Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just inherited a 3x3in. Pacman Frog. Im an avid herper whos more familiar with snakes but Im stoked to have this girl. Since I only have one I want to make sure shes happy. From what I could gather off of the intranet Ive done my best to set up.
Any imput is greatly appreciated because I love herpetaculture.

Im a detail oriented kindof a person so along with all my questions heres an overview of my current setup so those of you who wish to respond can do so more accurately.

Caging: 1 ten gallon aquarium
1 metal screen lid

Lighting: 1 18in. flourescent UV reptile bulb (Ive heard its controversial but I just had it laying around)
1 60w incondescent bulb

Heating: (the 60w bulb)
1 12in. heat blanket under one side of the tank

Substrate: 2-3in. of combined mix; 1/2 crushed coconut shell, 1/2 peat moss, 1/4 vermiculite, scattered moss on top

Water: 1 6in. plastic saucer (used for catching excess water under potted plants) sunk into the soil to the rim w/ a little gravel in the bottom, lined w/ 1 in. rocks around the rim for looks and to help keep excess soil out.

Humidity: 1 hygrometer

Fead: currently eating 2in. gold fish and fuzzies

QUESTIONS

-with the heat blanket underneath one side of the cage the soil temp is roughly 83-90 degrees w/o the incondescent bulb, and the in cage air or top of substrate temp is around 73-80 degrees.
I live in a basement. Im having a pickle of a time trying to get her regulated. is this acceptable?
-how moist does the soil need to be?
-will the soil stay moist all the way through as long as I mist it everyday or is there another method for keeping it moist?
-is it ok for her to stay burried most of the time (with head out)
-what does it mean when she has completely burried herself in the soil?
-how often do I change the substrate?
-what is the most effective method for feeding mice/fish?
-will ingesting the soil vermiculite harm her?

Thanx

I don't keep pacmans but I'll post incase it takes longer for people to respond since it's a more general forum

Anyway, ingesting vermiculite could harm them, so I'd stick to a pure coco-husk substrate. You don't have to change it very often if you keep the rest of the cage clean (clean up excrete and change water daily). Also, I don't think you're supposed to just feed them mice and fish. Both are known to cause problems if fed excessively from what I hear, so I'd be cautious and purchase some insects and use the pinkies and fish as a treat. I think they bury themselves regularly, and it may mean it's cold, but I don't know so wait for that on, although I'm sure it's safe for her. The substrate being moist will depend on the species so that would depend, but you'll see if it gets too dry or too wet. The only thing is that if the animal is going to bury into the substrate it's not a good idea to use an under-tank heater because it could bury to cool down or not realize that it's too hot near the bottom. I don't know their temps, but I'm sure you'll get plenty of answers to that in time

I'll try to link this to a friend who visits the forums that keeps a few horned frogs
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Got hips like Cinderella / Must be having a good shame / Talking sweet about nothing / Cookie I think you're Tame

No, do not use a heat blanket. The heat should only come from the top for these guys, because they burrow to escape heat and may get burned. They should be in the low 80's through the day and low to mid 70's through the night.
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http://joshmilliken.tripod.com/

I definately appreciate your response because I want to know all I can but Im confused now. You say DONT use a heat blanket and the only reason I am is because I read elswhere from another keeper(probably novice like us all since it seems like theres not a whole lot of info out there about these guys), that the incondescent light would be too hot and that with the blanket perhaps the frog might spend more time up on top where I can see her more. Then again, Im still unfamiliar with all there habits so Im definately not trying to debate, I just wish I knew which was more apropriate.
By the way, how long have you had your C.O.'s?

I have 5 Ceratophrys cranwelli and 2 Ceratophrys cornuta. I have been keeping Ceratophrys for about 6 years now. And just use a low wattage bulb for the tank, whatever is required to get the temp up to around 83 degrees in the tank. I have had Ceratophrys ornata before but when I moved I had to get rid of mine last time. I am currently looking for more.
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http://joshmilliken.tripod.com/