New White's Tree Frog Setup Question

[newrkv]

I went ahead and bought the 18x18x24 Exo-Terra Terrarium. I thought it was the appropriate and responsible thing to do. I have attached some pics to this reply.

As for the lighting, no UVB light is needed at all? Meaning no daytime light is necessary, only a light for their basking spot? I think we have the humidity figured out and keep it around where it needs to be now since it is in range from 50-65%, mentioned by Carlos. What is the best light to use? Suggestions? I will get whatever is needed!

[GreenTree]

No uvb is needed...frogs cant absorb uvb through their skin so they get there needed vitamin d through calcium dust with D3 which I hope your applying.

Any reptiglow bulb is sufficient. No special lights are required.

[newrkv]

ok, great! brings up another question. as of right now, I have a reptile bulb, but the tank isn't getting above 72F. should I get another light or put a heating pad somewhere on the outside of the terrarium? or should I invest in another lamp and bulb and put it on the side?

I guess the easier way to put it is, should I put a basking light on the side, or just a heating pad to keep the temp up.

[GreenTree]

72 is not that bad... but if you want to bring it up 3-8 degrees higher which is also ok..the only thing that would bring it up a small amount like that would be a heat pad on the side. Another bulb may bring it up to high... and a ceremic heater would put out to much..even a 40 watt for that size of a tank. So I would start with a heating pad...but keep in mind 72 isnt that bad either for a whites tree frog. It also depends where you keep your thermostat in your tank. may be 72 in one area and 78 or 65 in another.... you know? Wise move on the upgrade of the tank size!

72 is a great evening temp btw...Those frogs are ok all the way down to 65. Im no expert but Im not sure where this 85 degree basking spot came from for a whites tree frog. The temperature in their local climate doesnt even get that high until the summer. The only frog I know that basks is the Giant Bicolor Tree Frog.

[newrkv]

yea, I figured that would be a factor with the thermostat. I have actually ordered another one. I am keeping one mid level in the tank, and then another nears the base of the tank. is that good positioning to get a good estimate of temps across the terrarium? or is better placement needed?

[GreenTree]

I was just looking at the local weather where the whites tree frogs roam wild in australia and it is dropping to 68 degrees at night and mid to low 70s during the day... SO your temp for this time of year in their wild climate is perfect.

The thermastat in the middle should be sufficent. So what I would do to make sure you get the evening and day times temps fluctuating for their local wild environment is leave the small heat pad on...and turn the light off. Monitor for a week and post your results here for day and nighttime and its always good to monitor the local temperatures of north western australia to make sure your getting the proper temps of the time of month.

[newrkv]

awesome! thank you guys/gals for all your help! I just wanted to make sure they were going to be healthy and happy! If all goes well with these guys, I am considering using the smaller terrarium for a smaller frog. What do you guys recommend that would be good in a 12x12x18 terrarium?