Plants for WTF Enclosure

[elly]

Check the the sticky thread about the viv construction..... Having said that do you really want a naturalistic viv for whites? Like full on one?

<- What Lija said. It cost me more to put together a naturalistic terrarium, but I didn't want to keep replacing the substrate so frequently so I did the drainage layer, springtails and isopods thing. If you want the look of live plants but not a planted vivarium, maybe you could use (very sturdy and secure) flowerpots to hold them. Just make sure that the dirt doesn't have chemical fertilizer or anything. (and maybe get someone else's opinion about the flowerpots idea because I'm not entirely sure about it.)

[Frogs1]

I'll look into the pothos idea, I've got some fish tank like background on the outside of the tank that you just spray water and stick on to make it look nicer. Is a naturalistic Viv for whites hard? Im happy to put the time into setting iT up and maintaing it, but is it harder then what I probably think?

[elly]

It's not too difficult to do. Drainage layer, garden mesh, springtail culture (optional), soil, plants and you're done. If you want to make cleanup easier you can cut a hole in the mesh and stick a pvc pipe down into the drainage layer so you can siphon some water off if the drainage layer gets full. Or you can experiment with false bottoms. That looks a bit complicated to me but the people who have done it say it's not that hard. Edit: Okay, getting ABG soil might be harder in Australia. You could try looking up how to mix it yourself, or try plantation soil with a little of the fertilizer they sell for aquatic plants in fish tanks. Something that is fish-safe.

[Frogs1]

Ok thanKS, how much would it ruffley cost to setup?

[elly]

It really depends on what you can get, I don't know what's available in Australia. I suggest making a list of what you need and then looking at garden shops both in your area and online. As far as plants, it helps if you can find friends with houseplants and ask if you can take cuttings . If you buy from a nursery, wash the plants thoroughly to remove any pesticide, wash the dirt off the roots and give them a quick dip in 10% bleach 90% water mixture. (You should also do this with cuttings.) Rinse them off again. Oh, and note it's much better to get cheap plants since the white's might dig them up or something. Once my pothos and transcendentia grow large enough I'm going to take cuttings of them for backup plants. Just take off a piece with leaves and little rootlets on it and stick it in a glass of water and leave it. Chances are it will grow. Snake plant and lucky bamboo can be divided at the base when they start to send off shoots.

[Frogs1]

I think I can get most of those plants listed above from the local nussary, and I will look into the substrate more. Thanks

[Lija]

No, you can't use plantation soil, nothing will grow in there.
there are lots of AbG mix recipes on net, you just look what works with what is available.

and yes properly set up naturalistic tank is pricey, there are ways to cut the corners though. The proper light fixture may be expensive. If I were you I'd put a cost estimation together and see if it's doable.