Self Sustaining Vivarium?

[HerpDerp]

I've been doing a lot of research lately on different vivarium set ups for a white's tree frog. I started doing a little bit of reading on a self sustaining set up and would like to get some first hand knowledge before I decide if that's what I want to do. I currently have a temporary set up. It's a 10 gallon tank that will be used as a quarantine tank when I get a new frog and terrarium.

So the plan is to get an exo-terra 18x18x24. I know a lot of people here make false bottoms, but is that completely necessary to do a self sustaining vivarium? I was considering using hydroballs with a barrier and then coco fiber. From what I understand, excess water is drained from the substrate and into the bottom with the hydroballs. Does this need to be siphoned or would a UTH sufficiently evaporate the water?

So if I did something like that I would want to put real plants right into the substrate instead of into pots. So how often does substrate need to be changed in a self sustaining vivarium? I would plan on using cleaner insects such as spring tails. That aspect of the set up is what intrigues me most. Creating a whole eco system would be way cool. Would a UV bulb be necessary for this type of set up?

Any other important info or suggestions would be appreciated. I'm pretty excited to do something like this. It should also be noted that I only work part time so I don't have a ton of money to spend on this so cheaper is better

[ToadPaparazzi]

I recommend using egg crate instead of hydro balls; your reservoir will hold much more water and allow longer intervals between draining. You can also have your tank drilled for a drain.

[deranged chipmunk]

I wouldn't use an under tank heater if you have a water reservoir. Too much risk of cracking the tank. Hot heater+cool water = disaster.

[ToadPaparazzi]

I wouldn't use an under tank heater if you have a water reservoir. Too much risk of cracking the tank. Hot heater+cool water = disaster.

I agree... If you can keep a few inches of water in the reservoir, you can go with a submersible aquarium heater... Leave yourself access to it though.

-Christian

[HerpDerp]

Since I already have a couple UTH's maybe I can just attach it to the side just above the water level? With a larger tank would a low wattage incandescent bulb work? I was using it in my 10 gallon but it was just drying everything out pretty badly and it was getting a bit too warm in there.

Any suggestions or info on cleaner bugs like springtails or wood lice? Like what would work best with a WTF and is it easy to get them to sustain in the vivarium?

[deranged chipmunk]

you can definitely slap an uth on the side of the tank. just make sure it's at least an inch or more above the waterline. and keep in mind, that that will only heat the air inside the tank, not the water. of course, there will be radiant heat spread to the water, however it will not heat the water.
as far as buggies, i know springtails are good as a clean up crew, but make sure you have a running culture going, because the frogs might decide to snack on them

[HerpDerp]

I'm pretty excited to give this a go (hopefully soon). I've found some pretty good layout ideas online and have a pretty good idea of what I want to do. So if I I know I already asked this but how often would I have to change the substrate with a false bottom? Would it be feasible to plant the plants directly in the substrate or should I stick with pots? I also have seen some pretty cool set ups with pots attached higher up for pothos and other vined plants. Is this a complicated process to create something like that?

[deranged chipmunk]

i can't comment on when to change substrate because i have only had my current viv up for a few months. but i am sure it would be a long time before the substrate would need replacing. yes, you can plant directly into the substrate. some people use pots to make things easier. i.e. rearranging plants, maintenance, ect. and if you are doing a foam background, you just set the pots where you want them and foam around them. easy peasy. don't forget some sort of drainage for the pot as well though. a straw works wonders for that