As UK summers become more unpredictable, many frogkeepers are left wondering how to keep dart frogs cool when it’s hot outside. Amphibians like dart frogs are incredibly sensitive to temperature, and even a few degrees too warm can lead to stress, dehydration, or worse.
Whether you’re keeping frogs in a bioactive vivarium or simple terrarium, here’s 10 proven ways to reduce heat stress and keep your frogs safe in summer.
☀️ Top 10 Tips to Keep Dart Frogs Cool in Summer
- Close Windows and Doors
– It might sound counterintuitive, but opening windows on a hot day can let in warm air and raise the room temperature. Keep windows and doors shut in the hottest part of the day. - Draw Curtains and Close Blinds
– Sunlight streaming through glass quickly heats up rooms and vivariums. Use blackout curtains if possible to block radiant heat. - Turn Off Vivarium Lights
– This is one of the most overlooked tips. Vivarium lights generate heat—often more than you’d expect. Dart frogs don’t need lights during heatwaves, and it’s 100% safe to turn them off for a day or two while temperatures are high. - Add a Desktop Fan or Air Circulator
– Position a small fan near (but not blowing directly into) the vivarium to keep ambient air moving. Avoid cold air blowing straight into tanks, as it can dry them out. - Reduce Mistings During the Day
– Mist in the early morning and late evening only. Mistings add humidity, but they also raise ambient temperature slightly if done when it’s hot. - Use Frozen Water Bottles or Gel Packs
– Wrap a frozen bottle in a cloth and place it on or near the outside of your vivarium. As it defrosts, it will absorb heat and gently cool the enclosure. - Move Tanks to the Coolest Room
– If possible, shift your vivariums to a shaded, north-facing room, basement, or utility area during a heatwave. - Increase Airflow Inside the Vivarium
– Crack open a vent or increase the mesh ventilation temporarily. Just make sure your humidity stays above 70% for most dart frog species. - Use a Temperature Monitoring System
– Smart thermometers or Wi-Fi hygrometers let you check temps remotely and send alerts if your vivarium is overheating. - Avoid Feeding During the Hottest Times
– Frogs eat less in extreme heat. Overfeeding during this time can lead to uneaten food rotting or attracting mites.
🚫 Don’t Panic – Frogs Can Handle Short Spikes
Most healthy dart frogs can tolerate brief increases to 26–28°C, but prolonged exposure above 29°C is dangerous. Always act early, and don’t rely on waiting until they show signs of stress—by then it may be too late.
If your vivarium consistently exceeds 27°C for hours at a time, consider investing in an active cooling solution, like a Peltier chiller or aquarium fan system.
