Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi all, I am having a bit of a problem with my RETF tank. I set up their first tank with a tank bottom heater (you know the flat ones) and at first it seemed to do pretty well. The temps were a little low though so I turned it up a little. After a couple of weeks all the plants started to die. I just figured they weren't doing well in the substrate and was going to replace them when I got their new tank(a taller one with a little more elbow room). When I set about making the move I realized that the bottom of the tank was really really hot. Now I think the heat is what killed the plants. What other heat sources can I use? I set up the new tank with fake climbing plants but I really like the more natural look of real plants. Are there plants out there that could handle the high heat? The taller tank isn't heating very well with the bottom heater. This tank is in a pretty prominent place in my house and would like to keep it looking nice but what ever is best for my little ones is what I will do. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks, Jen

You need to have a heat light on top of the enclouser.I use a 60 watt day bulb and it keeps the temp at 80* F,I also have a 60 watt night(black)bulb that heats to 65* F at night.

First.. throw out that undertank heater!!! Tree Frogs go to the ground to escape heat. If they want to warm up, they go to the tops of the plants to the sun. So get yourself a basking lamp with about a 40 watt bulb (depending on the size of your tank of course)You can either hang the light over the top of the tank or clamp it at the side of the tank toward the top. Any way that will help mimic the sun. You'll have better heating AND your plants will thrive!!! If you want, you can also pick up a cheap floro light at WalMart and lay that on the top of the tank in addition to the basking lamp. It won't put off heat and will help your plants grow like mad!!!
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Heather