Mites or parasites in waterfall water in viv?

[Dr.DDS69]

Hello everyone,

I have recently set up my first vivarium with help from Darren (Everett,WA) and have found to have some,appear to be small worms wiggling in the water of my brom. The viv has a corner pond with waterfall. In addition I have found some tiny, tiny white "bugs" crawling on my glass. The viv has been running for almost a month and I am anxious to get my Tinc's in the viv. I am hesitant because of these potential creatures causing harm to my frogs. Humidity is about average, temp about ideal, and using compact flourescent top. Sealed hood, etc...Any ideas anyone? Do I have valid concerns? Thanks, Dr.DDS69

[Marty]

Neah, I wouldn't worry about it. You'll always have some fauna in your viv, which is actually good. The mites will be eaten by your Tincs and the white worms are probably grindal worms. They probably come from the soil.

Let your Tincs in, no worries

[Dr.DDS69]

Marty,

Thank you for your response. I hear tincs are pretty hardy frogs and tolerate temp ranges from high 60's and high 70's. But do not do well in temps in the 80's. With winter coming up and temps dropping, I am considering hooking up a type of heater to the underside of the tank to maintain the temps during the cold season. The temp range at this time are high 60's and 70's. My fear is once the season starts in full swing, I may stress them out too much and cause them harm. If there are heaters available and if you recommend one, which one would you recommend? Thanks again. Dr.DDS69

[Tindomul1of9]

Hi Doc,

What are the temperatures, in the room where you will keep them, normally like in the winter time? If they are in the 60-70's I would not go for a heater at all, the lights will probably bring the temps up enough to keep the comfy.
If the temps fall below that then you will need a heater. I would go for a space heater to heat the room not the viv itself. Or stronger lights like Power Compacts which create more heat and will make plants happier.

[Dr.DDS69]

Tindo, thank you for your reply. At this time the temps are as I indicated. In the winter I run the house heater to warm the house and the rooms. Would that be sufficient in the winter? Or should I change my fluorescent compact light that came with the tank?

[Tindomul1of9]

Im not sure what the temps will be, either I missed it in the post or Im being lazy :lol:
I would make adjustments as you go. Don't let the temps go above 80, or below 60. Anything beyond that range is unhealthy in the long run. Its not going to kill them overnight, but it will after two or three days.
Usually vivariums run a few degrees higher than room temp becuase they are enclosed and becuase of the lights they have. So what ever your room temp is, you viv temps will be 2-4 degrees higher. But thats in moderate temps.
For example, if the room temp is between 60 and 75 then the viv temps are between 2-4 degree warmer. But if the room temp is in the 80's or 90's, the viv temp is much more than just 4 degrees warmer.
I've never experienced cold temps.
Good luck

[Pavel]

Hmmm, hadn't thought about temps in the upper range. Yet another obstacle to the idea of my ever having pdf's. In the summer my apt often gets in the 80's even up to the 90's. If I had a house w/ a basement that wouldn't be a problem.