Opinions on how my new viv is coming along.

[Dan1990]

I'm using 26 watt compact florescents in 2 exoterra 36" compact canopies. So 8 lights in total. Is this wattage too high?

[Dan1990]

Would this be too much? I like that it is a stand alone product with speed control.

AC Infinity AI-120SCX Speed Control Fan Kit for Cabinet Cooling, Single 120mm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OXZ0OU/re ... lvb1QFT0YQ

[joneill809]

I'm using 2 x 15W Grow and Glo's and 2 x 17W Jungle Dawns on my 120. I had two more G&G's on there that I took out as they ended up being too bright. Most of my frogs seem to come out more if they have more shadows to retreat to. I keep it bright up top, but the viv floors are darker.

I would consider switching to fewer 13W Jungle Dawns in those fixtures - you'll significantly reduce the heat, and you can always add more lights later. You can also talk to Todd at light your reptiles about modding your hoods to improve air flow. I removed the reflectors from my Exo hoods and added a fan in one of the vents to get some air movement before I switched to custom built hoods.
http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/bulbs/led/

I use these fans:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00381 ... UTF8&psc=1

Unfortunately it looks like they are discontinued. I paid about $15 per fan and they have built in speed controllers. In my experience the AC Infinity fans are awesome, but they move a lot of air and are pretty loud, even for a "quiet" fan. Generally I stick with PC cooling fans and I buy a voltage adapter from a local computer shop for $8 (it can run two fans). The alternative is to find an extra brick from a retired appliance and splice it to your fan.

I would start with retiring your CFLs....

[Dan1990]

I ordered 4 of the 7" 13watt jungle dawns. Ill see how I like them and if I think that is enough. I am going to keep the one UVB bulb I have in one corner I believe though.

[Philsuma]

Buy a temp gun

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=5520&p=61446#p61446

[Dan1990]

It will be here tuesday what kind of temp gradient should I look for? I know over 80ºF is not good. But in the lower darker areas what should I be shooting for? Low 70s?

[Philsuma]

Temps in the 70's are fine. The NICE thing about the temp gun is that you can get nice accurate readings from your lights and fixtures and other high hot spots and plan accordingly.

[Dan1990]

Ok so I got the LEDs and temp gun. My highest temp was 83ºF and lowest was 77ºF so I'm running hot.

[Dan1990]

So I'm going to add a couple of fans to the lighting fixtures.

Also going to add an automatic misting system. Anyone know a place with some good deals?

[Philsuma]

Get 'clip fans' from Walmart or similar store .a..bed bath and beyond, ect.

Get a 'Mist King' misting system.

[Dan1990]

Get 'clip fans' from Walmart or similar store .a..bed bath and beyond, ect.

Get a 'Mist King' misting system.

The mist king is what I was looking at I was just wondering if anyone know of any good deals floating around right now

Ill take a look at those fans also.

[Philsuma]

No real deals on the mist king.... they are kinda price controlled. A Google search on them is gonna be 'watcha see is watcha get'... price wise.

[joneill809]

FWIW here's a link to a fan mod I did to Exo hoods. It worked out well for the time I used the hoods - I retired the Exos for a custom design.
viewtopic.php?f=39&t=6347#p38577

[New_b0401]

Hello I'm loving your viv! Following! Everything looks great I really like the stair-step like setup on the back wall very neat. I am also planning on doing a small corner tadpole pool like yours and after reading this looks like I have some good information on how to make it! Would you mind possibly posting a plant list? With a picture and/or description on where each is located in the viv? Keep up the good work I'm sure your frogs will be very happy in there new home!

[Dan1990]

Thank you
I've been battling a slug infestation lately but ill post some new pics when I get home and will try to get you a plant list. But be warned I'm still new and thus is me first viv so I'm still in the learning curve lol.

[New_b0401]

Thank you
I've been battling a slug infestation lately but ill post some new pics when I get home and will try to get you a plant list. But be warned I'm still new and thus is me first viv so I'm still in the learning curve lol.

Oh that doesn't sound like fun :x Sorry to hear that! Thanks I would really appreciate it! No problem we learn the best from personal experience anyway, but of course it always helps to have some encouragement :wink:

[Dan1990]

So I've not added a plant list yet because I'm still figuring out which ones are living and which are slowly dieing lol.
Here is a few pics though with frogs now. They are settling in quite nicely.
For a few days they mainly hid and was not eating well but now they are active and eating.

[joneill809]

Looking great! New Rivers? How many did you end up getting?

[Philsuma]

Yep, looking very nice!!

[Dan1990]

Looking great! New Rivers? How many did you end up getting?

Yes new rivers I got from "thebluefrogguy" on here. I have 4 total. Not sure the sex ratio yet. I do have 3 that seem to stay close together and one that keeps mainly to its self.