Red Eye Tree Frogs are stunning amphibians native to the tropical rainforests of Central America and Northern South America. These beautiful frogs are known for their vibrant green coloration, bright red eyes, and distinctive markings. Red Eye Tree Frogs are arboreal and require vertical terrariums with plenty of climbing space and high humidity. They are nocturnal and prefer minimal handling. With proper care, they can live 5-10 years in captivity.
In this comprehensive care guide, we've compiled everything you need to know about caring for a Red Eye Tree Frog, including vertical terrarium setup, heating, lighting, feeding, humidity, and all essential supplies. We've evaluated each product based on quality, safety, appropriateness for red eye tree frogs, ease of use, and value. All products reviewed here include direct Amazon purchase links with our affiliate tag.
Quick Answer: Essential Red Eye Tree Frog Supplies
If you're in a hurry, here are the must-have items for a Red Eye Tree Frog:
- Enclosure: Vertical Terrarium 15+ Gallons - Tall for climbing, secure lid
- Heating: Heating System - 72-80°F daytime, 65-68°F nighttime
- Humidity Control: Humidity System - Maintain 50-70% humidity, essential
- Substrate: Coconut Fiber or Moist Substrate - Moisture retention, safe materials
- Climbing Décor: Branches and Plants - Arboreal, needs climbing opportunities
- Water Dish: Shallow Water Dish - Clean, dechlorinated water
About Red Eye Tree Frogs
Scientific Name: Agalychnis callidryas
Native to: The tropical rainforests of Central America and Northern South America
Maximum Length: 2-3 inches
Life Span: 5-10 years with proper care
Characteristics
Red Eye Tree Frogs are stunning amphibians known for their vibrant green coloration, bright red eyes, and distinctive markings. These beautiful frogs are native to the tropical rainforests of Central America and Northern South America and are arboreal, spending most of their time in trees and vegetation.
Red Eye Tree Frogs are nocturnal and prefer minimal handling. They require high humidity levels and vertical terrariums with plenty of climbing space. They are generally peaceful and can be kept in groups if provided with adequate space.
Essential Supplies for Red Eye Tree Frogs
1. Vertical Terrarium
A 15-gallon glass tank is the minimum recommended size for up to four adult frogs. The enclosure should be tall to allow for climbing, with a secure screened lid to prevent escape. Red Eye Tree Frogs are arboreal and require vertical space more than horizontal space.
The terrarium should be well-ventilated but able to maintain high humidity levels. Front-opening terrariums are recommended for easier access and maintenance. The enclosure should be made from safe, durable materials that can withstand high humidity and regular cleaning.
Key Features: 15+ gallons, tall vertical design, secure screened lid, adequate ventilation, humidity retention
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2. Substrate
Use coconut fiber or other moist, non-toxic substrate. The substrate should help maintain high humidity levels (50-70%) that Red Eye Tree Frogs require. The substrate should be deep enough to allow for natural behaviors and help maintain humidity.
Both coconut fiber and other moist substrates retain moisture well, which is essential for maintaining proper humidity levels. The substrate should be spot-cleaned regularly and completely replaced periodically to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth.
Avoid substrates that can cause impaction or contain harmful chemicals. The substrate should be safe if accidentally ingested and should not create dust that could cause respiratory problems.
Key Features: Moisture retention, safe materials, appropriate depth, easy to maintain, natural appearance
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3. Heating System
Maintain a thermal gradient with daytime temperatures between 72-80°F and nighttime temperatures around 65-68°F. Avoid temperatures over 80°F, as frogs can overheat easily. Use heating elements like low-wattage heat bulbs or under-tank heaters to maintain these temperatures.
All heating elements must be controlled by thermostats to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation. Place heating elements to create a warm area, with the rest of the enclosure remaining cooler.
Monitor temperatures regularly with digital thermometers. Adjust heating elements as needed to maintain the proper temperature range. Night temperatures should drop to 65-68°F, allowing for natural temperature fluctuations.
Key Features: Temperature control, thermostat regulation, 72-80°F daytime, 65-68°F nighttime, safe operation
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4. Humidity Control
Tree frogs thrive in humidity levels between 50-70%. Achieve this by misting the enclosure regularly or using an automatic misting system. The substrate, water dish, and regular misting all contribute to maintaining proper humidity levels.
Monitor humidity regularly with digital hygrometers. The substrate should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Some keepers use automatic misting systems or foggers to maintain consistent humidity levels.
