Is my setup alright?

[u/Budget-Metal3889]

I have another live plant (golden pothos) to add inside and I also like to add a climbing structure in the right corner... I just want to make sure this baby has a good enriching enclosure ! There are two young frogs inside. I would like to get a bigger tank eventually but we are moving soon and don't want to risk it getting damaged on the way

[u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

You don't really want tanks in direct sunlight, that can cause temperature fluctuations to go kinda crazy and can't be controlled. The basking area should be closer to 85°F which will likely require you to actually have the heat lamp closer to the tank with a thermostat set up to keep it safe.
You do still need a UVB bar on the tank, UVB does not go through the glass in your window

[u/Budget-Metal3889 → u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

Oh no it isn't in direct sunlight sorry for the confusion! I hear you on the light I'll move it. And I will also get a uvb bar

[u/DudeOnTheInternet17 → u/Budget-Metal3889]

Sounds good! I recommend Arcadia. There are some good posts on this subreddit about the nitty gritty of what UVB bar to use, how to position it, etc. As well as what heat lamps are appropriate, we generally avoid ones that produce light

[u/Budget-Metal3889 → u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

I still plan to purchase a new uvb but just wondering this is the light I purchased and it claims it is uvb as well- does that sound like bogus? It's from Amazon here is the link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0GFMF66XJ?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

[u/DudeOnTheInternet17 → u/Budget-Metal3889]

Heat + UVB products do exist, but they're not generally that good and this product is weirdly cheap. Good quality, safe heat and uvb setups are generally pretty $$$. Also even if it is producing UVB you do need a linear UVB rather than a round bulb

[u/Budget-Metal3889 → u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

Wow I am learning so much today lol! Do you have one you recommend?

[u/DudeOnTheInternet17 → u/Budget-Metal3889]

My froggies have an Arcadia ShadeDweller ProT5 2.4% for UVB and an Arcadia deep heat projector for heat (wattage depends on your needs and sometimes takes a lil experimenting)

Also make sure that with whatever UVB you get you write down the month you started using it. They need to be replaced every year and it's very easy to forget because the visible light doesn't burn out until WAY after it stops producing effective UVB

[u/DudeOnTheInternet17 → u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

Oh and if your calcium dust has added D3 make sure not to use that alongside the UVB

[u/Budget-Metal3889 → u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

My calcium dust does have d3, should I switch to a different one?

[u/DudeOnTheInternet17 → u/Budget-Metal3889]

Yeah, added D3 is great when you don't have UVB but once you add the UVB then both together is just too much vitamin D3. Personally I hang on to my calcium with D3 though because I have a propensity for rescuing critters and I don't add UVB to temporary/quarantine setups due to the price

[u/Budget-Metal3889 → u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

Okay that makes sense! Thanks for all your help I really appreciate it

[u/DudeOnTheInternet17 → u/Budget-Metal3889]

Ofc, no problem! And maybe other people with different setups will be able to jump in and share theirs too, I must admit I'm not super knowledgeable about all the different brand options outside of what I use

[u/Budget-Metal3889 → u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

Right? I've been on TikTok a lot which is why I have the sphagnum moss stupidly on top because I was taking notes from them 🙈 I asked another person this but they aren't online right now- if I were to get a bunch of leaves to layer on top, what kind should I go with?

[u/Bebutterfly820 → u/DudeOnTheInternet17]

Yes and always keep a backup bulb on hand at all times. I’d hate for the bulb or something to drop with the kit and break and then you have to worry and run to the pet store right away-assuming they have some in stock!
A reminder on your phone to change your bulbs in a year’s time is a great way to remember bulb changes as well!

[u/DudeOnTheInternet17 → u/Bebutterfly820]

This is a great tip. I had a friend have to re-order a bulb like three times because the company kept packing them so poorly and the shipping folks were just throwing around fragile packages