Beginner Lighting Question

[ARod]

I have recently got the itch to setup a dart frog vivarium. I have experience with keeping reptiles but never any frogs. I plan to set up a background and plant the tank for the frogs. However, I cant seem to determine the type of light I need for the plants. The general agreement seems to be compact fluorescent. I was curious if anyone could point me to a decently priced one.

or

Would this be a good one to buy?
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/p ... 004+113176

The 24" freshwater version.


I searched through the boards here and didn't seem to find an exact answer to my question. I like to have exact answers.


Thanks in advance guys and gals!

[Cindy Dicken]

Hello ARod,
welcome to the forum.

Can you tell us a little more about the tank you are planning to put this light on, like what size it is.

[ARod]

I'm sorry! I forgot my information.

The tank is a 20 gallon tall. I plan to get either two or three D. auratus depending on space once the background is finished. I plan to get some moss for the bottom, a creeping fig, a fern, java moss, an orchid or two, and possibly another plant for the background.

Thanks!

[Cindy Dicken]

That light should be fine for that tank.

Depending on what part of the country you are in, you may need to closely monitor your interior tank temperatures with this light.

[ARod]

I plan to get the tank set up and planted. Then ensure that all temp and humidity requirements are fulfilled. Then start to culture the fruit flies. Finally after all my ducks are in a row, look into purchasing the frogs.

How many frogs do you think I could get in there? A pair or a trio?

Thanks!

[Cindy Dicken]

That will be determined by which frogs you are interested in.

[ARod]

I heard that D. auratus are good beginner frogs. Is that accurate? If so, those are the frogs I would be interested in.

[Cindy Dicken]

D.auratus (green and black) would be an excellent choice!
In that size tank you can comfortably keep two or three.

[ARod]

Those were my thoughts exactly. How far in advance do you think I should start to culture flies before I get the frogs?


Is there anything else that I am missing here? I think I have everything covered for the time being. I'm in the process of ordering my supplies off different websites.


Since I plan to plant the tank, should I use these as a base substrate:

First: Hydroton (LECA), Hydroponic Clay Balls
Second: Long Fiber Sphagnum Moss
Finally: My planting soil. What would you recommend for this layer?

Or is there another method I should look into?

[Cindy Dicken]

I think you could start 3 to 4 weeks prior to getting your frogs to start culturing flys.

We use a piece of fiberglass window screen material between the Hydroton and planting mix.

[ARod]

What do you use as your planting mix?

Thanks!

[Cindy Dicken]

We have a custom blend that we use and sell.

[chrismcdowell25]

I have been told to use this stuff and it seems to work out well.

some sites I have got while researching...

Co Co Bedding.

http://www.blackjungle.com/Merchant2/me ... y_Code=SUB

http://talkto.thefrog.org/

http://brianstropicals.com/faq.html

http://www.tropical-experience.nl/

http://www.blackjungle.com/home.htm

http://www.flyculture.net/main.sc

Let me know if any of that is helpful. I just ordered some Dendro Bedding which they say is just a chunkier Co Co bedding to see how it goes in a larger 20 gallon tank vs my 10. It is supposed to resist decomposing for 5 years.