Pic of my Vivarium

[tinkgirl77]

I'm building a RETF tank. Im thinking I'm probably going to go with the false bottom idea but I am still unclear on how to do it and what type of filtration system to use. What substrate would you suggest?

[Bdimas]

For your false bottom you will need
Light diffuser also called egg crate
PVC for spacers to go under your egg crate.
Zip ties to tie spacers to egg crate
Fiberglass screen to go on top of your egg crate.

For substrate I bought materials to make ABG mix. Atlanta botanical garden mix. Its great for drainage and plants.
You will want to have access to either siphon or drain excess water build up from under your false bottom. My tank is drilled so it drains into a bucket under my stand.

You don't need a water pump unless you plan to have a water feature. I use a small pump made by zoo med for my water fall.
Hope that helps.

[tinkgirl77]

I don't think I'm going to do a waterfall for my first build but I think I'm going to leave a small "pond" filled with big pebbles (larger than my RETF can eat) so I can siphon the water out as necessary. This may sound pretty retarded but, As far as cleaning, will that suffice? I'm still trying to understand the concept of cleaning the environment. I understand that most of it is done by the plants and moss, but is that is or am I missing something.

[Bdimas]

I'm not to sure on the exact care of your frogs, but I would make your bowl/pond easily accessible to remove and replace it often for cleaning. If you regularly clean up your frogs poop, you shouldn't have to replace your substrate.

[tinkgirl77]

Thank you so very very much. I'm so lucky I have talked to so many nice people on here. You have been such a huge help. It is really appreciated!

[Bdimas]

Anytime. Post pics of your progress if you can?

[chocoboFFA]

love it!!!

[Bdimas]

I forgot to add another step I did with my false bottom.

I added pea gravel for the first layer on the egg crate and then my ABG mix. Its not necessary to do it that way but I cut my FB short around the perimeter on purpose so that I could have pea gravel around the edges so that I would see pea gravel and not the false bottom.