Lights, lights, lights (Red eyed)

[VooDoo]

Hi guys and gals. I am a new red eyed tree frog owner (actually have two). I've searched all over the internet for 'light' answers and my head is spinning with so many different opinions.

So I have my frogs in an 18x18x24 Exo Terra. I have the light fixture on top, and was wondering what lights I can use, or if certain bulbs are actually beneficial.

So what would be the best white/clear bulb to get...and what is the best for night viewing? Red bulbs? Blue?

Thanks a ton...

[DonLisk]

Hi VooDoo,

Your frogs do not have a need for any special lighting and most lighting placed on the vivariums are for either supporting plant life, adjusting temperatures, creating a day and night schedule, and viewing. When you first receive and house your new frog, do not to use any night time lighting while your frog is acclimating. Some frogs desire complete darkness during their active times (night) and the introduction of a night light may cause them to retreat and hide.
Only way to find out is to try one.

I use two 26 watt daylight white CFLs in my 18 inch hood to support the live plants. They are bulbs from Home Depot and have a 5500K color temp.
I think cost was about 5 bucks each.

[VooDoo]

Thanks for the reply.

So, do those bulbs give off UV light? Is that whats needed for plants? I've read somewhere that CFLs may hurt the frogs eyes...any truth to that?

Right now I don't have any live plants, but I'm thinking about getting the moss sheet for bedding. I take it that needs a certain kind of light to thrive?

Aws far as the night light...if I do get on eventually, is blue or red usually better?

Thanks again.

[John]

Nothing in a frog terrarium needs UV light. The plants (including moss) need bulbs that are usually labeled as "daylight" in the hardware store and walmart. Strictly speaking, plants will do best on light between about 5000k and 6700k in color - some bulbs will say this but anything that says daylight will do fine. You do not need specialist reptile bulbs. Frogs after all are not reptiles.

CFL bulbs are fine. Some is having you on.

[VooDoo]

OK, thanks! And how about the night lighting? Red or blue light?

[DonLisk]

I like the red for night viewing. The moonlight bulbs just don't seem bright enough to view anything.