Drainage Layer

[zackw419]

I'm constructing a simple vivarium for my pixie.

I'm gonna put a layer of rocks on the bottom rather than a PVC false bottom. Will water in the rocks have to be siphoned out or will it just evaporate over time? If it has to be siphoned how to your recommend I setup the bottom so I can siphon out water easily?

[Tom Highum]

sitting water can cause anaerobic decay (hope i spelled that right) I know this is bad but not much else. I would recommend leaving a place to siphon off water when ever there is enough to do so

[John]

Actually what causes anaerobic bacterial activity is low or lack of oxygen/gaseous exchange (anaerobic means without air). If you make a drainage layer like you're proposing, this would not create anaerobic conditions. With the drainage system Kurt describes in his care articles (and I've seen in person - I will photograph it next time - Kurt doesn't have a camera), he sticks a siphon hose down the big tube he uses to access the water layer. You do need to siphon it when the water builds up down there.

[Tom Highum]

Thanks John my knowledge of the topic was only small but now it has expanded.

[zackw419]

Thanks guys. I posted my new setup in the pixie forum.

[Jace]

Hmmm. That is good to know. I figured I would have to siphon the water out of my Fire-bellied Toad tank, yet I have no idea how to do it. I did not leave an area open to be able to do that. I have a feeling I made a simple job ten times harder. Sigh. Now I know for next time.

[Tom Highum]

Somewhere John wrote something on siphoning.