Beginner substrate questions for PDF viv

[tulip55555]

I have a few very basic questions...I hope I picked the right sub-forum. If anyone thinks I might do better in a different one, please let me know and I'll repost.
1. Has anyone ever used Oil Dri or Turface rather than LECA as a drainage layer OR mixed into the actual substrate soil?
2. Do you seed with BOTH isopods and springtails? Are there any other good "seeding" bugs?
3. How do you clean the substrate itself? Like how do you get rid of the poo and dead bugs and stuff?

Thank you

Patricia

[DonLisk]

Hi Patricia
You can seed with both but I just use springtails myself.
As for cleaning the substrate, if you have a drainage layer then the only cleaning needed is the removal of visible waste and dead bugs daily so it doesn't become a chore playing catch up and the frogs are not spending time next to their own waste.

I use a paper towels and a pair of longer forceps. Waste that drops into live plants is fertilizer and the ecosystem you made cares for the rest.


As for drainage layers, I like Hydroballs myself. Having the drainage layer separate from the top layer of soil gives the water a place to evaporate or just collect for drainage later with a pump or siphon hose. Having the soil continually in water will cause the soil to rot and the same with most plant root systems.

[tulip55555]

As for drainage layers, I like Hydroballs myself. Having the drainage layer separate from the top layer of soil gives the water a place to evaporate or just collect for drainage later with a pump or siphon hose. Having the soil continually in water will cause the soil to rot and the same with most plant root systems.

I am guessing that requires a drainage hole?? I am hesitant to drill a hole in glass, I'm worried about ruining whatever I buy. So I guess I am looking for a way to avoid the drainage hole altogether.
I've been thinking about having a false bottom and using a pump or small filter to pull the water through the substrate as a means of filtering. Is this a valid idea or is there another way to keep the water clean and remove excess water without a drainage hole?


Thanks

[DonLisk]

You have the option of installing a small pump with a screen to protect the pump and a way to access the pump if there are problems such as clogging, or just have a small area where you can slide a hose in to siphon the excess water off such as is done to clean the bottom of a fish tank.

When installing a pump, the suction need to be at the pumps bottom.


No need to drill a tank to put in a drain plug.

[tulip55555]

Thanks Don.

[DonLisk]

No problem. I have to drain my Whotes tank at least every two weeks.

I also put in a gravel section on one of my art tanks to create a small water area but also so I can siphon excess water from the tank when it gets higher than the hydroballs.
With the gravel setup up you need to have screen material between the hydroballs and the gravel since the hydroballs like to move and mix with just about anything :-)