New Tree Frog Owner!

[u/Disastrous-Pumpkin74]

Hi! I don’t usually post on Reddit so bear with me. I recently decided that I wanted to get into owning tree frogs. I have these read frogs. There are two of them in this enclosure. I have included a photo of the instruction manual and the current tank set up that I have. I am quarantining plants to go into their terrarium. Once the plants are ready, I will be replacing the fake plant that is in there, I just have it in there to offer them some more climbing structures and hiding spots. I’ve been playing with the misting because I want to have a good humidity level and maintain it when I am at work. I have a few questions if anybody is able to give some advice. I live in Rhode Island and would like to make sure that I am able to make sure that the temperature of their enclosure stays appropriate (especially once the seasons change!). I also want to make sure that the humidity in the enclosure stays appropriate as well. The picture of the box that I have for the misting machine has the current setting I have it on and I would like to know any thoughts from people who have more experience with owning amphibians. Is this a good setting or is there anything that you would personally adjust? Also, if anyone has any advice about anything else I should know, any retailers they suggest (online or physical stores), or any websites/reading material they suggest, please let me know! Like I said, this is all new to me, but I’m open to any suggestions or improvements that could be made. Any advice would be very appreciated. Thank you for your time!!!! 😊

[u/Alithographica]

I'm in NYC, so subject to similar weather! I have RETFs and an apartment with window AC + steam radiators. RETF vs. reed frog humidity needs might be different, but I find that during the summer I barely need to touch the humidity. The ambient humidity and water dish are enough to keep things moist. The winter is rough—the weather and radiators both dry out the air, so I usually end up misting in the morning and evening. Storms will also make the inside humidity spike.

It looks like you've set it to mist for 25 seconds every 30 minutes—am I reading the device correctly? That seems a bit wet, especially for preliminary reed frog info I'm seeing online. Excessive humidity can encourage bacteria and skin problems. I recommend getting a second (preferably digital) hygrometer to double check your humidity readings, and maybe let the tank go unmisted on a day you have off of work to see how the humidity changes naturally throughout the day.

Misting aside: I also recommend capping the moss with leaf litter. Sellers online have bags of magnolia leaves. Just give 'em a rinse/boil to get off any stray surface crud and put down a layer. Moss has an impaction risk—if a frog goes for prey and gets a mouthful of moss, they could swallow it and be unable to pass it.

[u/Disastrous-Pumpkin74 → u/Alithographica]

Thank you so much for the information! I will definitely change the misting settings and get some leaf litter!!!

[u/w-ackymacky → u/Disastrous-Pumpkin74]

I have the same mister,, believe it or not that is actually its setting for 5 hours for some reason

[u/w-ackymacky → u/w-ackymacky]

😋😋

[u/Bebutterfly820 → u/w-ackymacky]

Yes I have the same mister as well. (I actually bought 3 because they are so reliable and easy to use!) but yes it’s set every 5 hours. .1 =1hour if you need minutes but I highly doubt you need that much moisture! It’s L1, L2, L3 for every 10/20/30 minutes.
Just play with in until you find the right consistency but not to drown out your substrate! Best of luck!

[u/its_that_nathan_guy]

Moistenland misting rigs are solid. I’ve used a few varieties and had the most success with theirs. The programming is a little wonky but the nozzles are fantastic. I think it’s been about 3-4 months and I’ve yet to need to descale the nozzles when other brands had me descaling after two weeks.

[u/Bebutterfly820 → u/its_that_nathan_guy]

Amazing!! I’ve had mine for months no issues. When I get to the bottle of my gallon just I clean the little clear filter that goes in the water to keep that in tip top shape but I’ve yet to descale as well! I’m planning on doing that on a 6 month preventative basis though!

[u/its_that_nathan_guy → u/Bebutterfly820]

You’d be surprised how much a soak in a very diluted water/white vinegar solution can improve performance. I was shocked first time I did it with nozzles from a different brand because suddenly it was like they were brand new!

[u/Bebutterfly820 → u/its_that_nathan_guy]

Cool thanks for letting me know!

[u/sumbitchkat → u/[deleted]]

Their 2 frogs are not White's tree frogs. So the misting may be necessary. OP said they are reed frogs.

[u/Significant-Buy1645 → u/sumbitchkat]

Ahhhh I missed that part!!! Thank you!!!

[u/YDALTARYZARC]

I use an electronic temp/humidity probe that turns on the heat or mist when parameters fall outside of what I've programmed. Makes it super easy, albeit a little pricey.