First build- few questions (drainage)

[DigitalPunk]

bug,

Put some weed block down. Cut it so it is 1 to 1.5 inches long on all side. Then put your substrate in it and push it to the edges of the tank. This will close off the gaps and keep the ABG mix from falling down into your false bottom space.

I would then cover the ABG mix with a roughly 1 inch thick layer of Sphagnum Long Fiber moss. then top that off with some Leaf litter. The Sphagnum moss will help keep the humidity up as well as keep the AGB mix from getting all over your froggies. The leaf litter will keep your frogs from accidentally swallowing some moss and becoming impacted. The leaf litter is also great for DARTs, give them numerous hiding options if they get spooked.

Keep posting pics! We love Vivarium builds!!

I have a build thread going for my Red Eyed Tree Frogs. Near the bottom of page 2 are some pics of the Moss on top of ABG mix and then another picture of Leaf litter over the top of that. http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...elcomed-2.html

[buggerdtp]

Paul,

Thanks for the info, and the link! I have some fiberglass screen mesh over the crate (hard to see from the pic), but I like the idea of the weed block better, so I'll remove the fiberglass mesh and put the weed block down. With the crate fully covered in weed block, I'll add some ABG mix and push it around the sides of the crate to hide the sides.

I won't actually be putting down the ABG until I figure out what I want to do with my background and get that sorted out first. Since I only have a 12" wide tank, I'm thinking of keeping the background as flat as possible, with a few climbing areas and some plants. I need to do a lot more research into this, though.

[buggerdtp]

Has anyone had problems with using weed blocker on their egg crate false bottom? I'm worried it will hold water, not let enough through, and become nasty. Is this a concern or does it work well for vivariums?

[DigitalPunk]

You shouldn't have issues with Drainage. The water that will reach that level of your substrate should be minimal, but yet water will drain through weed block slower than it would through a screen.