questions about poison dart frog lighting

I know that poison dart frogs must have light. They do need full spectrum lighting right? Is it ok to get a reptile light that is full spectrum or do I need a different kind? Thanks

Brock Fluharty

Dart frogs do not need light. The plants in the dart frog cage, if alive, need light.

Do the plants need a full spectrum bulb? Would a reptile light work or not?

Full spectrum is best. Most reptile lights will be too hot. The kicker is finding a bulb that won't overheat your tank. Keep in mind, depending on species of darts, ideal temps are around 72.

I use to keep bromeliads in my dart tanks (pothos plants are great) and never used a light because those plants really didn't need it. It helped because during the summers it would get extra hot and you gotta be careful with the temps since darts are quite sensitive.

Can I get a special type of light that just allows me to see the tank better and not overheat at the same time? Thanks for your help!

I'm not sure. Maybe a low wattage incadecent bulb that is hung above the tank for viewing. Whatever you do be sure to have a thermometer in there so you know what the temps are at all times.

It's called fluorescent lighting. It gives off barely any heat and comes in all sorts of strenghts. I have a 90 gallon Hagen with a 48 " Full-spectrum bulb, It keeps my (live) plants in amazing condition while providing plenty of light for viewing. If you still require an adittional heat source I reccomend an under tank heater.

If I have to light and heat a tank I use something like a 96w pair of compacts. They produce heat and very strong full spectrum light. If the tank is too hot a computer fan works great for throwing some of the heat from the lighting. AH lighting supply has a good selection of compacts, bulbs, and premade enclosures for them. I have ordered from them for years, and never had a problem.

Rob Carpenter

Zoo Med and a couple of other companys make lights designed for amphibians. They are the 2.0 amphibian and won't fry your frogs. If you have Bromiliads and need the extra light make sure you keep an eye on the temparature and make sure that the tank has enogh shady areas as most Dendrobates don't like basking in the light.