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Thread: do I need a drainage layer

  1. #1
    mattfien
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    Default do I need a drainage layer

    Hello everyone,

    Simple question, however I'm too ignorant to know it

    I'm setting up a planted terrarium, no water feature (except for the water dish). Is it essential to include a drainage layer/substrate?

    Sorry about my ignorance!

    replies would be awesome

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  3. #2
    100+ Post Member Frogman1031's Avatar
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    Default Re: do I need a drainage layer

    Hello,

    yes, a drainage layer is required. When the plants are watered, some of that water will collect at the bottom and without a drainage layer, the soil wit rot and smell really bad. you dont need anything fancy, i just use a 3 inch layer of Joshs frogs false bottom.

    good luck with your tank! Remember to post pictures too!

    Litoria
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    Lampropeltis triangulum hondurensis ​0.1.0 (Anerythristic Honduran Milk Snake) Tliltocatl albopilosus 0.0.2 (Curly Hair Tarantula)
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    Avicularia avicularia 0.0.2 (Pinktoe Tarantula)
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    0.0.1 (Golden Blue Leg Baboon Tarantula)

  4. #3

    Default Re: do I need a drainage layer

    Absolutely required for a planted terrarium/vivarium. Think of same principle as a potted plant. Either the pot has built in drainage of some sort or you add rocks to make a drainage layer. AS mentioned, you need a place for water to pool/collect or plants (at least most of them) will rot.

  5. #4
    mattfien
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    Default Re: do I need a drainage layer

    thanks Eli and Vivariums In The Mist.

    Does the water that goes into the drainage layer need to be collected on a regular basis?

    thanks for the quick reply!

  6. #5
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    Default Re: do I need a drainage layer

    Hey Matt!

    Welcome to the forum. Here is a link to a thread we have for commonly asked question when dealing with Vivarium construction. There is a topic called "Control your water" that will answer this question for you. If you need anything explained a bit further please feel free to ask!


    http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...questions.html
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    1.2.0 - D. Tinctorius 'Azureus'
    0.0.2 - D. Tinctorius 'Sipaliwini'
    0.0.2 - D. Tinctorius 'New River'
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  7. #6
    mattfien
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    Default Re: do I need a drainage layer

    thanks, that's a pretty helpful link.

    The setup is actually a planted terrarium that will house a spotted python, I came here because I know frog keepers are all over the different methods and techniques of scaping a planted tank!

    when I asked about a planted tank for a snake, I got a reply saying that I'll get a mould problem. Is this true, and how do I avoid it?

    Everyone's so helpful on this forum!

    thanks!

  8. #7
    Super Moderator flybyferns's Avatar
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    Default Re: do I need a drainage layer

    Many new setups will cycle through this
    Hyphal Growth is the very first cycle of 'mold' development.
    For example, formation of spores begins when ie a piece of wood is exposed to different levels of light, oxygen levels, temperature, and nutrients.
    Some woods are less prone to this than others.
    Prepping the wood can help/ interrupt a cycle that may have previously started (place the wood in the oven 225 degrees F 30 min )
    Mold spores can remain dormant for years..... even in hot and dry environments.

    Let it cycle
    As long as it drains properly and has some ventilation is should disappear.

    So... yes ... you need a drainage layer

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