Understanding & Using Compact UVB Bulbs

[findiviglio]

Hi Frank
Not sure if you are familiar with these sources, but it sure convinced me of the need for UVB for amphibians, but I guess that not all scientists are on board with this idea!
https://aark.portal.isis.org/researc...tamin%20d3.pdf
Amphibians and Ultraviolet Radiation
http://www.pnas.org/content/94/25/13735.full.pdf

Much appreciated, Terry. Important articles...many variables, of course, and some conflicting info (on other species) but it's very promising to see that such good work is being done. I hope all is well, best, Frank

[Geo]

I use 2 EarthTronics t2e CFLs in my Brown Mantella 50 gallon bowfront tank vivarium setup. These bulbs emit a soft white/yellowish light in the 2700k colour temperature range. 900 lumens, 80 CRi colour rendering, 120 volt, 50/60 hz, 13 watts. I have found that these lights offer sufficient light for the plants to grow easily and quickly and it seems that the frogs are quite comfortable with it as they are more visible and less prone to hiding or seeking darker corners. Mold / fungi tend to grow slower in a "warmer light" than in a "cooler" temp light setup as has been my experience. These CFLs also produce less heat than other brand/types of lights available which is an important factor in a small enclosure. I have found that some lights emit a more "cooler" (as in light temperature (k) and not ambient enclosure temp) white light but the frogs seem less active in such. Why that may be is for better minds then myself to figure out. If the light is more warmer (yellowish) they are more active, if it is cooler (whiter) than they are less so but the difference in activity levels may be hard to discern unless you have an obvious understanding of what would be their typical amount of activity / visibility. To the untrained / new frog owner it may not be discernable. Whether this light affects the absorption and usage of vitamin D I cannot say but I do compliment their feed with a sprinkling of reptile related vitamins, minerals and calcium to augment any nutritional shortage in the fruit flies and pinhead crickets that comprise of their regular diet.

[findiviglio]

I use 2 EarthTronics t2e CFLs in my Brown Mantella 50 gallon bowfront tank vivarium setup. These bulbs emit a soft white/yellowish light in the 2700k colour temperature range. 900 lumens, 80 CRi colour rendering, 120 volt, 50/60 hz, 13 watts. I have found that these lights offer sufficient light for the plants to grow easily and quickly and it seems that the frogs are quite comfortable with it as they are more visible and less prone to hiding or seeking darker corners. Mold / fungi tend to grow slower in a "warmer light" than in a "cooler" temp light setup as has been my experience. These CFLs also produce less heat than other brand/types of lights available which is an important factor in a small enclosure. I have found that some lights emit a more "cooler" (as in light temperature (k) and not ambient enclosure temp) white light but the frogs seem less active in such. Why that may be is for better minds then myself to figure out. If the light is more warmer (yellowish) they are more active, if it is cooler (whiter) than they are less so but the difference in activity levels may be hard to discern unless you have an obvious understanding of what would be their typical amount of activity / visibility. To the untrained / new frog owner it may not be discernable. Whether this light affects the absorption and usage of vitamin D I cannot say but I do compliment their feed with a sprinkling of reptile related vitamins, minerals and calcium to augment any nutritional shortage in the fruit flies and pinhead crickets that comprise of their regular diet.

Hello,

Sorry for the delay..this slipped by me somehow. Great observations...I think it would be useful to keep notes; we have so much to learn, and detailed observations such as you make are the key. I see you keep Hymenochirus...great favorites of mine; you might enjoy this. Best, Frank

[Geo]

Nice article. I have been feeding my colony of 5 ADFs an assortment of foods including very small (soft) meal worms, tiny pinhead crickets (week old), and brine shrimp. The mealworms and pinheads are enriched with a dusting of reptile vitamins, calcium, vit D, and a crushed mixture I make of various algae pellets and bottom feeder related dried food. I also include in their diet freeze dried fobloodworm and the periodic frog / turtle pellet. They have been very active and healthy for over a year so something is working.

[findiviglio]

Nice article. I have been feeding my colony of 5 ADFs an assortment of foods including very small (soft) meal worms, tiny pinhead crickets (week old), and brine shrimp. The mealworms and pinheads are enriched with a dusting of reptile vitamins, calcium, vit D, and a crushed mixture I make of various algae pellets and bottom feeder related dried food. I also include in their diet freeze dried fobloodworm and the periodic frog / turtle pellet. They have been very active and healthy for over a year so something is working.

Thanks for the kind words...I use a variety of fish foods for feeder insects as well..crickets, roaches, earthworms all relish many types. Interesting that you are using tiny mealworms...most folks do not go through he trouble of rearing them, so as to have newly shed, soft grubs available. I've had some success in breeding, but not consistently; planning an article soon. Please keep me posted on your group, thanks and enjoy, Frank