Question (basic)

[Hdavidf916]

That’s actually a great question. Unfortunately the relationship between uvb and vitamin d synthesis is poorly understood in amphibians. It may even vary significantly between species. For example species such as litoria aurea (green and gold bell frog) which actively bask in nature may benefit from both. However species such as ceratophrys (horned frogs) may show no benefit or possible adverse effects. It’s still a concept under study. Remember vitamins such as A and D can be overdosed so I would use descretion.

An interesting example of supplemental variation between species is found in chameleons. Recently it was found that montane species of chameleon require low d supplementation as they metabolizes d3 differently from other chameleon species. However the metabolism of vitamins and the need for uvb is better understood in reptiles.

Which species are you keeping? What type of uvb bulb are you using? How old is the bulb and how high is it above the substrate?

I apologize that it is taking so long for me to get back to you today and appreciate your urgency in your response. So... the specific species of frogs that I am using UVB with at the moment are D. Tinctorius "Cobalt" and Epipedobates Tricolor (Anthonii)- both dart frogs. The bulb (s) being used are about 6 m9nths old and I am aware of the fact that uvb is something that "needs replaced" every 9 months to a year. The specific ones I am using are zoomed aqua sun HO, and also I think they are Zoomed 2.0 bulbs (18") and the tubes are approx. 15"-18" away from substrate and the Aqua Sun GO about 13"-15" from substrate. Plz ask anything else u want to know beyond that as well...and give me thoughts plz. Thank u!