I saw this topic come up on another forum / thread and it was "off topic" so I figured I would do some digging and pull together some interesting threads to spur conversation on group tad rearing. Most folks use the cup method for rearing non-obligate tadpoles, but there are many instances of hobbyists having success with group rearing.

Casper aka "ghostvivs":
http://www.dartden.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=6679#p41962

Glenn aka "frogfreak":
http://www.dartden.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=6679#p50632

Jon aka "Rusty_Shakleford":
http://www.dartden.com/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=5927#p42420

Marcus, SNDF (based on a phone call with me)

Jim aka "joneill809" initially discussed here, but I'll add details below:
http://www.dartden.com/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=7466#p59174

Interesting comment from Stu on a Dutch contact using communal trays but isolated tads:
http://www.dartden.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=5190#p26234
http://www.dartden.com/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=5190#p26320

I'm not suggesting everyone should just go and abandon their cups and switch to group rearing tads, but I wanted to get a dedicated discussion going on alternative rearing methods and discuss the benefits or concerns with the approach. I have been raising tads in groups for almost a year as of this posting. This was not my idea; Marcus Breece of SNDF and a long time, large scale D. tinctorius breeder talked me through his group rearing methodology over the phone last summer. He said his not-so-scientific study found his tads reared individually in a shoebox container did not morph out as large as groups of tads in the same containers. After his initial experiments he moved to group rearing of all his tads.

As for me, at this time only my Lorenzo and Robertus are raised in these group tanks - my other morphs transport and tank rear. 

Each tank is 2.5 gallons, with about 1" of Turface for substrate, a layer of saturated leaf litter (I use mostly Magnolia leaves), and a few pieces of floating cork bark that newly morphed froglets can haul out on. Each tank has a small 1" solar screen vent on the back and a glass lid to help keep evaporation down and prevent froglets from crawling out.  I change about 50% of the water every other week - quick siphon of the old water and replacement with RO water. I feed 3 to 4 times per week.

The benefits are:

• reduced tadpole grow out footprint
  
• no cup management
  
• no "jumpers" from shorter cups
  
• no tilting cups or worrying about a froglet crawling out unexpectedly
  

• hormones? I have not witnessed slowed growth, nor have I seen any studies on it, but the subject seems to come up a lot.
  
• you have to get comfortable not having an exact count on tadpoles. I'm OK dumping a clutch in a tank and seeing what morphs out 3 to 4 months later. I feel like this approach is the next best thing to in-viv rearing. I have not seen substaintial tadpole losses with this method, but I have seen the occasional newly hatched tadpole not make it (likely a tad that would have not made it in a cup either).
  

So in a couple other threads on DB and on plantedtank.net I created posts comparing the stats between some of these different lights and I thought It might be nice/helpful to consolidate all the info into one thread for people to reference, subscribe/bookmark, or in case they don't get over to those forums... whateverz . IF anyone wants to add other stats/feature lists for other lighting fixtures with similar functionality please feel free

I also offer a few thoughts, but in full disclosure have not seen/used the Currentusa Sat+PRO, Ecoxotic E-series, or Aquaticlife Edge. I do have a Finnex 24/7, and I have researched all 4 brands fairly extensively, but of course encourage everyone to do so for themselves and use their own judgement.

This thread is meant to serve mostly as an objective comparison of stats/feature rather then any type of review. No pics or videos in this first post (as of 6/2/2015) are mine so all credit goes to the creators of that stuff...

[COLOR="Purple"]So here we go...[/COLOR]

The E-series has a reflector and then there is some slight wattage and ACTUAL length differences. The Pro is cheaper, has 6500K whites and more RGBw that probably mean better color blending, and the E has 8000K whites with fewer RGBw's. Unsure if the 6500k vs 8000k make much difference since you can adjust the Kelvin with the RGBw's.

Haven't seen the lights in person so not sure if the wattage differences, reflector, number of RGBw in correlation to the 6500k Vs 8000k make much difference.

But here are the stats on each for reference...

