Steady temperatures best for Dart Frogs ?

[goods]

I've read a few posts recommending that darts be kept at constant temperatures day and night. Personally, I try to give most of mine at least a 10 degree day/night drop. Though, I think some would benefit from even cooler nights than I can give depending on their natural elevation range. I was wondering if other people tried to keep temps pretty constant, or if they gave a significant drop as well.

[cbreon]

I've read a few posts recommending that darts be kept at constant temperatures day and night. Personally, I try to give most of mine at least a 10 degree day/night drop. Though, I think some would benefit from even cooler nights than I can give depending on their natural elevation range. I was wondering if other people tried to keep temps pretty constant, or if they gave a significant drop as well.

The acceptable temp ranges depend on the frogs you keep. Pumilio may be fine in the mid 80's, whereas keeping Tincs or Terriblis in that range may be a little more precarious. I think for this reason the 70's is the range most shoot for, upper 60's is fine, lower 60's is less than ideal for some species. Keep in mind that although these frogs may be able to tolerate 90's and 100's or the occasional low 60's upper 50's in nature, the temperature gradient available to them in a natural setting allows them to effectively manage their own temp much easier and more successfully than the limited space/gradient in a viv.

[Philsuma]

I've never heard of Steady temps for frogs. Now, for developing eggs and early stage tadpoles, yes. I would recommend steady temps for eggs.

I keep my Adult Dart Frogs (most species) at 'normal room' temperatures of between 70-75F with a drop at night of @ 5 degrees.

[goods]

Craig, I agree that the 70s is a good general range to go by. I try to go no higher than 80, 82 on a hot day, but I do try to give my higher altitude species nights into the 60s.

Phil, I generally agree with you when it comes to lowland species, but you don't think it would be beneficial to give tads of species that occur at higher altitudes a drop at night like they would naturally experience?

[Philsuma]

Temperature can influence sex determination. Sure, for the highland species, replicating any given range of temps could be a good thing.

[goods]

Temperature can influence sex determination. Sure, for the highland species, replicating any given range of temps could be a good thing.

That's what I was getting at. Species like E. anthonyi/tricolor, H. azureiventris, etc. that show heavy skew toward one sex in the hobby would benefit from a significant day/night drop at all stages of life in my opinion. I'm not necessarily recommending this for all darts, though.