60 Gallon Cubed Dart Frog Sanctuary

[deranged chipmunk]

That will work.


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

[deranged chipmunk]

how are things going John? make any progress?

[EMCookjb]

Thank you for asking. I have stabilized the humidity at 91%. I added some leaf litter. The top couple of inches are "moist" but not soaking wet. I also don't see any water in the bottom of the tank. I have the time to mist twice a day for 3 minutes. I am thinking its time to get some plants and springtails. I am trying to decide whether to get tinks, specifically patricias, or leuks. I am thinking of placing the order for plants within the next week or so. I am reading up on how to "plant" those plants. I am realizing this is not like outside landscaping. Any suggestion will help. I am hoping to make decisions on the type of plants by the weekend.

John

[DigitalPunk]

I am WAY late in responding on this build again, but wanted to chime in. It is looking really good!

As Bill said I am a HUGE fan of the cork Panels. I have one tank currently that has it on 3 sides and I love the look it gives the tank. Plants freely grown on it and the moisture it holds helps keep the humidity a bit more stable.

For an automatic misting system I do the following (I am not saying I am right, but this is what is working great for me.) My MistKing system comes on every 3 hours and runs for 20 seconds. It comes on right after the lights come on and mists the last time 30mins before the lights go out. It keeps the tanks humidity up without over watering my plants. During the summer months I might reduce the misting duration from 20 seconds down to 15 because the house air wont be as dry.

Substrate - If you haven't already (and it doesn't sound like you have unless I missed the post) you should pour some destilled water onto your substrate and fill your drainage layer up till it is 1"- 1/2" from your soil. The water in the drainage layer will help maintain the tanks humidity and will also be a breeding ground for your springtail colony you add in. When pouring the water in be sure to spread it around the substrate. It's good for the whole thing to stay moist but not soaking wet.

I love the Mist Head mount you came up with! Very creative!

[EMCookjb]

When ordering plants, how I do know how many to buy? I am looking at getting creeping figs, calathea "medallion" and moss.

John

[DigitalPunk]

I am bad at this. I either order to many or not enough. I try to error on the side of to many so I don't end up having to pay shipping twice. If you are not familiar with the plant google it to see how big it can get to. Big plants work in Vivs but will require more trimming to keep it under control.

[EMCookjb]

Paul,

Thank you for the advice regarding adding water to the drainage layer. I was able to use the pump to fill the drainage layer from the bottom up. I also poured some water into the top of the soil layer as well, using the idea from Bill about putting tubing into the drainage layer. I have been using distilled and reverse osmosis water. I altered the misting schedule as you have it. I will alter it as needed so that the soil is moist but not soggy. I hoping to make a decision over the weekend regarding plants.

John

[jarteta97]

Hey Bill, I have a question for you regarding misting, because I hand mist like you. What's your schedule for misting and about how much distilled water do you use on say, a daily or weekly basis? I couldn't imagine doing more than 2 or 3 with hand misting, you're crazy!

[deranged chipmunk]

Hey Bill, I have a question for you regarding misting, because I hand mist like you. What's your schedule for misting and about how much distilled water do you use on say, a daily or weekly basis? I couldn't imagine doing more than 2 or 3 with hand misting, you're crazy!

well, first off, i use a 2 gallon pump mister.i go through 8 gallons of tap water/week. we actually have slightly acidic water in my city(6.8 pH), so i do not get water spots. i mist every night when i get home from work. i start with the tanks, and then move onto the plants on my baker's rack. takes me about 15 minutes. then another 15 minutes or so to feed the animals lol

[EMCookjb]

Josh,

Thank you for asking that question. I had not thought to ask how much water use people normally use, especially when using a Mistking system.