Lighting question for RTFs

[Purrdoc]

Hello all,

I am setting up a monstrous terrarium for my little red-eyes. It is 48" tall (including the false bottom). I want to make sure I have the appropriate lighting for my plants, but not too much for the frogs. I am used to having reptiles, so "overdoing it" has never been a problem. I like the Mega-Ray lights because the UVB has good depth penetration. But, like I said, I don't want to fry my froggies!

Thanks for your help.

[Leefrogs]

Welcome to the forum. Well I agree, any light that would penetrate to 48" is probably too much for reds, as they don't require heating. So I would just go with low light plants at the bottom layers of your tank. I would build a back ground/hill to hike the plants up some. Or just nice tall plants like corn plant, fiddle leaf fig, snake plant, hybiscus, and tea plants.
Phothos is a low light plant that will fill in well and climb.

Red eyes do require some UVB, but only 5.0.

[Purrdoc]

Thanks, that is what I was thinking in my little brain. Just use CF lights that are 5.0s. Since the rainforest is a canopy, it made sense, but, I can never take anything at face value- something in me forces me to complicate matters!!

I was thinking of installing 2 CF 5.0 bulbs and another night time bulb- probably some blue LED lights. That way, I can see them when they are active, not disturb them, and have "moonlight" color.

Any problems with this?

[Leefrogs]

Nope, awsome. I am wanting to see your build. Take Picts and post for us, please. Led's are the best!! Wish I had some!

You can google for other low light plants, and cross check for toxicity. Or talk to your friendly florist. They have great starts that are cheap also.

[bshmerlie]

When you first get your red eyes do not use the moonlight let them use to their surroundings. Then 30-60 days latter you can turn it on for brief periods for viewing. Remember they prefer the darkness. Keep them in a room where they will get that. Quiet and dark.

[Purrdoc]

Thanks for the lighting tip. They will be in the same room and place they are in now, just bigger terrarium.

I got my LED's on Ebay for $6. There are only 9 lights, not too bright for the size of the tank (48").

Thanks again!