A few questions on Pacman housing and feeding

[AXSO]

Thanks for the friendly replies!

Firstly, how do I tell if my frog is male or female? It is difficult for me to get a undershot of the belly, although I may be able to get one eventually. What kind of Pacman frog is mine and are there any specific differences when it comes to care compared to others?

I have a 40 watt red night time bulb but I don't like leaving it on all the time because it either gets too hot or it dries out all the humidity. My house is a little too chilly for Bas at around 70 degrees (father loves this temperature!), should I put it on a timer such as 10 minutes on/off? I want my friend to feel safe and at home but it is very hard keeping the temperature up. Same with the heating pad, should I leave it plugged in all the time or when it gets chilly?

I have coconut bark for a substrate, I was given small pebbles at first but I didn't like it at all because of the risk of my lil' buddy accidentally eating one. I make sure there are always good size beads of water on the tank walls and the humidity at 70%-90%. Would an automatic mister be a good investment when I'm out at school or work?

I have a needle style hydrometer and thermometer that stick on to the side of my tank but I am concerned about how I will clean it. I usually put Bas into a smaller carrier container with wet moss and run hot water in the tank a few times to clean it out, but should I simply clean it with paper towels now? My brother-in-law has a Boa Constrictor and he has a digital hydro/thermometer that is fairly accurate, is the sensor a small piece of wire that you put in the tank? Would it be a good investment?

I do not mind "pimping out" my frog tank so digital and automatic gear is within monetary reach for me.

Thanks for the help!

Edit?: Woah! Sorry about the size of the pics, I'll resize them when I get a chance!

[85MkIISupRa]

Thats a nice looking ornate you have there

[mdtalley22]

I think a digital hydro/thermometer is a great investment and way better than those stick on kind. It will give a much better and more precise reading. I got one for my bearded dragon a few months ago and it has worked great. It is one from walmart for about 12 or 13 bucks, I think. And then you never have to guess where exactly the needle is or worry if it is only reading the glass.

[Greg M]

That's a wonderful looking ornate! You will find that there are lots of right ways (and wrong ways) of maintaining horned frogs or any other species. In my case, I use a low-wattage ceramic heater (40W) as suggested by Frank Indiviglio. I'm probably going to offend many knowledgeable experts here, but I use paper towels as substrate. Its not very natural looking but its easy to tell when its dirty and replace. Even if you change to EcoEarth or such when they get older, paper towels work really well with younglings. I think cleanliness is very important, whatever substrate you use. I also mist once or twice a day. I think as long as the temps and humidity are appropriate,and you clean religiously, these guys are pretty tough.

I think your guy is probably a little young to determine the sex...

[Greg M]

Here's his Daddy!

[Kevin1]

That's a wonderful looking ornate! You will find that there are lots of right ways (and wrong ways) of maintaining horned frogs or any other species. In my case, I use a low-wattage ceramic heater (40W) as suggested by Frank Indiviglio. I'm probably going to offend many knowledgeable experts here, but I use paper towels as substrate. Its not very natural looking but its easy to tell when its dirty and replace. Even if you change to EcoEarth or such when they get older, paper towels work really well with younglings. I think cleanliness is very important, whatever substrate you use. I also mist once or twice a day. I think as long as the temps and humidity are appropriate,and you clean religiously, these guys are pretty tough.

I think your guy is probably a little young to determine the sex...

I agree that using paper towels when young, is not a bad idea. I do/done it with my frogs.

I would like to note that saying coco husk is eco earth can be a bit confusing. Coco husk is an impaction risk to use as substrate. Eco Earth and other coco Fiber is not an impaction risk when ingested.

[Frogking]

cool ornate good luck.

[kluas88]

Paper towels may be an issue with getting them comfortable. With adults it shouldnt be a problem but when I had my babies on it they wouldnt eat.

Also for a simple set up get

eco earth bedding

sterilite shoe box

cobra heat mat

digital thermometer

This is how I have all my pacs set up and they do great.