Just started my build, 1st timer :)

[mariebaby21]

I just bought a bunch of plants, lighting, substrate etc from Josh's Frogs! Should all be in by wednesday I hope. I can't wait to get this going to I can post pictures of my progress!

[deranged chipmunk]

Nice choice. Josh's has great stuff. Did you get the kit? Or did you choose individual stuffs?

[mariebaby21]

I got the plant kit. If I don't get what I want.. there is a fern I want and I added moss to my order... I'll just buy more
It will be about a 3 weeks to a month before I add frogs just to make sure everything is going well. So I'll have plenty of time if I need more plants
I also got springtails. I got the ABG mix and the substrate divider... but I have a hydroponics store right by my house for they hydroton (sp?) and they sell it pretty cheap. I think I could have bought a new puppy with all I have spent on this LOL

[J Teezy]

may want to look into using growstones instead of Hydroton.

check this out Growstone Demonstration at Max Yield Show in Denver, CO - March 2012 - YouTube

[deranged chipmunk]

may want to look into using growstones instead of Hydroton.

check this out Growstone Demonstration at Max Yield Show in Denver, CO - March 2012 - YouTube

I watched this video a couple times now and i'm not seeing where growstones would be more advantageous than LECA in out application of it. Am i missing something?

[J Teezy]

absorbs the water instead of repelling it. Higher humidity. I personally don't like excess water just hanging out in the bottom of my tanks, hence why i use drains, but if i wasn't going to have a drain i would use growstones personally. Plus if you can see your drainage layer i think growstones looked better to the eye than hydroton

[deranged chipmunk]

If using it in it's intended application, i think it would be brilliant. But as a drainage layer, i think it would be detrimental. First off, no matter what their claim, it doesn't "absorb" water. Wicking allows the water to reach all it's pores. And underneath the substrate, i would believe that would be a wonderful place for nasty anaerobic bacteria to grow. And a lot of it at that. I agree it would look more appealing than hydroton. But j disagree that it would create more humidity, except in an application like yours where it is constantly drained.

[deranged chipmunk]

Those plant kits are nice if you aren't sure what plants you want. They are really helpful for beginners. I think it's great idea they came up with on that one