30-40 gal paludarium build

[deranged chipmunk]

First criticism, redesign your divider, foam won't work. It needs to be divided with something like glass or plexi/lexan/carbonite. I've seen many people try the foam route and they all failed. It just does not seal like that. Second is you don't want to layer your soils, better off mixing them. You will also need to add some "chunky" items in the soil, so it drains. Otherwise, you get a compacted, nasty bog that will cause root rot in most plants. ABG mix is perfect for this application.

Otherwise, nice design. I look forward to seeing it progress.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[DigitalPunk]

I second not separating the to sections using foam. You will spend a week or more fighting with it to get it to work and in the end will have to rip it out and spend more money correcting it.

You could also just build up a half false bottom

[jarteta97]

Agreed with Paul and Bill. I would really just do what Paul did and go with a half false-bottom. You won't have to worry about the weight of gravel, and it'll just be a lot cheaper and easier IMO.

Can't wait to see the build

[Tobiascole]

Thank you everybody. I think Ill go with the false bottom. It seems easier and cheaper. Thank you again. Looks like this week is going to be full of runs for supplies

[DigitalPunk]

If you want to keep the frogs out from under the land you can put a piece of egg crate down as a wall to separate the two. You could even use some Spray foam on that egg crate to hide it and make it look like wood, dirt, or rocks

And I also highly recommend ABG mix for your soil. It is fantastic! NeHerp also sales their take own terrarium substrate that is excellent as well. I use Both and have had great success with each

[Tobiascole]

Thanks Paul! I actually have ordered some supplies from Neherp and they should come in around thursday or friday. I think i'm going to take your advice about the egg crate with foam and go with that. I'm even going to pick up the tank some time in the next few days. Its a 35 gallon long tank with a hole in it for plumbing so its going to be great. Any ideas on what filters I should use? I have almost no experience with this and help is very much appreciated, from anybody. Much research is going to be done.

[Tobiascole]

I got the tank so pictures will come soon. My order of plants/supplies was delayed so it will come in next week. Very excited.