[COLOR="Red"]Sat + PRO[/COLOR]

Model Fits Aquariums Dimensions Watts LEDs
4010 18" - 24" 16.8 x 3.5 x 0.44 [COLOR="red"]20 Watts[/COLOR] 14-6500K/6-RGBW, 20 LEDs total

4011 24" - 36" 22.8 x 3.5 x 0.44 [COLOR="red"]30 Watts[/COLOR] 20-6500K/9-RGBW, 29 LEDs total

4012 36" - 48" 34.8 x 3.5 x 0.44 [COLOR="red"]45 Watts[/COLOR] 30-6500K/14-RGBW, 44 LEDs total

4013 48" - 60" 46.8 x 3.5 x 0.44 [COLOR="red"]60 Watts[/COLOR] 40-6500K/20-RGBW, 60 LEDs total

Read more: Satellite Freshwater LED+ Pro | Current-USA

A few videos..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_Y_A719fik
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLHhx87sKE8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXWbLGARx3I
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[COLOR="red"]E-Series[/COLOR]

(Note: The E-series starts at 12.5" while the Pro starts at 16.8", but there is only a 4watt difference either way, and the 12" E-series is a little cheaper then the pro, so it is a judgement call skipping to the next size of E- series for a more direct comparison. If you don't mind the fixture being a bit shorter then the tank and possibly needing to raise it to get coverage the 12" E might be for you)
9400: 12.5” x 2” x 1”, [COLOR="red"]16 Watts[/COLOR], 8 Daylight 8,000K/2 RGB LEDs, 10 LEDs total

9401: 18.5” x 2” x 1”, [COLOR="red"]24 Watts[/COLOR], 10 Daylight 8,000K/4 RGB LEDs, 14 LEDs total
9402: 24.5” x 2” x 1”, [COLOR="red"]32 Watts[/COLOR], 16 Daylight 8,000K/4 RGB LEDs, 20 LEDs total
9403: 36.5” x 2” x 1”, [COLOR="red"]46 Watts,[/COLOR] 24 Daylight 8,000K/6 RGB LEDs, 30 LEDs total
9404: 48.5” x 2” x 1”, [COLOR="red"]56 Watts[/COLOR],32 Daylight 8,000K/8 RGB LEDs, 40 LEDs total

Read more: E-Series Full Spectrum LED

A few videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYJTOdpVjQ0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjx8dikw_hM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aemk44S_RoQ
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


[COLOR="Blue"][COLOR="Red"]And the Finnex...[/COLOR][/COLOR]


Chart of dawn/dusk cycle and PAR at 7.5" from user Mattinmd (He also created the 3rd video, so special thanks/mention to him for both!)

The Planted Tank Forum - View Single Post - Finnex Planted+ 24/7

A few videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sw05kEdgBh4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJsYweqNtig
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J10MIv4YIXI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFRR_w5FOhA

Read more here:
http://www.finnex.net/index.php/planteda...re=default

Basically it seems the Finnex isn't quite as powerful, and not quite as adjustable as the other 2 lights mentioned so far, but it adds the colored dawn/dusk FX, is super easy to set the 24/7 mode, and offers automated dawn/dusk FX in a considerably cheaper light, that still has respectable intensity compared to the other 2. Looks like it works out to about 75-80% the power of the E-series or Sat+PRO, and still get an automated light at 50% or less the price.

You are kinda stuck with the pre programmed 24/7 color/intensity settings if you want the dawn/dusk mode, where as I think you can adjust the intensity of the sat Pro or E-series dawn/dusk cycle, but what you loose in customization, I think will be made up for by price for a lot of people.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[COLOR="Red"]The Aquaticlife Edge[/COLOR]
Now here is the dark horse, well I call it that because it is the light I've heard/know the least about... .


LED Aquarium Lighting | Aquatic Life EDGE LED Fixtures
Or...
[url="http://www.amazon.com/Aquatic-Life-Aquarium-Fixture-48-Inch/dp/B00H3Y4YQ2"]Amazon.com : Aquatic Life LED Aquarium Light Fixture, 48-Inch : Pet Supplies[/url]

Here are it's stats:
(NOTE: Two sets of wattages are listed, and there is a big discrepancy between the two listed for the 36" 48w consumed vs 60w total power...
[COLOR="Blue"]24"[/COLOR], [COLOR="Magenta"]36w (30[/COLOR]W) (Mfg# 420284), CD-87801, $129.99 ,[COLOR="Red"] On sale $103.99[/COLOR]
[COLOR="blue"]36"[/COLOR], [COLOR="magenta"] 60w (48W)[/COLOR] (Mfg# 420285), CD-87802, $149.99 , [COLOR="red"] On sale $127.99[/COLOR]
[COLOR="blue"]48"[/COLOR], [COLOR="magenta"]72w (71W)[/COLOR] (Mfg# 420286), CD-87803, [COLOR="red"]$174.99[/COLOR]

Newest version of this light includes a battery backup which is an important feature, and I'm unsure how the other lights mentioned in this thread handle power outages.

