Build for live plants

[phantom327]

I apologize if this has been discussed, but I have scoured this forum for a week and got a lot of good information. But I still don't see a decent tutorial on setting up for live plants in a false bottom setup. I got a lot of good information on what plants to choose and what soil to use. But exactly how do some of you set up the false bottom to accomodate a live plant? Do you cut the eggcrate and add a potted plant? Do you do build a layer with the LECA balls? Any instructions or links to a post that discusses this is greatly appreciated. I just want a small area that is planted opposed to building a layered tank with LECA and dirt. My WTF is handicap, doesn't use his back legs at all, so I need a cleaner environment for him as he drags himself around quite a bit. Thanks.

[Lija]

http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...ion-101-a.html

here you go

[phantom327]

Thank you Lija. I did read that, but maybe I missed something. I guess you just build a regular layered substrate base on top of the eggcrate?

[LilyPad]

You can do the egg crate, that is the preferred method of most here. I have done LECA for both of my builds and have no issues with it. I think the egg crate would work much better for a water feature if that's what you're planning. The LECA is sufficient just to create a drainage layer for your plants. Your plants and dirt will need some type of drainage. No matter what, you're going to need to do some type of layering. You could always section off a corner or two of the tank to build your planted sections instead of doing the entire tank. That way your handicap frog will not be pulling himself through dirt but you'll give your tank the benefit of live plants.

[phantom327]

I have built a couple false bottom types with water features. My WTF loves to sit under the waterfall. I just never incorporated live plants in the mix. I will try to just section a corner and put some screen over the eggcrate, then layer from there. Thanks.

[LilyPad]

Otherwise you could just put a potted plant in there (one that you've potted yourself with frog safe materials.) I've seen some cool square pots that would fit nicely into a corner, you could even put something in there that trails out a little bit. That way you do not have to bother with any egg crate or anything.