Wanting to setup a terr then a viv

[Slayer]

Hello,

I have a 125 gal aquarium. 72in.L X 22in.H X 18in.W "1/4in. Glass". With the potential to build anything I want on top, like taller plexiglass sides or as far as lights go and so on.
I got it for saltwater reef. But am thinking of trying this on for size.

I have a few questions. Light. I have Metal Halide lights. One ballast not in use right now. 175w. Is there any place for this type of light in Vivariums?
I am also familiar with temp, spectrum, and most of the other types of lighting involved in Reef aquariums. Such as Power Compact, VHO, HO, NO, Fluorescence. LEDS etc.
Are there place for these types as well.
What is my best bet for lighting?
Also is R.O. water used? Needed?
In the future I plain on keeping Tree Frogs, and maybe Poison Dart Frogs.
So, I want to aim for lights, plants, and habitat that are best for them.
There will be flowing, filtered water and more then likely small freshwater fish.

Any thoughts, or ideas would be helpful. Thanks

[Rainfrog]

Going with a Viv is a good Idea. With those demensions you would want an aquarium to be made of at least 3/8" glass or it could burst. I would decide wheather you want tree frogs or PDFs, then you would be able to build a more species specific environment. I dont belive it avisable to mix them.

[Slayer]

Well, how dangerous are the little buggers? PDF's
If one were to jump on my skin am I in danger of dieing?
I know the "Golden Arrow" PDF is the most toxic thing known to man.
I understand they are kept but what are the dangers.
I would love to keep PDF's. They are beautiful. But I want to understand them first.
Also, any suggestions on the Metal Halide lighting for plants? Or is it different for PDF's and Tree frogs?
Thanks

[AJS822]

I suggest searching on the internet more before deciding what you want. You will find out that PDF's aren't poisonous when kept in captivity due to their diets varying from that in the wild.

[Slayer]

Ah..... I see. I guess I never thought about the diet changing things like that. Interesting.
So then I think I will be leaning to toward PDF's. But That will be down the road a bit. Like I said this will be a terrarium for some time before I add any live animals.
Still about the lighting. What is the norm when keeping PDF's and the plants that are suited to them. I haven't been able to find much info about lighting a vivarium. I understand that different lights are used for different plants. As far as intensity and color temp. What are my options?
Also what are some good plants to start with? Do PDF's need specific plants? Do different spices of PDF's need different plants?
Is a good idea to keep flesh eating plants with PDF's? Or will they be in danger of being eaten?
Again thanks for the insight.

[Rainfrog]

Small PDFs can be eaten by plants. PDFs loose mutch of thier toxicity due to a lack of the ants they eat in the wild, but can still be toxic. Terribillis are the most toxic, mint, and gold and Iforgot the others. in the wild terribillis toxin can kill a man by entering a small cut on the finger before he new he made a mistake. with the light you want ot give the plants what they need without over heating or dring out the viv.

[Slayer]

So basically, Any lights can be used as long as a proper Temp. and humidity level is maintained? If I am understanding you right,..... Metal Halides can be used?
What temps in kelvin rating are best? Am I looking to go with a lower level like 5000k in the yellow spectrum or do plants do better in the blue/red spectrum such as in a 20,000k bulb or even 03 actinic bulbs that are very blue.
What do you run for lights "Black-Rain-Frogger"?
what I am more concerned with right now is the proper equipment.
I don't want to start buying MH bulbs, (That can be upwards to $100.00 a bulb) and end up getting the wrong ones.
Am I better off going with PC lights? Or N.O. fluorescence? And just go with plant and aquarium bulbs? Is it that simple?
I guess I shouldn't of gotten into the toxic issue of the frogs. (Although very interesting.)
Because I am more concerned with getting the terrarium well established before I put anything living in it.
The equipment is what I am after.
Again Thanks.

[AJS822]

For PDFs I have a Bromeliad and some larger air plants. I think they do well together because of the misting they require is the same kind of environment the frogs need. Most PDFs need between 70-80 degree Farenheit temps (nothing much lower or higher). As for lighting...it doesnt make a difference for the frogs just as long as the temperature range doesnt fluctuate from what they require (this is a little different depending on which species you choose). I would suggest using a full spectrum bulb for the plants to be able to grow and look the best since different color spectrums inevitably determine the color that we see from the pigments in the plants. For example, the green spectrum is what is reflected on the leaves of a plant as the red and blue spectrums are most effectively used by the plant in photosynthesis. So, a full spectrum bulb will give them good light to grow. There are many sites that give alot of information. Browse through many of these sites listed on this page: http://www.vivariumtopsites.com/
Also, since your tank is large you may want to put something that blooms ..many people put orchids which are good in those environments. they are also on the link.

[Rainfrog]

I think Metal Halides would probably be to hot for PDFs. I would suggest searching for posts by tindomul1of9. Real big on plants and keeps lots of herps. Very knowledgeable. you should be able to find what you need.

[Slayer]

Ahh....I Thank both of you. Yes I will look into these posts Black-Rain-Frogger. Thank you. And will check out the websites as well AJS822. Thank you.
I was talking to another member and he suggested T5 lighting.
I think this may be be the way I go.
Thanks again.