor set up so that the heat lamp is not directly over something that the frogs will sit on and burn their little butts. I also use a repti-fogger. Both the heat light and the fogger are set up with a hygro/therm, they are a little expensive but well worth the money!

I agree with Bill too, you will want to buy the largest and tallest tank that your budget can afford. Tree frogs LOVE to climb and be up high and you will want to get more than just one!

[deranged chipmunk]

Thank you Patsy

[Sasha]

No problem

[Cylifornia]

Im glad you came in with that info. So when I go to my local herp store on saturday I will pick up a red heat bulb (Im starting with buying things and then getting the frog, did the opposite with a turtle recently.... not fun.) and I already have a dome lamp. Im so excited!!

[Sasha]

Be very careful not to let the frog come into contact with the heat bulb. You don't want your froggie to get burned. I have mine resting on top of the tank because there is nothing the frog can sit on directly under it.

[Sasha]

Oh and another very important thing...make sure you know the size and wattage limit of your dome light so that you can buy a bulb that will fit it properly. I've recently run into that problem for another tank I have, I bought the bulb and it was too long for the dome!

[deranged chipmunk]

Oh and another very important thing...make sure you know the size and wattage limit of your dome light so that you can buy a bulb that will fit it properly. I've recently run into that problem for another tank I have, I bought the bulb and it was too long for the dome!

i did the same thing for my daughter's turtle tank.....LOL

[Cylifornia]

I want to have a mesh lid to the tank and have the lamp on top of the lid. I purchased the lamp and a hallogen bulb (for previously mentioned turtle) so I plan on finding one of the lamps in the store annd asking for a fitting bulb to make it easy for all lol