Ensure the enclosure has adequate ventilation to prevent stagnant air while maintaining humidity. High humidity is essential for Red Eye Tree Frogs' health and proper skin function.
Key Features: Humidity control, maintain 50-70%, consistent levels, easy to maintain, appropriate coverage
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5. Lighting System
Red Eye Tree Frogs are nocturnal and do not require special lighting for health. However, providing a day/night cycle can be beneficial. Use low-wattage bulbs or LED lights that don't produce excessive heat.
If using lighting, provide 10-12 hours of light daily, controlled by timers. The lighting should be gentle and not too bright, as these frogs are sensitive to bright light.
While UVB lighting is not strictly required for Red Eye Tree Frogs, it can be beneficial and won't harm your frog. If using UVB, ensure it's appropriate for the species and positioned correctly.
Key Features: Optional lighting, day/night cycle, timer control, low-wattage bulbs, gentle intensity
6. Climbing Décor
Red Eye Tree Frogs are arboreal and need plenty of branches, plants, and climbing opportunities. Provide multiple branches at different heights to allow your frog to climb and explore. The branches should be securely placed and strong enough to support your frog's weight.
Live or artificial plants can provide additional climbing surfaces and hiding spots. Ensure all plants are safe for frogs and won't leach harmful chemicals. All décor should be safe, securely placed, and appropriately sized for your frog.
Key Features: Branches and plants, multiple heights, secure placement, safe materials, natural appearance
7. Water Dish
Provide a shallow water dish with clean, dechlorinated water. The dish should be shallow enough that your frog can easily access the water without risk of drowning. Red Eye Tree Frogs will drink from the water dish and may also soak in it.
The water dish should be stable and won't tip over easily. It should be easy to clean and maintain, as it will need regular cleaning to prevent bacterial growth. Change water daily to maintain hygiene.
Key Features: Shallow depth, stable placement, easy to clean, safe materials, dechlorinated water
8. Monitoring Equipment
Accurate monitoring of temperature and humidity is essential for Red Eye Tree Frog care. Place digital thermometers to monitor daytime temperatures (72-80°F) and nighttime temperatures (65-68°F). A digital hygrometer helps you monitor humidity levels, which should be between 50-70%.
Probe thermometers provide more accurate readings than stick-on thermometers. Regular monitoring helps you catch problems early and maintain optimal conditions.
Key Features: Accurate readings, temperature and humidity monitoring, easy to read displays, reliable operation
View Monitoring Equipment on Amazon
Product Comparison Table
| Product | Key Features | Best For | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vertical Terrarium | 15+ gallons, tall for climbing, secure lid | Housing red eye tree frogs, proper space | $$$ |
| Heating System | 72-80°F daytime, 65-68°F nighttime | Thermoregulation, maintaining temperatures | $$ |
| Humidity System | Maintain 50-70% humidity, essential | Health, proper skin function, hydration | $$ |
| Substrate | Coconut fiber, moisture retention | Maintaining high humidity, natural environment | $ |
Setting Up Your Red Eye Tree Frog Terrarium
Step-by-Step Setup
1. Choose the Right Location: Place your vertical terrarium in a location with stable room temperature, away from direct sunlight, drafts, and high-traffic areas. Ensure the location can support the weight of the fully set-up terrarium.
2. Install Substrate: Add coconut fiber or other moist substrate to the bottom of the enclosure. The substrate should be deep enough to help maintain humidity and allow for natural behaviors.
3. Set Up Heating: Install heating elements to create daytime temperatures of 72-80°F and nighttime temperatures of 65-68°F. Connect all heating elements to thermostats for safety. Avoid temperatures over 80°F.
4. Set Up Humidity Control: Install misting systems or humidifiers to maintain 50-70% humidity. Place a water dish that contributes to humidity. Monitor humidity regularly with hygrometers.
5. Install Lighting (Optional): Set up optional lighting for 10-12 hours daily if desired. Use timers to control the day/night cycle. Use low-wattage bulbs that don't produce excessive heat.
6. Add Climbing Décor: Place branches and plants at different heights for climbing. Ensure all items are securely placed and won't shift or collapse. Provide plenty of climbing opportunities.
7. Add Water Dish: Place a shallow water dish with clean, dechlorinated water. Ensure it's stable and easy to clean. Change water daily to maintain hygiene.
8. Add Monitoring Equipment: Place thermometers to monitor temperatures and a hygrometer to monitor humidity. Use probe thermometers for more accurate readings.
