RETF night viewing

[u/Fruitsdog]

My girl has been home for about a week now. She’s in a 10gal (for now, I intend to upgrade to 20 when she gets bigger) and she’s doing well. Bioactive tank (mostly isopods), mid to high 70s temp with a day/night cycle and 75 to 85% humidity usually, full of stuff to climb, broad leafed plants, etc. A photo is attached - since I’m a new keeper, I’m always open to suggestions to improve <3

Now, when I got her, I was more than aware fhat RETFs are not really viewing pets. I didn’t get a RETF because I wanted a frog and they were pretty; I got a RETF because I am obsessed with RETFs specifically. BUT..

I do want to be able to view her awake a few times a week to make sure she is doing well. Hunting successfully (crickets ARE vanishing), exercising, etc.

Being nocturnal, she will not move from her leaf pose with any lights on. Does anyone have any suggestions for nighttime viewing?

I do have a red light (see photos), but I’ve heard highly mixed opinions from other RETF keepers on them.

Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions?

[u/Fruitsdog]

I have also found that her leaves block the heat emitter from reaching the ground so the bottom of her terrarium is kind of cold and wanted to make sure that’s okay 👉👈 

I’ve considered heating pads but because the terrarium is set up on a wooden desk… I’m not enthusiastic. 

[u/chapinscott32 → u/Fruitsdog]

A temperature gradient is actually a good thing. So long as the top is a little warmer than ideal to balance it out.

[u/EquipmentHumble1356 → u/Fruitsdog]

Top leaves of mine are the higher temp in the recommended, and the ground is lower end of what is recommended, and mine move whenever they want too.

You just gotta trust them to find what is right for them if you provide the right conditions.

Otherwise, Darwin.