Terrarium setup

[Meade Hamilton Lewis]

So I went to BOTH Lowes and Home Depot and neither of which had LECA. Disappointment...

I guess I will have to buy it online as well as the landscaping fabric. Thank you all so much!

[deranged chipmunk]

well, neither lowes nor home depot sell leca. you need to go to petsmart or petco and buy hydroballs, or a hydroponics shop and ask for hydroton. both chain stores keep their landscaping fabric outside in the garden center once the cooler temps come in.

[Meade Hamilton Lewis]

I went to Petco earlier today and they didn't have anything like what I was asking for. Perhaps because I did not specifically ask for Hydroballs. After glancing through there reptile/amphibian isle, I was unable to see anything either so I do not believe they have it in stock. I will check again tomorrow, but if I am unable to find it, I am ordering online.

I have old screen that my girlfriend and I used on a project last year so I will probably use that rather than purchase landscaping fabric that I wont use 90% of.

One more thing I am thinking about getting is the Aquarium airline for syphoning the water out from the bottom as well. What would I use to syphon it out with because I want to avoid using my mouth? Blech!

Thank you all so much for your help!!

[deranged chipmunk]

If you install the airline into the water reservoir and run it so it hangs lower than the bottom of the tank, you can out a simple aquarium shut off valve at the end. You will only have to siphon it once. Any time afterwards, you just need to open the valve, drain off as much as you need to, then close the valve. As long as no air gets in the siphon will stay unbroken.

[Meade Hamilton Lewis]

I will ponder how I will do this because I do not think my terrarium has any openings for any lines what so ever. I have the Fogger duct taped in place on the top of the screen. Should I cut holes in to the screen? I hate the idea of that but it seems like it is the only option for the syphon system to work. My type of terrarium is the Naturalistic Terrarium from ZooMed ( Naturalistic Terrarium ).

[deranged chipmunk]

No need to cut the screen. Just use a pen, pencil, bamboo skewer, something with i decent point to it. Stick it in one of the holes in the screen and slowly work it round and round until the hole is just smaller than the airline. Cut the airline at a sharp angle and feed it into the hole you made. Making the hole slightly smaller allows the airline to seal the hole by expanding into it. Also, don't forget to add a small piece of sponge at the viv side of the line to prevent it from clogging.

[Meade Hamilton Lewis]

I just found that my terrarium has airlines built into it. I just need to buy the airline, valve, and wait for the Hydroballs and mesh to arrive. I am excited for the project and the upgrade!