Shelf for 3 frog types

[Baloo]

I want to have a level for my tomato frogs which I have now and two other levels on this pet shelf that I'm having built. The second level down I want to have some fire belly toads and the final one a pacman frog. My living room is in a space where light can come in but my room mate prefers the blinds closed so even though these species don't tend to need uv if they have natural light I don't really have it. The exo terra dimensions for each tank are 24"L x 12"H x 18"D. My plans so far is to have the insides 26" wide to accommodate the length. The pacman is going to have at least 7" above the tank to accommodate for a 5.5" ALT's heat lamp on top of it. I saw a Zoomed dome light but the dimensions look to be 10" high. I don't want the total height of this to be greater that 72". The tomato frogs I am getting a Amazon.com: Zoo Med ReptiTherm® Under Tank Heater, Medium: Pet Supplies but as without having NL what light fixture should I get on top that is inexpensive and small? For the Fire bellies, can I use the heat pad for them as well? And should I go with the same light fixture option as the tomato frogs? My last question is what kind of rheostat or other temperature control option should I get? Looking for a good/reliable one that's not too expensive. Thanks for everyone who reads this.

[flybyferns]

I use these products

very pleased--- lots of flexibility-- easy to move around to make temp adjustments
outsidethe tanks / under the enclosures

Exo Terra : Heat Cable / Terrarium Substrate Heater

I use these as well to monitor the temp of the substrate - stick them rith into the soil
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...10471&breeds=1

and these ( closed probe) to monitor the air temp in the enclosure:
Exo Terra : Thermometer / Digital Thermometer - Digital Precision Instrument

[Mentat]

Hi Robbie! Went ahead and deleted the double post for you .

...The pacman is going to have at least 7" above the tank to accommodate for a 5.5" ALT's heat lamp on top of it. I saw a Zoomed dome light but the dimensions look to be 10" high. I don't want the total height of this to be greater that 72".
With a 5.5" clearance you can look at either a mini dome (requires a dedicated small quartz bulb) or one of Zoo Med's Naturalistic Hood's.

The tomato frogs I am getting a Amazon.com: Zoo Med ReptiTherm® Under Tank Heater, Medium: Pet Supplies but as without having NL what light fixture should I get on top that is inexpensive and small?
Any daylight that fits space will do. If using live plants ensure it burns at 6,500K. LEDs are becoming very affordable and do not require frequent bulb replacement.

For the Fire bellies, can I use the heat pad for them as well? And should I go with the same light fixture option as the tomato frogs?
It depends on how you build the enclosure. Heat Pads are a risk if water is near them; a splash of water on a hot glass could make it crack. In such an instance a heat bulb on top is better. For illumination same light as for Tomato's is OK.

My last question is what kind of rheostat or other temperature control option should I get? Looking for a good/reliable one that's not too expensive. Thanks for everyone who reads this.
The issue here is that you are keeping 3 enclosures for frogs with different heat parameters. That means buying 3 different manual rheostats or automatic thermostats and it won't be cheap. My recommendation is to conduct a further study of each frog temperature and humidity requirements and ensure you can provide that in your furniture/stand.

[Baloo]

Hi Lynn. I was looking at the product on Amazon Amazon.com: Exo Terra Heater Cable, 15-Feet/25-Watt: Pet Supplies and 2 good reviews and 3 bad, so I was a bit wobbly on it. But if your very pleased and had them a the heater a while I should be alright. Thanks for your help! Carlos: The 5.5" was the light, but turns out the height was closer to 6.5" I guess they measure these by distance of the base of the bulb, one end to the other. I think the mini deep domes are 10" in height, I may go for the naturalistic. I think for heat, I will use the 5.5" ALT's incandescent bulbs and keep them low for fire bellies and the tomato I'm either going to do the same or use this device Lynn mentioned. Thanks you two! Is the naturalistic safe with the 2.0? http://www.zoomed.com/db/products/En...D=2&SearchID=1

[Baloo]

I looked at the zoomed mini dome and it seems to need to be elevated a bit in case of fire. So I'm going with naturalistic. Will http://www.pangeareptile.com/store/n...cent-bulb.html work with it? Otherwise I may be stuck having to use 5.0 with it which seems too much.

[Mentat]

The ZooMed 18 in. Naturalistic top does not use the long fluorescent tubes. It is designed to hold a C.F. UV type bulb together with a regular incandescent heat bulb (both with separate switches) .

[Baloo]

Carlos you are awesome man. I'm meeting with my carpenter Wednesday so I'll accommodate the height for the Zoomed 18 in. Naturalistic. I might not need one of these extra ALT's heat lamps with that but maybe good to hold on to!