Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:

• Understand the lighting requirements of dart frog vivariums.
• Choose appropriate LED plant lighting and UVB options.
• Maintain correct PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) levels.
• Position lighting safely to avoid overheating and desiccation.
• Recognise signs of inadequate or excessive lighting.

Lesson Content

Lighting is one of the most overlooked parts of vivarium design—yet it has the greatest long-term impact on plant health, humidity stability, and frog welfare.

Dart frogs do not require intense UVB like reptiles, but they do need a bright, full-spectrum day–night cycle. Plants require good PAR values for photosynthesis, and healthy plants support the entire bioactive system.

This lesson explains how to set up lighting correctly for both frogs and plants.

1. The Three Types of Vivarium Lighting

There are three lighting types commonly used in dart frog setups:

(1) LED Plant Lights

These support plant growth and visual clarity.

(2) UVB Lighting

Low-level UVB supports frog vitamin D3 synthesis and natural behaviour.

(3) Ambient Room Lighting

This influences circadian rhythm and seasonal cues.

The two critical systems are LED and UVB.

2. LED Lighting — The Primary Light Source

LED plant lights provide the brightness and spectrum required for plant growth.

Recommended Features:

• Full-spectrum (5000–6500K)
• High CRI (ideally >90)
• Even light distribution
• Dimmable (optional but useful)
• Good PAR output
• Low heat emission

Trusted Brands for Dart Frog Vivariums:

• Jungle Dawn LED Bars
• Chihiros A-Series / WRGB2
• Skylight Hyperspot / Pro
• Arcadia JungleDawn
• Horticultural LED strips (quality brands only)

3. PAR Levels (Photosynthetically Active Radiation)

PAR measures usable light for plant growth.

For terrarium plants, aim for:

50–150 PAR at the canopy

• 50–80 PAR → Ferns, mosses, peperomia
• 80–120 PAR → Aroids, epiphytes, bromeliads
• 120–150 PAR → High-light species / dense planting

Too little PAR = leggy plants, melt, slow growth
Too much = leaf burn, algae, heat build-up

If using powerful aquarium LEDs (Chihiros/Skylight):

• raise the light
• dim to 30–60%
• or partially diffuse the beam

4. UVB for Dart Frogs

Dart frogs do not need intense UVB, but low-level UVB is beneficial and widely used in modern setups.

Safe UVB Output Range:

• 2%–5% UVB (ShadeDweller or similar)

Why UVB helps:

• supports natural behaviour
• provides low-level vitamin D3 synthesis
• encourages brighter activity periods

Placement Guidelines:

• Mount ABOVE the mesh lid
• Provide heavy planting so frogs can choose exposure
• Distance: 25–40 cm from the UVB source for 2–5% bulbs
• Never point UVB directly into the tank horizontally

Recommended UVB Lights:

• Arcadia ShadeDweller Pro
• Zoo Med 5.0 T5
• Arcadia ProT5 6% (dimmed or raised)

5. Heat Management and Safety

Dart frogs are highly sensitive to temperature spikes.

Lighting must be positioned so heat does not accumulate.

Heat Avoidance Guidelines:

• Never place LEDs directly on glass without airflow
• Avoid enclosed lids with no ventilation
• Raise lights 2–6 cm above the lid
• Monitor with a thermometer and an infrared temp gun
• Avoid high-wattage floodlights or incandescent bulbs

Even small temperature increases can push the vivarium beyond safe ranges.

6. Light Cycle Timing

A consistent schedule supports frog circadian rhythm and plant growth.

Recommended schedule:

12 hours on / 12 hours off
or
11 hours on / 13 hours off

Automated timers are strongly recommended.

Optional sunrise/sunset ramping:

If your lighting supports it (Chihiros, Skylight, or aquarium LEDs), use 15–30 minute dim transitions.

This can reduce frog stress and looks more natural.

7. Signs of Incorrect Lighting

Too little light:

• leggy plant growth
• moss turning brown
• frogs hiding constantly
• low temperatures
• algae outbreaks (paradoxical but common)

Too much light:

• leaf burn
• plants bleaching
• substrate drying quickly
• frogs avoiding exposed areas
• temperatures rising above 26°C

Incorrect UVB:

• too weak → little benefit
• too strong → stress, excessive hiding

Lighting should create a bright, safe environment—not a harsh spotlight.

Key Takeaways

• LED plant lighting is essential for plant health and environmental stability.
• Target 50–150 PAR for most dart frog vivariums.
• Use low-level UVB (2–5%), positioned above mesh with planting for shade.
• Keep lighting cool and never allow heat to accumulate.
• Use consistent light cycles (11–12 hours).
• Monitor plant response to fine-tune lighting intensity.