A few videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH_i5Rej20g
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypC1Q4CJd20
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1URcIBQ-Wns

Read more here:
http://www.aquaticlife.com/light-fixtures/edge-led

So the Aquaticlife Edge light seems to give up some of the presets and the colored dawn/dusk (which may be a pro or con), and adds about $20-$40 in cost over the Finnex, but still less then the Sat+PRO/E-series, and has that battery backup now.

Looks like it kinda fills the niche between the Finnex 24/7 and the Sat+PRO and E-series. This might be a good option for those who just don't want the colored dawn/dusk FX of the 24/7 (which I actually really like) and prefer something more traditional, at the cost of giving up some preset modes and adjustable colors, while still saving $$$ over a Sat+PRO or E-series.

I have certain needs/wants and no loyalty to Finnex, CurrentUSA, Ecoxotic, or AquaticLife, and will probably try all 4 brands over the next few months; assuming the brand that works best for me is still available, I'll go mostly with that light for most of my vivariums... but so far I'm really liking the Finnex 24/7 for the features/price, but I think any of these lights will probably serve my purposes

Genesis Exotics LLC will be vending at Repticon Houston this weekend! This is our FIRST Texas show since our big move from PA and we are very excited. Here is a breakdown of our availability. Feel free to contact us to place an order to have it delivered to you.
CB Frogs
Costa Rican Red Eyes
Starry Night Reed Frogs
LTC Big Eye Tree Frogs
Bakhuis Tinctorius
Patricia Tinctorius *Adult Females, and juvies *
Oyapok Tinctorius *Proven female*
Leucomelas
Phyllobates Vittatus
Ameeriga Bassleri Chromes (VERY RARE CB DARTS!!!)
Oophaga Pumilio ‘Bastimentos’ adult trio
FG Amazonicus adults and babies
Chazuta Imitator
Tarapoto Imitator
CV imitator
Phyllobates Aerotaenia
Salvia anthonyi VERY RARE LTC ADULT FEMALE
…There is more that I am missing I am sure

Feeders
Fruit Flies (wingless mels, golden wingless mels, Turkish gliders, curly wing, golden curly wing, golden hydei, hydei)
Springtails (large silvers, folsomia, giant whites)
Isopods (dwarf whites, dwarf purples, powder blues)
Bean Beetles!!!!!!!



Dry Goods/Vivaria Supply
Repashy (ALL REMAINING ON LIQUIDATION SALE)
Astaxanthin carotenoid
Chytrid testing kits
UniVersal Hybrid Fly Media
UniVersal Hybrid Fly Media culturing kits
Excelsior
Live java moss
Live shag moss
Live sheet moss
Live mood moss
Live Spanish moss
Live lichen
150+ Bromeliads
75+ assorted tropical plants
30+ assorted tropical plants cuttings
Genesis Exotics Moss Fusion (chia pet for your vivarium)
Cork bark tubes and flats (BEST PRICE AT THE SHOW)
HydroGro drainage layer
ABG
Spag Moss
Leaf litter (magnolia, sea grape, indian almond leaves)
Southern Palm Bark
Springtail Grub
Springtail culturing kits
Tid Bits tadpole bites
Tadpole rearing kits
Quarantine rearing containers
Tree Fern Fiber boards
Tree Fern fiber
Background blend

We accept all cash, and all credit cards. We look forward to seeing many of you at the show!
Josh Halter

species - Pumilio 'Wilson Creek Popa'
Line/Origin - 2007 SNDF
Age - 4 years
Quantity - 1.3 probable
Price - $350
Preferred Payment Method - paypal
Shipping Rates & information - UPS/FEDEX

This group is 3 proven females and 1 male (12-14mo)



