This habitat has usually a dry substrate that does not hold moisture well, like sand. You can cover the sand in moss for a more natural look, and moss helps retain moisture. In this habitat you will also need some sticks, logs, a water source (a pool or bowl) and a few artificial plants. Frogs do not do well in a desert-like climate, and a small level of humidity should be maintained.
The lighting for a terrestrial habitat should be just like any other frog's habitat. A heat lamp with a dimmer should be provided and the light should be kept on between 10-13 hours a day. Lighting rules to live by with amphibians:
- Never provide lighting that is too bright and could damage your frog's vision. A 40 watt bulb with a dimmer lamp is ideal.
- Never have the heat lamp IN THE HABITAT. Obviously, the frog could jump onto the bulb and cause serious injuries to himself. Always leave the lamp on a well-ventilated lid, where the frog cannot get to it.
- Your frog should always have some direct sunlight every day; at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. Sunlight provides frogs with Vitamin D3, which helps frogs digest calcium. To find out more, be sure to read my Frogs' Vitamins and Nutrients article.
- Just like in the wild, frogs need a period of undisturbed darkness. This is easily achieved by turning off their lights at night and leaving the terrarium undisturbed.
Fresh water should always be kept in the terrarium and cleaned out every day, even if frogs don't go to their bowls when they overheat.
