New Setup

[Meefloaf]

Hi, setting up a new/first time terrarium, 99% sure i'm going with whites tree frogs. below is a terrible paint based diagram of my idea, i'll explain it, but felt a quick pic may help also (despite being basic, would draw it but dont have a scanner) am also on planning on making it a live planted tank. the tank is 60x45x60cm

so i've got this idea of putting in a shelf into the terra, slightly slanted ledge with a stream running through the middle then becoming a waterfall. Was thinking of using a filter/pump to supply the stream, and then taking in the water from the drainage layer, would i need to keep the hydroleca away from the intake of the filter/pump ? was thinking of making a a little guard to keep the hydroleca away from the filter, almost like a gumshield. As for the waterfall was hoping to put a little pond at the bottom for the frog, realised that this was tricky, becasue after researching i dont want water from the drainage layer that far up (originally positioned the pond on the top layer of substrate) would it be better to run the filter/pump from a seperate pool which i could postion through/under my 'shelf' and to the back to supply the it ?

here's the diagram of my idea, obv didnt go into too much detail with plants, decor etc.

[DartEd]

Seems like you've got a good vision. You can create a pond so long as the water level doesn't touch the substrate. May I suggest a slight water fall at the bottom into the pond. That way, water stays low enough not to affect the substrate. You would need to keep the pump clear but you can create a little barrier around it. Not very complicated at all.

By the way, not a bad MSN paint job. Lol.

[Meefloaf]

thought the idea through a little bit more, think this is the plan, obv not to scale. ordered my 60x45x60 tank, so im thinking a 15/20cm waterfall, thinking of shaping the stream and waterfall to make sure it doesnt go all over.

[Meefloaf]

Been told my waterfall/stream idea would be too much water/humidity. Also had some conflicting advice on heat, been told one on bottom and one on side and also just one on the bottom

[DartEd]

The waterfall is very elaborate. There's a ton to consider. You need to find a way for the water to drain into the lower layer. If not, the soil will be constantly damp and you will have swamp conditions. Eventually the roots of your plants will rot. The tree frogs will really appreciate bit leafy plants, bamboo and other tall structures to perch on, call from and sleep on. A bit of ground space to forage for food is good as well.

Rather than going for an elaborate waterfall for your first vivarium, I would research some good sturdy plants that can tolerate some abuse from frogs stomping and jumping on them. I promise that when its complete, it may not be completely what you envision but the frogs won't judge you. You'll be very happy with your accomplishment, and so will the frogs. Take it slow and steady.

[Meefloaf]

i was going to sit the pump/filter in a seperate container of water keeping it away from going onto the substrate, using that as the reservoir than lower layer.

tank gets here wednesday (over here the deliver has to be organised so i can take it off the van and then have to check it before signing for it) going start playing then with my set up, think i will give the waterfall a skip for now. very excited and lots of idea's flowing hehe

[DartEd]

I think that's a wise decision. The fun part of the build is bringing ideas to life and being able to change your Mind on the fly.

[Meefloaf]

i will be sure to take pics etc as i go along. any advice you can give me on heating the terra ?

[DartEd]

Lets cross that bridge when we get there. Dont fix a problem that doesnt exist. yet. Once you build it out and have everything in there, lets see what temp it keeps. Then we'll work out how to fix it. If a problem exists.

[Meefloaf]

cheers for the reply again fella.

[Meefloaf]

another question lol, been looking at the make your own background stuff, seems popular to cover three walls (comes back to the heating question here, will doing a three wall hinder should i have to put a heat mat on one side?) and have noticed many different techniques and materials. first idea i had was to make a small box with accents added onto the walls the inside to represent the shelf i would be putting in (obviously leaving one side smooth), then filling it with a lightweight material to create a solid structure. could also do this for the the background, the other idea being applying the poly resin to a polystyrene structure. main query is is there specific ones to use or things to look out for to avoid

cheers once more, Joe

[edit] also night lighting is the next issue, is it better to supply a night light rather than simply turning off the light

[Meefloaf]

[bump] terrarium arrives tomoz, cannot wait

[Hidr]

Good. Can't wait to see set up for real. Instead of your drawing. I just don't have enough imanganation. Need to see the real thing. lol

[Meefloaf]

thinking of making a fake tree to go in one corner using this guide DIY Buttress Root Tree for terrariums and vivariums. (Drylok method) - YouTube , going to get that sorted and the background this month, then end of the month get paid and get plants, substrate etc sorted out and then let them grow and settle in for a month or so before even entertaining the idea of getting the frogs in. cannot wait to get started tho aha, spent today trying to find the uk equivalent of Drylok

[Mentat]

thought the idea through a little bit more, think this is the plan, obv not to scale. ordered my 60x45x60 tank, so im thinking a 15/20cm waterfall, thinking of shaping the stream and waterfall to make sure it doesnt go all over.

Appears to me your waterfall idea will backfire and become a water/humidity problem due to the "spread" of it. Although I have not built one; 2 local pet shops design and build inside decor for enclosures and some do include very small water fixtures. Most of them are powered by small pumps hidden behind background (natural cork or one of those fiberglass fake rock ones) with the output tube entering the vivarium side through a small hole in background. Water then trickles down the wall or into pre-arranged decor (rocks, bamboo, etc.) and then seeps down into area where it collects back into pump reservoir. At no time is water allowed to contact large tank areas and it covers only 5-10% of vivarium.

Have also seen some set-ups similar to your design; but these where built in those open top turtle tanks where humidity will dissipate into your whole room. Obviously with an open top that means no climbing anything but you could keep water frogs and other aquatic animals in the "pond" area as long as they are compatible. Good luck !

[Meefloaf]

i will say that second pic is a kind of blown up version of it to show what i meant, it was never going to be big, was thinking maybe 10/15cm long stream (say 5/7cm wide), 10/15cm waterfall drop and maybe 10cm pond at the bottom, with my tank being 60cm wide and 45cm deep i didnt think this would be an issue

[Meefloaf]

okay, so got a few supplies today for the background creation, going to go for the expanding foam and silicone method. Should i only cover two sides and leave one spare for the heater to go on (outside of the terra) ? also for any UK based people reading, been told that door and window sealant is the best to go for regarding silicone, is this safe ? Unibond UPVC & Wood Exterior Frame Sealant Brown 310ml, 5010383236717