New Frog!

[foxiechef]

A new story entry has been added:

New Frog!

Hello All

I am a proud new owner of a Red Eyed Tree Frog - I have a couple of questions as I am not an expert.
1. How do I view my froggie when it wakes up at night without disturbing it - I know they are nocturnal and I am concerned about messing up it's sleep - Any thoughts?
2. If I do put real plants in the verrarium, how can I be sure that the dirt I plant them in is safe?

[spiro666]

hello.

1. You can put moonlights on it if you are willing to spend the money, or you can just let your eyes adjust to the dark and just search for him on your own. if i want him awake at night with light for pictures it is ok to turn the light on once and a while.

2. I only make vivariums and just get dirt from any pet store or local plant/hydroponic store and get clean dirt, usually peet. the plants dont need good soil as long as you put a lot of light and have the right plants. (pathos, arrowhead and anubias all work great).

[froggsong]

Coco fiber or peat moss, or an organic mix (with NO pesticides, and NO perlite) is the best substrate for a vive. Soil quality is VERY important to the plants, as is the light.
You can also use red lights at night for viewing. Just turn them on when it starts getting dark, that way you wont disturb the frog turning them on to look at him.
You should also be dusting more often that once a week, maybe every other feeding or so.

In the future, please post to a section in the forum rather than posting an article. You can also post to your blog. (Please don't take this wrong, we are just trying to keep the forum running a little more smoothly now that we are getting so many new members, and I tend to just be direct and to the point when I ask someone to do something differently next time. I'm also very sleepy and on my way to bed.)

[foxiechef]

Thanks! He's doing well, not eating too much, but croaks at night once in awhile. He's pretty awesome!