New Gray First Frogs

[mnartgirl]

I just got my first frogs, young gray tree frogs. I tried to figure everything out but now I have some questions my local pet store told me to use a basking light during the day and it is keeping the tank at around 75-79 degrees I have coconut fiber for the substrate and several branches and fake leaves along with a water dish and a under tank heater. I covered three sides with black paper and put a med. size rock in there as well.

So first question is

Should the coconut fiber be wet when I put it in because it is always dry. I do mist but it doesn't seem to keep it moist.

I have frog moss around the water dish but it has died already how can I help stop this?

Last is there something I can do to help promote more green hues and light grays than dark grays?

Thanks

[hyla]

Are you adequately soaking the coconut fiber before putting it in the tank? It should be moist but not soggy. I think the reason it is drying out is because of the undertank heater which I dont believe is needed for these frogs. They thrive in moderate temps and humidity, nothing extreme. If your moss is dying it is probably because it it too dry. If you want their color greener you just need to have greener surroundings. Maybe try one side with green poster board instead of black. My frog is always a darker gray despite the greenery so sometimes they just are what they are.

[bshmerlie]

I use sheet moss over coco fibre so the coco fibre doesn't dry out and stick to the frogs. The sheet moss is the same thing they use around bonzai trees. It is green and looks like miniture grass. It also adds color to the tank. It can not be soaking in water because it will turn brown. It holds up well to normal moisture from misting, water fall moisture and frog sweat. It is inexpensive and can be found at Michaels or most craft stores. I would also agree and get rid of the under tank heater as that could dry out your substrate. If you have a cool house you could move the heat mat to the side of the tank if you feel you need it.

[mnartgirl]

Thanks for the help I turned off the under pad heater and redid the coconut fiber so it was nice and moist.

Thanks again

[mnartgirl]

bit of an update, the tree frogs seem happier with the moister coconut fiber.

I put some green paper on one side and am starting to see more variations in coloring.

Anyone now how to keep the frog moss from dieing and turning brown?

Thanks

[John]

It's very difficult to maintain moss in terrariums unless the moss comes from the same kind of conditions that your terrarium presents. For example, tropical moss in a dart frog terrarium. You need to keep it moist and you need good light levels.