Reed Frog Paludarium

[deranged chipmunk]

Okay...

So for filtration, couldn't I just use duckweed for in the water? I mean, it grows SO fast, and uses SO much ammonia.. Wouldn't it just use it all up before it would make an impact on the frogs? Plus, it would make the palu look more natural, and it would provide food for my fish. Not to mention it's about the cheapest filtration you can get!!

Now for lighting and heating. I've never had to light terrestrial plants before. Would an aquatic T5HO fixture work, say, 6500k ish? Or what about 2 6500k daylight CFL bulbs? I think they are 28 watts or something close to that. Would a 150 watt infared bulb heat the palu and water ok? The reason I am thinking about going with one of these is because they cost a lot less than a ceramic heat bulb, plus I would be able to view them at night. Do I need a UVB light for these guys?

For substrate I will be using ABG Mix with Josh's Frogs False Bottom, along with leaf litter.

Still coming up with a few designs of the land/water part. So once I get those finished I will post them to get some input.

the duckweed does use up quite a lot of ammonia, but there are other things that you also need to filter. do yourself a favor and splurge on a good filter for it. i understand building on a budget, believe me, but the one thing i absolutely NOT do on the cheap, is life support systems. splurge on a good canister filter like a zoomed 501 or something to that effect. as far as heating, i use good quality aquarium heaters. either eheim or fluval. they are adjustable and hold their settings well. they can be hidden under false bottoms easily and are almost bullet proof. just remember to leave access to remove it if it fails.

a t5ho build is the way to go if you have access to one. i use a 4 bulb unit to light my mantella tank and the plants grow like crazy. cfl's are also good and should be good for a shallow tank like a 20L. stick in that color temp range (6500k) and all should be good.

i am lazy, and get my fruit fly cultures from petco. they last about a month. i'm sure lynn can give more info on the Josh's cultures, since i believe that's where she gets her's from?? btw, i use melanogaster flies.

[Scottyhorse]

the duckweed does use up quite a lot of ammonia, but there are other things that you also need to filter. do yourself a favor and splurge on a good filter for it. i understand building on a budget, believe me, but the one thing i absolutely NOT do on the cheap, is life support systems. splurge on a good canister filter like a zoomed 501 or something to that effect. as far as heating, i use good quality aquarium heaters. either eheim or fluval. they are adjustable and hold their settings well. they can be hidden under false bottoms easily and are almost bullet proof. just remember to leave access to remove it if it fails.

a t5ho build is the way to go if you have access to one. i use a 4 bulb unit to light my mantella tank and the plants grow like crazy. cfl's are also good and should be good for a shallow tank like a 20L. stick in that color temp range (6500k) and all should be good.

i am lazy, and get my fruit fly cultures from petco. they last about a month. i'm sure lynn can give more info on the Josh's cultures, since i believe that's where she gets her's from?? btw, i use melanogaster flies.

$35 isn't bad for a filter like that. If that's what you suggest, I'll go with it

So the false bottoms really confuse me lol Anyone have any links I can look at that show how to build them? And another thing that's bothering me. The background. I love all the backgrounds that people make with the foam, but I am 99% sure that mine would turn out terrible. I am a bit artistically challenged... lol

My petco is lame, they don't sell ANY live food. Petsmart is over an hour away, and they only sell meal worms and crickets. So...?


I really like the style of this one, with the waterfall and all. But of course I would do it with tropical plants.

[Scottyhorse]

How about a light like this? Looks good to me!

30" 36" 48" inch T5 High Output Quad Aquarium Salt or Fresh Water Lights Fixture | eBay

Price is a little high for an off brand thing like this, but IDK, might get it anyhow.

[Scottyhorse]

Found a couple more Palu pictures I like. I am finding out I am more drawn to the non-tropical plants. I think. And would it be best to turn the 20 LONG or 10 gal vertical?



And this is my fave.... I LOVE it! Seem familiar?

2011 AGA Aquascaping Contest - Entry #85