Mercury Vapor For Waxy?

[Beardo]

I've got a Waxy Monkey froglet coming next week from Sandfire Dragon Ranch, and I'm going to be housing it in a small 12x12x12 Exo-terra enclosure.....for a froglet I figure that should be perfect. I know they, being diurnal benefit from having a UVB source of light.....they also require a higher basking temp than most other tree frogs do. Has anyone used mercury vapor bulbs with them before with success? I know they have smaller, cheaper UVB bulbs like compact flourescents and whatnot, but considering the size of the enclosure, and the difficulty in having enough space for two seperate bulbs I was thinking if I can kill 2 birds with one stone and just use a MVB, it would be more efficient. The downside of course is the price on most MVBs and the higher wattage....the lowest I've seen is 100 watts and I think that might be a bit much for a small froglet in a small enclosure.

Thoughts?

[Lija]

They are actually nocturnal and if I were you i would get a few froglets while you can they love company of their own and I am very jealous!
You get it right, they need UVB, but never used your mentioned bulbs.

And 12x cube is a bit on a smaller size

[Beardo]

I know they are active at night, I guess I meant that they are actually out, exposed to the sun during the day lol. Bad wording there.

For a 1.5" froglet, you really think a 12x12x12 is too small? I've always kept baby frogs in smaller enclosures because I know they get stressed easily......I was actually thinking the enclosure might be too big lol..

[poison]

Lucky! I was hoping to pick some P.sauvagii's up this weekend but it doesnt look like im gonna make it to the expo

[beez]

you could probably get away with a 12x12 for a little bit, but they will definitely make use of a larger enclosure asap. i have my 3 babies in a screen cage with plexi front and it works nice because at night when i throw in crickets or roaches and the food climbs the walls the waxies can climb the screen walls also and go after them.

they can sometimes be very active at night and the more room and thin branches and surfaces you can provide i think the better. mine also now hang out in the plant i put in there all day. kind of a bummer because theyre less in view but i guess if it makes them happy.

i'll second the notion that you pick up another one or two if you can. they are definitely social frogs and its really funny watching then climb all over each other when hunting etc. they usually bask close to each other.

these are very cool and unique frogs though, you will have a good time with them. good luck

[Lija]

Sorry for disappearing, it is pretty intense here for me.

Beez Great job on a tank and beautiful babies!

David, 1,5" baby when climbing will stretch to probably 4", so 12xcube is very much on a smaller side, 12x12x18 would be better. And if general rule for frogs and not only - babies are getting scared in big enclosures, it doesn't apply to waxes. Nothing that would apply for other frogs would apply to waxes lol
Anyhow did you get it? Would love to see!

[Dreadfrog]

As far as mercury vapors go I never used on on frogs but I have used them for plants . They gat really hot and 100 watt would be a bit much I think . Plus they kick out plenty of UVB . Maybe to much .
Mercury vapor can be dangerous . If you use it make sure it is set up correctly and not close to anything flammable ..
Hope this helps