Heat waves and frogs

[clownonfire]

Well, for some of us, Summer is here. And with Summer comes heat. Some of our frogs will handle heat better. Some others, less. I'm think Phyllobates terribilis, a good number of Mantellidae... And much more.

By this time, I'm hoping most of you have removed your heat pads. I'm reminded here of an article by Cheri. But that still might not be enough to fight against heat, and extreme heat during very hot days. Here's what I do.

In some of my tanks, I use jerry-rigged computer fans. Basically, a fan spliced and attached to a power cord. It's very easy to do, as long as you get the same voltage for both the power cord and the computer fan:

1. Cut the two computer wires (usually one red and one black).

2. Cut your power cord and split the two wires.

3. Connect one of the power cord wires to one of the computer wires.

4. Repeat for the other wire

5. Use electrical tape to make sure all wires are secured together (see picture 1).

And there you have it, your air circulation/air cooling tank device.

Now. because I keep frogs who need high humidity, my enclosures have hand-made covers. I have a screen mesh, and I have custom-fit acrylic tops over the mesh.

1. The screen mesh will help the tank get some air circulation, and prevent the feeders from getting out.

2. The acrylic will help keep the humidity in. It's always cut so that it leaves 2-3 inches of uncovered screen mesh (see picture 2)

This is obviously my technique, and it works for me, but I like to keep the computer fan outside of the tank. I know some that drill the computer fan to the glass of the vivarium. I don't have that talent.

I personally keep the computer fan lying on the screen mesh, and cover all possible exits with loose pieces of acrylic. The idea is to let the air circulate in your tank, and not exit the tank, which will decrease the humidity (see picture 3). This took me a while to understand, and I must thank Corey for the explanation: the vacuum effect created by air flowing in and exiting will take the humidity with it. So make sure you cover well any exiting space when using a fan.

Also, because you will be blocking all other airways, if you keep your lights on, you will basically be letting energy in which will create a small green house effect. So during really hot days, don't hesitate to turn your lights off. They are mostly for your plants, and for their growth. See it as a cloudy day. Your plants will survive.

In a nutshell:

1. Make sure you know the temperature comfort zone of your frog.

2. Remove all heat pads/heating lamps.

3. Promote air circulation using a computer fan, or any other device that works for you.

4. Keep track of the humidity and the temperature of your tanks using digital thermometers and hydrometers.

5. Sleep well.

I encourage you to share your air cooling techniques on this thread, and help save a few frogs!

Eric