Bio Filter questions

[xeonic]

Has anyone tried to make and filter a terrarium using bacteria known as nitrosomonas and Nitrobacters to filter out fecal matter from your terrariums water?
I understand the concept of how this work's, but I have questions as to how to apply it. What I do know is you buy the bacteria at places that sell salt water aquariums. I also know that the bacteria builds up in places like your carbon filter, or your gravel as these places are rich in oxygen and are in dark places.

My question is if the Bacteria is in the Gravel then how would you apply this to a terrarium with substrate? I'm sure that most people know that gravel isn't good for some tree frogs as it can be swallowed and cause intestinal infections. Would the bacteria build up in the substrate if you have a rain chamber for example where the water is constantly dripping on the substrate? Or does the gravel have to be below the substrate? And if so does the constant dripping of the water dissolve the fecal matter and bring the fecal matter down to the gravel where the Bacteria resides?

This is something I have been researching and pondering before I attempt to apply a Bio filter to a terrarium. If anyone can help then I'll take pictures of its construction and make a thread of the whole construction of the tank as I build it.

Thank you.

[Heatheranne]

The bacteria are usually found in well established or "cycled" fish tanks. They reside mostly between the gravel. I am just guessing, but believe you would still have to use some type of similar underlying gravel or substrate which would have to be in water. I don't know if placing the substrate over top would work or not. I've never tried it.

If I were to try it I'd use rocks or gravel that is larger than the amphibians you wish to house. And I would recommend a bubbler or a waterfall for circulation. My gravel is small because I house red eye tree frogs who do not eat in or near their water so there is little concern for ingesting the gravel. You would still have to do water changes bc the toxins would still build up. My current terrarium functions on that basis, but I still do water changes biweekly for my pond area and daily for my frog's water bowl.

Stagnant water will allow unwanted other bacteria, algae and nitrates (waste byproducts) that the healthy bacteria cannot keep up with. Still the good bacteria are helpful.

But, you don't have to buy such bacteria. You could start a tank with rocks, dechlorinated water, a bubbler and a simple fish. It will take about 4 to 6 weeks to establish or "cycle". You may notice the water will start to become cloudy and a little stinky. This is the blooming of the bacteria. After that time, you can take out the fish and do a full water change, but only gently rinse the rocks as to not kill the good bacteria. Some recommend only a 75% water change then. Your good bacteria will be ready.

I would recommend monitoring the ph of the water and clarity for a bit longer before placing your frogs in the tank.

Look up cycling an aquarium on the web. I'm sure you'll find some good articles. I learned from my sister and other buddy, and a little trial and error.

My tank has been well established for years and now only needs partial water changes. I also have a waterfalls filter. FYI, submerged filters will often use a charcoal filter and also will bloom with the healthy bacteria.

Here is a picture of my tank used in a variety of ways over the years using the same principle and also a filter.

I hope this helps! Good luck! Keep us posted on what you decide

[IrishRonin]

Well I have to agree with heather you dont have to buy the bacteria a simple setup like she said will make a nice colony. Also if you have any bodys of water around you (ponds or lakes) you can collect a colony from the shallows, then quarantine the colony and do your water changes. I personaly like lake bacteria because its so much more well developed. In my years of doing fish tanks I always used sand (silica sand "play sand" from any hardwear store), still do and the bacteria seem to do very well in it. About putting it under the substrate, im not sure how well it work but in theory it should work as long as you keep the colony submerged in water. When you figure it out let us know and keep us posted

[xeonic]

I'm not sure there is a solution unless you keep the substrate soaked in water. I don't think I want a muddy bedding for my frogs. A setup like Heatheranne's is probably the best option to go this route.

[michael novy]

I agree as well. Buying the bacteria is not necessary. All you need is porous rocks such as hydroton by the pump(in the land area) or have the water run over rocks such as sand stone. This is where your bacteria will grow. Porous surface and oxygenated water is all you need to start. Adding the frogs will start the culture once they deficate or urinate in the water.