Lighting in dart frog vivariums is one of those subjects that confuses new UK keepers—and to be fair, the internet isn’t helping. One site says UVB is essential, another swears it’ll stress your frogs. So what do UK frog nerds really need?
Short answer: It depends. Long answer? Let’s dig into the options, myths, and best choices for our cold, cloudy climate.
Why Lighting Matters
Dart frogs don’t bask like lizards, but lighting still impacts:
- Plant growth (especially bromeliads and mosses)
- Frog circadian rhythm and breeding cycles
- Vivarium aesthetics — gotta see your frogs!
In a UK winter, natural light won’t cut it. Good artificial lighting is essential — especially in darker homes.
Do Dart Frogs Need UVB?
Short answer: usually not. Most dart frogs thrive with just full-spectrum LEDs. But context matters:
- Terribilis and some Phyllobates may benefit from low-level UVB for vitamin D3 synthesis.
- Heavily planted vivs often block UVB penetration anyway.
Check out our full article on UVB myths in dart frog lighting for a deep dive.
Types of Lighting for Dart Frog Tanks
- Full-spectrum LEDs: Bright, plant-friendly, and frog-safe. Our go-to for most vivs.
- LED bars with UVA: Some high-end options include a trace of UVA to support natural behaviour.
- T5 UVB tubes: Only if you’ve got a species that benefits — and place it above mesh, not glass.
Photoperiods: How Long to Run Your Lights
Replicating a tropical day is ideal. UK rooms fluctuate, but a 12-hour on/off cycle is standard:
- Lights on: 8am – 8pm
- Off: 12 hours dark for rest
Use a plug-in timer. Your frogs will appreciate the routine — and so will your plants.
Light Strength & Placement
Mount LED bars directly on mesh lids or suspend above. For planted vivs, aim for 5,000–6,500K colour temperature and enough lumens to reach the base.
Pro tip: If your moss is yellowing or broms aren’t flushing, bump the light intensity or upgrade your fixture.
Infographic: Vivarium Lighting Basics (UK Edition)
Plant Growth Tips
Good lighting = lush plants. A few extras to help:
- Use reflectors if your room is dark
- Fertilise occasionally with dilute orchid fertiliser (avoid overdoing it — your frogs absorb through skin)
- Trim frequently to prevent plants shading each other
Lighting & Breeding
Frogs are seasonal breeders — consistent lighting helps cue calling and courtship. A subtle ramp-up in brightness (dimmer switch or morning lamps) can mimic dawn and trigger activity in ranitomeya and leucs.
UK Winter Woes
UK houses in winter? Dark. Damp. Not ideal for rainforest species. If your viv’s in a gloomy corner, use brighter LEDs or boost with side lighting. Always pair with a misting routine to counter dry heated air — more on that in our UK winter setup guide.
Recommended Brands (Not Sponsored)
Look for reliability, not gimmicks. Frogkeepers often rate:
- Jungle Dawn LEDs
- ProRep LED strips
- Arcadia Jungle Dawn UV Pro (for species needing light UVB)
Avoid aquarium lights with pink/blue tones — they make frogs look weird and don’t help plants much.
Conclusion: Let There Be (Frog-Safe) Light
You don’t need to break the bank or blind your frogs. Just aim for bright, consistent lighting, strong enough to keep your moss green and your terribilis glowing. If your tank looks like a jungle and your frogs are calling — you’ve nailed it.
