You don't need to heat your tanks as long as you maintain household comfort ambient temperatures. Do not use under-tank heating pads. They are not controlled by a thermostat you can adjust, although I believe they are supposed to have some internal control of an unspecified range. I've had them scorch wood under a tank. As long as the comfort range of your house is tolerable to you without dressing yourself in a down jacket, it's going to be just fine for the frogs. The lights will add some heat during the day and the tank will always be a bit warmer then the ambient temperature in your room. The soil and water will hold this over night, even when nights are cool. The range of 65 at night to 80 degrees during the day, is about what most people keep their household temperatures within. Many of the dart frogs can be cooled below 65, down into the mid 50's without substantial problems during the night. Most problems occur with overheating during the day in hot weather if you don't have central air conditioning, or if it fails.



The major problem is not heat in winter above what you are comfortable with, but overheating them in a small tank. They are not like tropical fish in this respect. They actually prosper with the same temperatures we are comfortable with in our homes. They just require more humidity.
-----
Patty

Pahsimeroi, Idaho



D. auratus blue, auratus Ancon Hill, galactonotus orange, galactonotus yellow, fantasticus, reticulatus, imitator, castaneoticus, azureus, pumilio Bastimentos. P. lugubris, vittatus, terribilis mint green, terribilis orange.

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Hide Replies ]