new WTF owner need help with humidity

[shatrar]

Hello everyone, I'm new to the forum and brand new froggie grandma (they are a gift for my 10yr old daughter). We did quite a bit of research while deciding on a species, and finally chose white's because they seemed like a beginner frog and they are too darn cute! So we set up our old fish aquarium for frogs, then bought a couple last Saturday. The first couple of days went ok, but now I'm getting very concerned that our set up isn't ideal and the little guys aren't doing as well. The main issue is humidity, it just won't stay high enough even though I am misting about every other hour. I found this forum (after we set up the tank of course ) and have been reading as much as possible on here, now I'm paranoid that our little guys will get sick. My husband says I'm obsessing but I can't stand the thought of them not being healthy and happy. Here are the answers to "trouble in the enclosure", I'm hoping that all of you can help me out. They were both very light green but now Fred is starting to look brownish.

I was wondering if we should get the substrate really wet to help with humidity, or will that cause bacteria growth? Do we need to have a false bottom? Also the heat lamp doesn't seem to be quite warm enough, what additional heat source would you suggest? Can this tank set up be salvaged somehow or do we need a whole new terrarium?

1-enclosure is 24x12x20", 25 gal aquarium
2- 2 white's tree frog babies
3- humidity currently ranges from around 60 right after misting but quickly drops back to 30
4- temp is 75 day, 65 night
5-water is tap treated with reptisafe
6-substrate is coco fiber and also some moss I think it's sphagnum...
7-plants are all artificial, with one upright and a couple suctioned to the sides. Also some "jungle vine", and a soaking dish.
8-main food source is crickets and sometimes mealworms
9-vitamins and calcium ? not yet, we still have to buy this
10-lighting is a flourescent lamp for day
11- heat source is an infra red lamp on top of the screen
12- they have been eating every day
13- they were pooping regular, last one found yesterday morning I think, nothing that I've seen today but I did see them both go pee.
15- babies
16- this is day 4
17- captive bred
18- 3-4 small crickets a piece per day, and they've had meal worms twice. They both ate today, but George ate better than Fred.
19- I've handled them a couple of times, not much, just to separate them to opposite sides of the tank if one of them has already had their fill of crickets.
20-the enclosure is in the hallway, but our house is really quiet.

Thank you in advance, Michelle

[shatrar]

Also I watched Fred have some really bizarre behaviour, I have no idea what's going on. He started doing a lot of yawning, stretching, contorting his tummy, rubbing his face, and making a clacking noise. I thought he was going to die. He eventually stopped and then ate later so....what on earth was that about??

[flybyferns]

Also I watched Fred have some really bizarre behaviour, I have no idea what's going on. He started doing a lot of yawning, stretching, contorting his tummy, rubbing his face, and making a clacking noise. I thought he was going to die. He eventually stopped and then ate later so....what on earth was that about??

Hi Michelle,
Again, welcome to Frog Forum.

Your frog was shedding. Perfectly normal.

Please read:
http://www.frogforum.net/content/whi...-caerulea-121/

I am unable to answer most of your other questions right now - sorry. ( have to leave for work !!!)
I will check back later

*take the moss out (can cause impaction if swallowed)
*cover the top w/plexi or glass to help hold the humidity in
-there is a need for temp and humidity adjustments ! covering will help...for starters

Lots of great people here----I'm sure you will get additional help before I get home. ( 4ish)
Lynn

[steampunk]

Welcome, WTF are a great choice.

First off, like Lynn said, I'd cover the top of the aquarium with perspects to keep the humidity in. Maybe add a few pot plants like pothos, philododren (think that's how you spell it) peace lily etc. They help with humidity, give something to climb on, and look good.

The yawning is normal, its how they shed their skin, they eat it. Although if their shedding and the humidity keeps dropping down to 30% you must be doing a good job at misting, as they do this in humid environments, as I understand it.

What type of humidity gauge do you have? I recommend a digital one, as these seem more accurate.

If you can put some pictures up of your setup and frogs that would be great.

And remember enjoy your frogs ;-)

[shatrar]

The humidity has been a little better the last 24 hours. I think it's because it warmed up a little today and we didn't have a fire going. Sucks all the moisture out of the house. So I've been looking at automatic misters and humidifiers, like Exo Terra Monsoon or Zoo Med reptile fogger. They get mixed reviews on amazon. Any suggestions? Also if I cover up the screen top won't the frogs need fresh air somehow? I'm using the petco hygrometer, it's a dial, not digital. It's also at the top of the tank so I'm assuming it's actually more humid down by the substrate. I'll peel it off and move it lower next time I clean.
Went to the pet store to get crickets and came home with 2 more babies, Ron and Charlie. So I'm looking at new tanks, maybe the Exo Terra 24x18x24" or 24x18x36". I plan to order it in the next couple of days. What size under tank heater should I get?

Thanks, Michelle

[shatrar]

Oh I should add all the babies are green and cruising around the tank tonight

[EJT97]

Are all the babies the same size?

[shatrar]

Are all the babies the same size?

three of them are about 2", the fourth is a little shorter.