Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have gotten my terrarium set up (water and land) and had some questions. I have a few tetra and 2 other small fish (one's a Tequila Sunrise and the other is very similar, both small)and an aquatic frog (I'm not sure what kind, but it stays in the water, doesn't go on land, and is gray). Before I add a land/water frog (or possibly other reptiles) I have a few questions.

How should I heat it. I have a 10 allon tank with rock around a waterall into the water which is about 2/3's of the tank with the flat rock (with moss) on the other 1/3. The only heat source now is an 18" 15 watt ESU Reptile Super UV flourescent lamp. I have the wire mesh lid covered with a towel (for now) to trap in the heat with some off the lid to vent. The atomosphere seems pretty humid and warm, but the water seems a bit cooler than the air. The tank sits by a window in a normally heated/air conditioned house. Is this enough heat for a land/water frog?

How long should I leave the light on? I'm afraid if it's off it will get too cold. Am I right?

What type of frog(s) or other reptiles would do well in this set up?

Sorry for the long windedness and all the ?'s but I want to be on the right path before I put the little guys/gals in a bad situation. Any other info would be greatly appreciated as well!

Thanks! Todd

First, I'd recommend getting a cheap aquarium thermometer so that you can determine what the temperature is in the tank. I like using the small, white plastic ones with a suction cup, but the little circular thermometers designed for reptiles work fine too. Second, figure out what species of frog or toad you would like to keep. Different species have different temperature requirements, so before looking into heating the cage make sure that is isn't already warm enough for the species you plan to keep. If you need to heat the tank, a small submersible aquarium heater can be used in the water area, which should help maintain a stable temperature in the rest of the terrarium. You could also use a small infra-red light bulb. The striplight your using, along with any other daylight, should be on for between ten and twelve hours a day. Good luck,
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Devin Edmonds
devin@amphibiancare.com
www.amphibiancare.com