At wits end: First PDF leucs tank false bottom and substrate questions!

[Heatheranne]

Mariah, hellos and welcome .

Take your time and enjoy your build . This should be fun for you.

I'll make a very short how-to on a false bottom if you'd like. The hydro balls are fine though if you prefer them. The goal is to drain excess water away from the plants so your plants do not die. Basically to avoid creating a bog.

Here is how to make a false bottom. This is for a 55 gallon, but the technique is the same.

Cut eggcrate to fit bottom of tank. It should fit comfortably, but not so tight that its hard to remove. Leave an access hole for drainage. Use zip ties to connect the sides.


Use PVC to lift the eggcrate about 3" up off the bottom. Just set them evenly under the eggcrate to keep it level.

Get some fiberglass screen meshing and either set it on top of the eggcrate or you can see it on with flushing line. I sewed mine. Make small eggcrate pieces covered in mesh to lay over your access hole(s).


Then add your substrate layers.

[Mariah Ingram]

oh, well that answers a great deal of my questions thank you both! Although I have a few more so bear with me please.
So having that eggcrate false bottom isn't completely necessary just an easier way to handle the tank? Also i heard that when you mist the water will build up in the bottom, is there a certain amount I should mist, and how often?