Had To Put Down Fire Belly Toad (oriental Bombina)

[jasonm96]

Hmm that does look like dropsy actually. Poor guy.

[JamesL]

Yeah. It got really bad.

[jasonm96]

Here's a helpful guide: http://www.exo-terra.com/en/explore/uv_rating_index.php

I kept fire bellied toads before and since putting them on UVB you could see the results, they were more active, brighter and just healthier in general. I would use a 5% UVB above most set ups and supplement them with something like Repashy superfoods calcium plus LoD, myself.

[JamesL]

I love that site! And what are the benefits or consequences of using somethingore than 5%? Is it desirable to use more than 5%, or forwned upon? I never thought about UVB lights for my fire bellies.

[jasonm96]

You don't want to use too much and that guide will help. Higher % bulbs can be used on taller set ups to supply the same amount of UVB on set ups where 5% would lose most of it's power by the time it reaches the floor. The thing is, D3 comes from whole foods and not insects and fire bellied toads would mainly feed on insects or other small things that are in the pond but none contain D3 (apart from maybe the odd small fish), so in order for them to get this vitamin they bask in the sun for a short period of time, I've even noticed the ones I cared for basking under the lights. If we were talking about the common pacman frogs, then it's different, as they can eat small mammals and then get their D3 from this. This is why D3 supplements are risky with amphibians that would naturally use the sun for D3. I have my american green tree frogs on UVB for this reason. You still need to use supplements, ofcourse and supplements are very important but you just avoid ones with D3 or use low D3 supplements or add them to the diet every so often (just because artificial light isn't the same as natural)

[JamesL]

Alright, thanks! I learned so much about feeding and water chemistry, I didn't think about lighting. Appreciate the information!

[jasonm96]

No problem If you're ever wanting to read some good up-to-date information on these guys, download the practical pet keeping app on itunes or get the magazines, they have some care articles on fire bellied toads that I've found to be very useful. A lot of other books are out of date on the care, sadly.

[JamesL]

Thanks! Will do!