Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi there, I'm hoping you guys can help me out. I have a new tomato frog, and have done everything I have read about to make him happy. Lately though, he seems to be looking a little brown, telling me he's unhappy.

I've been feeding him three small crickets every 2 days (today i moved up to larger ones) His water is conditioned, his substrate is "eco earth". I keep a UV light on him about 6 hours per day. I would leave it longer, but he tends to jump at it until he knocks it off the tank and sends it crashing to the floor. I am worried that while I am away he'll do this and start a fire. :/

I've read that they turn brown when unhappy, but also they need the UVb light to keep them orange.

I've found it very hard to find information on Tomato Frogs. Any help would be appreciated, am I doing something wrong?

here is a picture of him taken last week:

and here is one i just took oh him, he looks brown and unhappy. I hate bothering him to take pictures, but I am worried about him.

No, you have not seen a brown tomato frog. Yours looks fine. Can you tell me about your set up more? Sounds like you need a larger tank. And your light is too strong. A single fluorescent would be plenty, since they are burrowing frogs.
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P. sauvagei
derekb15.tripod.com/tropicaltreasures

His tank is 20 gallons, it seems nice and big for him. He has alot of room to move around. His substrate is deep enough that he can bury himself fully. The light is a 50 watt UV-b. All the information I can find on Tomato frogs tell me that his set up should be fine. He has two plants in there, and I am still working on finding him something to hide under. He also has a nice pond/water dish that seems to be a good size for him. The water comes up to his mid-chest while he sits in it. The current temp in his tank is 80 degrees and humdity is bordering 75.

I havn't been able to find a picture of a "brown" tomato frog. If you have a link, could you share?

Thanks for your help.

Your bulb is too strong. For my phyllomedusa sauvagei (basking species) I use a 60 watt for 20 gallons. You are using 10 less watts for a ground dweller from madagascar. Maybe a 25 watt. The basking temperature for 60 watt over a 20 gallon is 90-95*F.
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P. sauvagei
derekb15.tripod.com/tropicaltreasures

I've read everywhere that this lighting is okay for him.

I asked in my earlier post if you could link me to a picture of a brown tomato frog. Can you also link me to some insight about lighting?

You seem to be pretty good at telling people what to do, but I'd like another opinion or the source of your information. Outright telling a person they are wrong isn't much help, and that's what I've come here for, help.

thankyou

Would youy like to know why you are wrong? I used to keep tomatos. When they arrived off shipping they were almost the color of chocolate. YTours is red and beautiful. Tomato frogs don't even need any light as they are burrowers and the lighting is more for the plants. Madagascar is a cool island and they don't need that much heat/UV. I will look for pics.
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P. sauvagei
derekb15.tripod.com/tropicaltreasures

How can I be wrong if I am simply asking for advice?

You seem to be full of more ego and pride then helpfullness.

I'll find the picture myself, thanks.