Species - O. Pumilio 'Rio Teribe' very proven pair
Line - 2012 SR
Quantity - 1.1 $275
Shipping Rates & information - UPS/FEDEX



Species - O. Pumilio 'Cauchero'
Line/Origin - 2008 SNDF (parents purchased from Philsuma 6/11)
Age - 6-7 months
Quantity - 0.0.3
Price - $100 each or 3/$275
Preferred Payment Method - cash/papyal
Shipping Rates & information - UPS/FEDEX



Species - O. Pumilio 'El Dorado'
Line/Origin - 2008 SNDF (parents purchased from Philsuma 6/11)
Age - 6-7 months oow
Quantity - multiple
Price - $75
Group Prices - 2/$130, 3/$180
Preferred Payment Method - cash/papyal



Species - Pumilio 'Drago Colon' calling male
Line/Origin - 2012 SR
Age - f1 2 years
Quantity - 1.0
Price - $125 each
Preferred Payment Method - paypal
Shipping Rates & information - UPS/FEDEX


Species - O. Pumilio 'Blue Jeans'
Line/Origin - Rich Frye
Age - 3 years
Quantity - 0.1 (extra female from proven group)
Price - $125
Preferred Payment Method - cash/papyal
Shipping Rates & information - UPS/FEDEX




Feedback available here:
Dart Den • Login

and here:
http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/vendor-...breon.html

Please contact me at cbreon321@yahoo.com if you are interested.

*******************************************************************
I currently have two probable groups of spotted eldorado. Each group consists of one calling male, a probable female, and an unknown. The groups are unrelated and the lines are 2008 SNDF and 2010 Strictly Reptiles.

Species - Pumilio 'Spotted Eldorado'
Line/Origin - 2008 SNDF (cbreon)/2010 SR (KHoff)
Age - 6-10 months
Quantity - juvies
Price - 3/$325
Preferred Payment Method - paypal
Shipping Rates & information - UPS/FEDEX



Feedback available here:
Dart Den • Login

and here:
http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/vendor-...breon.html

Please contact me at cbreon321@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Hi guys i have few dozen pairs really nice ones i hope you like this pics

I have a visually sexed pair of D. Tinctorius 'New River' for sale.

Both were bred by me and the parents were purchased from Darren Meyer and a private source with unknown lineage. Pics of parents here: viewtopic.php?f=17&t=9019

They're about a year old.

$300 Shipped via Fed Ex to a ship center hold for pickup.

Male


Female






Thanks for looking

Tommy

[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]Hello All, I'm new to the hobby, Bought a viv and two small matecho's in January. Loving it so far, and am excited to find this forum. I have lots of questions that can probably be answered by searching past topics.

Hey gang, FrogNerd here!

We've got a great number of fine looking specimens available now!

If you'd like to place an order send us a PM on here,
or email TheFrogNerd@gmail.com
or Contact FrogNerd LLC on Facebook

Here's a run down:

D. Leucomelas Banded,
3 Months
$30 or take 4 for $100

D Tinctorius,
Adults 1.5 yr
0.0.1, Line:Josh's, Azureus female ready to breed $70, 3 Month olds are $30



D Tinctorius,
3 months
"Patricia" - $25, group pricing available



"Citronella" - $40 or take 3 for $105



"Cobalt" - $45, group pricing available



"Regina" - $55 or take 2 for $100



"Oyapock" - $40, group pricing available


A. Galactonotus,
1.5 yrs
Red, Nabors - Group of 5, $80, take all 5 for $375
Yellow, Nabors - Group of 3, take for $160

E. Anthonyi "Zarayunga",
4-5 months
Stewart line, $25 each

Thumbnails:

R. Flavovitta,
3 months
Understory line - $50 each or group of 3 for $135



R. Sirensis "green",
2-3 months
Phil Tan line - $30 or group of 4 for $100



R. Sirensis "orange",
3-4 months
$40 or group of 3 for $110


R. Sirensis "Standard/Highland",
3-4 months
Josh's Line - $200


R. Vanzolini,
3-4 months
European Line - $55 or 2 for $100




Payment and Shipping:
We accept all major credit cards through PayPal invoicing.
Shipping is paid for at the buyers expense, unless otherwise specified.
Shipping quotes available at any time.