9. Test and Adjust: Before introducing your frog, test all equipment and monitor temperatures and humidity for at least 24 hours. Make adjustments as needed to achieve optimal conditions: 72-80°F daytime, 65-68°F nighttime, and 50-70% humidity.
Feeding Your Red Eye Tree Frog
Diet Requirements
Red Eye Tree Frogs are insectivores. Provide a variety of gut-loaded insects, such as crickets and mealworms. The insects should be appropriately sized for your frog, generally no larger than the space between the frog's eyes.
Recommended Diet
Provide a varied diet that includes:
- Primary Food: Crickets (gut-loaded)
- Variety: Mealworms, wax worms, fruit flies (for smaller frogs)
Feeding Schedule
Juveniles should be fed daily, while adults can be fed every other day. Adjust feeding frequency based on your frog's age, size, and activity level. Feed at night when the frogs are most active.
Supplementation
Dust insects with a calcium supplement with vitamin D3, especially if UVB lighting is not provided. Use a high-quality reptile multivitamin supplement according to manufacturer recommendations. Proper supplementation helps prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Feeding Tips
Feed your Red Eye Tree Frog at night when they are most active. Use feeding tongs to offer food safely. Remove uneaten insects after a few hours to prevent them from bothering your frog. Ensure all insects are gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) before offering them to your frog.
Important Care Considerations
Enclosure Size
A 15-gallon glass tank is the minimum recommended size for up to four adult frogs. The enclosure should be tall to allow for climbing, as Red Eye Tree Frogs are arboreal and require vertical space more than horizontal space.
Humidity Management
Maintaining high humidity (50-70%) is critical for Red Eye Tree Frogs. This is essential for their health and proper skin function. Use large water dishes, misting systems, and appropriate substrates to maintain humidity. Monitor humidity regularly with hygrometers.
Temperature Management
Maintain daytime temperatures of 72-80°F and nighttime temperatures of 65-68°F. Avoid temperatures over 80°F, as frogs can overheat easily. Use thermostats to control all heating elements and monitor temperatures regularly.
Arboreal Needs
Red Eye Tree Frogs are arboreal and need plenty of branches, plants, and climbing opportunities. Provide multiple branches at different heights and ensure the enclosure is tall enough to accommodate climbing behaviors.
Handling
Red Eye Tree Frogs prefer minimal handling. Handle gently and minimally, especially when first introduced to a new home. Always wash your hands before and after handling, and avoid handling during the day when they are resting.
Maintenance
The terrarium should be spot-cleaned regularly to remove waste. A thorough cleaning should be performed periodically. Replace substrate as needed to maintain hygiene and prevent bacterial growth. High humidity environments require extra attention to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
Common Health Issues
With proper care, Red Eye Tree Frogs can live 5-10 years. Common health issues include:
- Skin Problems: Caused by improper humidity or poor water quality. Prevent by maintaining proper humidity (50-70%) and providing clean, dechlorinated water.
- Respiratory Infections: Caused by improper humidity or poor ventilation. Prevent with proper humidity management and adequate ventilation.
- Dehydration: Caused by insufficient humidity or lack of water. Prevent by maintaining 50-70% humidity and providing a water dish.
- Overheating: Caused by temperatures over 80°F. Prevent by maintaining temperatures between 72-80°F and avoiding excessive heat.
Final Verdict
Red Eye Tree Frogs are stunning amphibians that require vertical terrariums and proper humidity care. With a 15+ gallon vertical terrarium, proper heating (72-80°F daytime, 65-68°F nighttime), high humidity (50-70%), appropriate substrate, climbing décor, and a varied insectivorous diet, your Red Eye Tree Frog can thrive and live a long, healthy life of 5-10 years.
Remember that Red Eye Tree Frogs are arboreal and require vertical space with plenty of climbing opportunities. Maintaining high humidity (50-70%) is critical for their health and proper skin function. These frogs are nocturnal and prefer minimal handling.
Quality equipment is an investment in your frog's long-term health and happiness. Choose products that are safe, appropriate for red eye tree frogs, and designed to last. With proper setup and care, your Red Eye Tree Frog will be a rewarding and fascinating pet for many years to come.
Use this care guide as a reference when setting up and maintaining your Red Eye Tree Frog's terrarium, and don't hesitate to consult with experienced frog keepers or veterinarians if you have questions about your frog's specific needs.