Welcome to the Heating section of the PacMan Frog Care Sheet. The correct temperatures within the terrarium is crucial for the overall health of the PacMan frog. Incorrect temperatures may lead to a weak immune system and possible illness. Continue to read to find out more on PacMan frog heating requirements.
Cold-blooded animals, such as PacMan frogs, require an external heat source to stay warm. The lack of an external heat source may cause the PacMan frog to develop a weakened immune system. This may lead to an unhealthy PacMan frog and possibly premature death.
There are many different ways to supply heat for a PacMan frog. Let’s go over the temperatures required for a PacMan frog.
Temperatures for a PacMan Frog
The optimal temperatures for a PacMan frog vary depending on its age. A young PacMan frog needs higher temperatures than an adult to support its high metabolism and rapid growth.
Baby PacMan Frogs
Baby PacMan Frogs (1″ in diameter to 3″ in diameter) require temperatures that range from 77°F to 82°F (25°C to 27.7°C) during the day. Nighttime temperatures range from 70°F to 75°F (21.1°C to 23.8°C).
| Period of Day | Ideal Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Daytime | 77°F - 82°F (25°C to 27.7°C) |
| Nighttime | 70°F - 75°F (21.1°C to 23.8°C) |
Adult PacMan Frogs
Adult PacMan frogs can thrive with temperatures a bit lower. Their temperature requirements drop due to slower metabolism and differing nutrition needs. An adult PacMan frog (over 3″ in diameter) requires temperatures ranging from 75°F to 80°F (23.8°C to 26.6°C) during the day. Nighttime temperatures range from 65°F to 70°F (18.3°C to 21.1°C).
| Period of Day | Ideal Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Daytime | 75°F - 80°F (23.8°C to 26.6°C) |
| Nighttime | 65°F - 70°F (18.3°C to 21.1°C) |
How To Supply PacMan Frog Heating
There are a wide variety of options for supplying heat for a PacMan frog. All of these heating devices are electrical and very easy to operate.
Let’s go over the most popular devices used today for providing heat to the terrarium.
Heat Lamps
A low wattage heat lamp may be used to provide ample heat in the PacMan frog terrarium. Heat lamps are either incandescent bulbs or LED bulbs specifically manufactured to supply heat for reptiles and amphibians. The higher the wattage of the bulb, the more heat it will produce.
An incandescent heat lamp of 15 to 25 watts typically provides plenty of supplemental heat for a 10-gallon aquarium or 18″x18″ terrarium (Amazon.com). A LED bulb which works well for PacMan frogs are 5 – 10 watts.
An Zoo Med LED Nano Lamp (Amazon.com) is an excellent choice of a daytime heat lamp for a PacMan frog terrarium. This bulb is used in the Zoo Med Nano Combo Fixture (Amazon.com).
Ceramic Heat Emitters
Ceramic heat emitters provide a radiant heat without producing any light. They are made of ceramic material and screw into a light socket just like incandescent bulbs. Heat emitters are perfect for situations where additional heat is needed, but additional light is not. They are perfect for nighttime heat since they do not produce light.
The Zoo Med 25-watt Nano Heat Emitter (Amazon.com) works well to supply radiant heat for a PacMan frog terrarium. Pair this heat emitter with the LED Nano Lamp in the Nano Combo Fixture for a complete heating and lighting system.
Under-tank Heaters
Under-tank heaters (sometimes called Substrate heaters) are a very popular source of heat for many PacMan frog owners. They are slim heat mats which attach to the terrarium glass using a strong adhesive on one side.
It is best to attach the under-tank heater to the side of the PacMan frog terrarium. The potential to crack the bottom glass is high when the under-tank heater is placed on the bottom of a terrarium. Moisture build-up in the lower portions of the terrarium coupled with the heat from the under-tank heater may cause the glass to crack.
The Zoo Med ReptiTherm (Amazon.com) is a very popular under-tank heater for PacMan frog terrariums.
Temperature Controls
It is very important to control the temperatures within the PacMan frog terrarium. Temperatures that become too high, or too low, are very dangerous to the PacMan frog.
The best way to ensure the temperatures stay within the desired ranges is to use a programmable thermostat. These work very much like the thermostat in your home. There is a sensor placed within the terrarium that monitors the temperature. The heating devices are connected to the thermostat and turn the devices on or off according to the set temperature.
This is a fantastic method of automating the heating system of the terrarium. The Exo Terra Reptile Thermostat (Amazon.com) performs this task very well.
Helpful Heating Items
Monitoring Temperatures
Always use a gauge to accurately monitor temperatures and humidity levels. This is very important because it is never a good idea to guess temperatures even when using a thermostat.
Monitor temperature levels just above the substrate where the PacMan frog spends most of its time. This gives the best reading where it matters most.
The preferred gauge provides a clear reading of both temperature and humidity, and comes with an attached probe. The probe may be placed anywhere inside the terrarium to receive the best readings.
The Exo Terra Thermo-Hygro Combo Gauge (Amazon.com) does a very good job of providing both temperature and humidity using an attached probe. The gauge easily connects with the Exo Terra Compact Light Fixture (Amazon.com) for quickly viewing the temperatures and humidity levels within the terrarium.
Humidity for PacMan Frogs
PacMan frogs are from humid, jungle areas, therefore humidity levels need to be maintain in captivity. Humidity levels should consistently stay between 60& – 80& at all times. Never let the humidity drop below 60&.
Here are several ways to raise the humidity within the terrarium:
Misting
Mist the terrarium twice a day with dechlorinated water. Spray the terrarium enough to lightly dampen the decor and substrate, but not so much that everything is soaked. Use a fine-mist spray bottle (Amazon.com) to accomplish this. The heat lamp burns off the water droplets causing evaporation, hence raising the humidity.
Add A Water Bowl
Place a shallow water bowl (Amazon.com) filled with clean, dechlorinated water. The presence of a water source provides good humidity to the terrarium. Make sure the water bowl is not too deep for the PacMan frog. It could inadvertently drown if the water is too deep.
Use A Fogger
Fogging devices are a superb method of adding humidity. Set the fogger to cover the terrarium with a thick fog once every hour or so throughout the day. The Zoo Med ReptiFogger (Amazon.com) is a great fogging system to use, likewise it provides a very authentic look to the terrarium.
Now that we have covered PacMan frog heating, next we will tackle the subjects of Substrate and Terrarium Decor.