Filter used in an FBT setup? - Yes or no? and what make/model to use?

[Mr Bee]

I'm planning on setting up a tank for some FBT's and wanted to ask about water filtration.

I've read that for FBT's, a filter is not essential like it is in an aquarium, but just doing a 25% or 50% water change with dechlor tap water every week or 2, along with wiping down the slime/toxin build up on the sides is enough.


But reading a few posts on here, it seems quite a few FBT setups do have filters in. Is this for bio-filtration (to remove ammonia/nitrate as in an aquarium) or for solid debris filtration.... or both?
I ask because I've also read that the slime coat left in the water by the FBT's blocks up a bio-filter anyway. I imagine an external caninster filter would be a good way to move and filter the water, and could also be used to create a waterfall, but from what I've seen external canister filters are expensive!



So really I just wanted to ask if people do use filters in FBT setups, if bio-filtration (via 'good' bacteria in filter media) is used for FBT's, and probably most importantly what make and model of filter people use that work in such a shallow depth of water - as something like my internal aquarium filter would be far too big!!

[Mr Bee]

Small bump!

C'mon, I'm sure there's a few who use a filter in an FBT setup!

[John]

That slime coat filter blocking business is rubbish. people use filters for both mechanical and biological filtration for these toads, just don't let the water flow too strongly (no rivers please).

[s6t6nic6l]

That slime coat filter blocking business is rubbish. people use filters for both mechanical and biological filtration for these toads, just don't let the water flow too strongly (no rivers please).

interesting. i use a filter using sponges and wool whilst in use for my water feature and aids in the debris removal only. i wouldn't consider using it to actually "cleanse" the water because after one weeks use the media would become obsolete with my four toads. CARBON: any decent aquarist (filter user) would not utilise this has frequent water changes should be in place anyhow. CERAMIC: if after one weeks use and its pores gets covered by the residue from the toads, how can it do any nitrifying. anyone who has 2 or more toads will (and should) know how this slime builds up in the abode and needs to be addressed by a rigorous cleaning regime of the pool/water area. my point is, with such a small volume of water generally used by the "toadees" a filter does not replace the water changes that need performing regularly. on a larger scale, yes, then a filter would come into play as such a small load of residue could be tackled but the media would still need to be rinsed that often that...........well you know. and yes i know about media as i was a reef keeper for many a year. carbon, meh.

[s6t6nic6l]

I'm planning on setting up a tank for some FBT's and wanted to ask about water filtration.

I've read that for FBT's, a filter is not essential like it is in an aquarium, but just doing a 25% or 50% water change with dechlor tap water every week or 2, along with wiping down the slime/toxin build up on the sides is enough.

i can't see the reason for any partial water change for FBT's. there is no beneficial bacteria that aids with the toads skin to be of any value. a 100% replenish often (qty of toads dependant) would serve more in their interest. would you partially change your bath water for your next wash!!!


But reading a few posts on here, it seems quite a few FBT setups do have filters in. Is this for bio-filtration (to remove ammonia/nitrate as in an aquarium) or for solid debris filtration.... or both?

for solid debris only purposes works.

I ask because I've also read that the slime coat left in the water by the FBT's blocks up a bio-filter anyway. I imagine an external caninster filter would be a good way to move and filter the water, and could also be used to create a waterfall, but from what I've seen external canister filters are expensive!



So really I just wanted to ask if people do use filters in FBT setups, if bio-filtration (via 'good' bacteria in filter media) is used for FBT's, and probably most importantly what make and model of filter people use that work in such a shallow depth of water - as something like my internal aquarium filter would be far too big!!

questionable.

just my opinion mind

[bshmerlie]

I'd have to agree with Cancer Man. FBT are pretty messy and the tank needs to be designed with easy cleaning in mind. I don't think there is enough water in the tanks and the thorough cleaning you have to do each time would pretty much kill the biological process. If i were to set up the ideal FBT tank I would completely separate my land section from my water section with a divider. I would have a drain on the bottom of the water section where the water could be emptied quickly. I would not put any gravel in the water section just a few larger stones so it is easy to clean. I don't think a waterfall is necessary but its up to preference. If you were going to do a waterfall I would use one of those that has a small filter that would be easy to change.