water filters

[rivkah]

okay Big Blue83,

I beleive for the tetra reptofilter to funcition properly you would probabaly need a little deeper water level. There are a couple of tetra rept filters: the one that looks like a black rectangle and the one that looks like a rock outcrop. I am not sure which you are referring to. The filter inserts do have to be replaced often.

Firebelly toads do enjoy swimming, and water depth of 4-5inches would not be out of line. Also a deeper water level will open up that area for additional design options, such as plants, making a stream bead, or lake bottom.

I personally dont like that much maintenance, dealing with the filter pads so here is what I do: generally I use cork flats to separate land from water. The cork is easily cut with a saw (I use a jig saw), to whatever size you would need. Several peices can also be glued together to create the desired "shoreline" The cork flats are siliconed to the bottom, and side of the tank. I fill the "land area" for hydroballs, cover this with window screen (will not rust), then cover with soil for planting, or with stones/gravel is you did not want to have live plants. Since this is not water tight, it increases the overall water volume, increasing/maintening the water quality. One the land area, I create creek or water fall. Within the hydroballs will grow beneficial bateria, hence becoming a filter. And no maintenance (or additional costs) other than routine water changes.

Here is a picutre of a hex tank that currently houses newts, but would also make great housing for a 2-4 fire belly toads. To give you an idea of what I am talk about.




Other wise.... I would recommend larger is better. Also look into the small internal filters that come with spray bar attachment. All of them work well with routine maintenance.

[BigBlue83]

so today i bought a tetra filter and slightly changed my tank. I like it but, i dont ( i know thats an oxymoron). for one, i need more water of land. for two Urlacher is back to old tricks and trying to climb out. the repti filter is high too so im worried about him. (i put a rock on that corner of the screen lid for a little protection) also i want more tank now . im going to hit the drawing board because im going to gather some info and material and completely refab the tank. however next is my mister for my pac

[BigBlue83]