Red Eyed Tree Frog Beginner

[DigitalPunk]

Always good to acknowledge when something isn't turning out right and looking for a different option. Never easy, but always a learning experience

I use Fiberglass window screening to put on top of the egg crate. You can buy it by the roll at Lowes or Home Depot for cheap (I think for like $4 or $5). Just cut it so it is 2 or 3 inches bigger on all sides so the substrate sits in it like a bowl and you will be all set.


Did you get a digital Hydrometer? Analog ones are notoriously inaccurate. Heck digital ones are not all that accurate. I ended up buying a couple and running them side by side to see what the variance was so I could guestimate the actual unity.

Tnak is looking good though, keep the updates coming!

[frogeyes]

Always good to acknowledge when something isn't turning out right and looking for a different option. Never easy, but always a learning experience

I use Fiberglass window screening to put on top of the egg crate. You can buy it by the roll at Lowes or Home Depot for cheap (I think for like $4 or $5). Just cut it so it is 2 or 3 inches bigger on all sides so the substrate sits in it like a bowl and you will be all set.


Did you get a digital Hydrometer? Analog ones are notoriously inaccurate. Heck digital ones are not all that accurate. I ended up buying a couple and running them side by side to see what the variance was so I could guestimate the actual unity.

Tnak is looking good though, keep the updates coming!

Thanks. They are analog ones (I can see where you are coming from with digital though; it's kind of like hydrometers and refractometers with saltwater). Fiberglass window screening would be perfect above the eggcrate! Going to Lowe's tomorrow anyways to look at plants, might as well check out the window screening.

Thanks again, you've been a huge help!

[DigitalPunk]

I love using fiberglass screening! You will find that Analog Temp and humidity sensors are worse at accuracy than their digital counterparts unfortunately.

[frogeyes]

Hey everyone, here's a few new pics. Plants, fogger, and the custom drip/water setup.





With the ABG mix, would it be ok to mix it with unfertilized potting soil and some soft coconut fiber (to make a thicker substrate bed)?



Also, here's a few pics of my reef just for fun

[Lija]

Wow! That looks awesome! All of it!

[DigitalPunk]

Wow both tanks look great! The Wife and I have been toying with learning how to do a salt water reef tank, but haven't pulled the trigger on it.

As for the ABG mix. I don't think it would hurt to mix it with anything, but the ABG on it's own is very substantial and I don't find the need to mix it with anything. It provides good support for the plants and nutrients for the plants. Especially once the frogs start fertilizing it with their waste. If you add Springtails and Isopods to the soil they will help ensure the soil stays clean and nutrient rich for your plants

[frogeyes]

Wow both tanks look great! The Wife and I have been toying with learning how to do a salt water reef tank, but haven't pulled the trigger on it.

As for the ABG mix. I don't think it would hurt to mix it with anything, but the ABG on it's own is very substantial and I don't find the need to mix it with anything. It provides good support for the plants and nutrients for the plants. Especially once the frogs start fertilizing it with their waste. If you add Springtails and Isopods to the soil they will help ensure the soil stays clean and nutrient rich for your plants

Thanks I appreciate it!

I'd say give the saltwater a try! It is very rewarding and well worth it! If I can offer any advice, and if you plan to pull the trigger, I'd say make sure you are using RO/DI water, a quality protein skimmer (I just bought mine and it's already pulled tons of "goop" from my water), have adequate flow for the corals you plan to keep, and lighting (I love my Kessil a150w LED because it will last a long time and doesn't produce a ton of heat). Those things have made my tank much healthier. I used to "skimp" on things when I first started saltwater, and it was a disaster. Once I picked up some quality equipment, it has been better ever since. Also, go slow, start with some easier corals like zoanthids, mushrooms, kenya trees, palythoas, etc... then if you get the hang of that, move on to LPS, and then SPS. I've been in the hobby since about 2009, and I haven't even attempted SPS corals.


And thanks for the tip on the substrate. I am eventually going to get some springtails.

[frogeyes]

Wow! That looks awesome! All of it!

Thanks Lija! I think it's coming along nicely as well. I've got more plants to put in after I put down the substrate.