New Dart Tank - Build Journal

[DigitalPunk]

Ok the tank design is still in the very early stages for me. I am in the midst of my RETF build and decided to start planning this out while I waited for all the materials to dry so the planting can begin.

Since Dart frogs prefer more ground space and less vertical and I only have a 18x18x24 terrarium empty at the moment I started thinking of how I could increase the usable space in a vertical tank. I decided to start mentally and digitally laying out a possible solution. My idea is to use Styrofoam to creat rock/earth ledges that stair step their way around the walls of the enclosure. The width/length/depth of these pieces has not been decided yet. I want to lay it out in a way that provides some room to walk and move around, but while also maintaining a channel down the middle of the terrarium. This channel would then allow for a big stick/log or for a tall growing plant to take over. Along the walls I would put cork rounds randomly around for hides and Bromeliads / other plants on the walls and ledges to make it appear more natural. I would also like to do some kind of a water feature in the bottom of the tank that is at least partially exposed from above so I could setup a waterfall that would come off the top level and land in the pool at the bottom.

I am not sure if a False bottom is best for this build or if the normal Leca/mesh/dirt is the way to do. I also have no experience creating a water tight barrier between the wet and dry section. Ample misting would be added and maybe possibly fog... Hmm


Anyways Here a are few ruff sketches of what I am envisioning. Any and all ideas, suggestion, or anything is greatly appreciated. I have never owned Dart frogs before, and would like to get the tank setup well in advance of purchasing the frogs so it can grown in and be ready for them.

[Mentat]

Hello Paul! Appears to me 18x18 in. enclosure does provide a large floorspace for Dart or Mantella species. Still, wonder what your design will look like; and if the frogs will climb up and use all available ledges.

Myself would go with a false bottom and keep all soil substrate above the maximum water level. Any particular Dart species that interest you for this setup? Good luck !

[DigitalPunk]

This has actually changed quite a bit since I posted this. I have tried to keep my focus on the Red Eye build I am wrapping up.

I do have an 18x18x24 available to work on, but just bough a 36x18x16 and will most likely use that for a DART tank. Not sure on the species yet. We are still narrowing it down some. Being a Dart tank I def want to do some sort of water feature, but not sure if it will be a waterfall, drip wall, or rain system. With the new tank the design is changing a lot. Will probably turn the 18x18x24 into a rain chamber for the Red Eyes, but who knows lol

I will keep using this thread, but this next build will be very slow. As I will also be helping my 12 year old son build a 29G long dart tank.

[DigitalPunk]

Ok A quick update. I will be doing the build thread for this in a new thread. After being inspired by Geo and talking with him in PM I have decided to turn the 40b I have into a natural terrarium project. No foam or manufactured parts except a heater and a small foam filter.