Lighting RETF

[verb408]

Sorry for spamming post. I tried searching on the forums and on the internet as well. I am unable to figure out what day and night light bulbs I should use. I really need a night light bulb mainly for my daughters viewing pleasure.

Thanks again

[flybyferns]

Hello,
Spamming? You're not spamming
It's a good question.

I think when it comes to wasted $$ for me , over the years , it's light bulbs.

The 12 on 12 off is simple- just use an 8$ timer from home depot.
Most people say the red light can not be seen by red eye tree frogs.
I tried them- but it seemed to me that it interfered with their activity?
Same with the blue ?

Day light- I have live plants - so I use cheap Philips - regular base- plant bulbs.
Since my tanks are in my basement, I have replace the fluorescents w/ 48 plant type bulbs as well.


Sharing/Here is what I do:
Using the timer will get the frog into very a typical habit of waking within minutes after the light go out. So, prior to lights out is a good time to gently mist the tank ( not the frog ) as this is when they will shed. They will start to get in the mood to eat. That's fun for children to see ! As far as being able to see the frog, I simply put on a very dim light several feet away or use a little flashlight. Once their day/night cycle is established this does not seem to bother them.

Idea
Feeding: red eyed tree frogs bowl feed really well. You could begin to use a bowl --clear glass/ pyrex type /3" sides (remove in the morning)
Simply begin to add crickets in the bowl. They find them very quickly. It's a great was to monitor food intake / ensure they are getting their calcium and vits, and prevent certain 'cricket death' in the tank . Any left over crickets should be put back into the bin ( in the morning ) to gut load for the next night. If you bowl feed , your daughter will always be able to see them eat !

Remember- A daily cleaned /shallow soaking dish ( not above the frogs' chin) for the frog to soak in. I use a ceramic saucer.
Always de-chlorinator water!

Hope this helps
Lynn

[verb408]

Thank you for all the good information, I will try these tactics out.