do I need a drainage layer

[mattfien]

Hello everyone,

Simple question, however I'm too ignorant to know it

I'm setting up a planted terrarium, no water feature (except for the water dish). Is it essential to include a drainage layer/substrate?

Sorry about my ignorance!

replies would be awesome

[Frogman1031]

Hello,

yes, a drainage layer is required. When the plants are watered, some of that water will collect at the bottom and without a drainage layer, the soil wit rot and smell really bad. you dont need anything fancy, i just use a 3 inch layer of Joshs frogs false bottom.

good luck with your tank! Remember to post pictures too!

[Vivariums In The Mist]

Absolutely required for a planted terrarium/vivarium. Think of same principle as a potted plant. Either the pot has built in drainage of some sort or you add rocks to make a drainage layer. AS mentioned, you need a place for water to pool/collect or plants (at least most of them) will rot.

[mattfien]

thanks Eli and Vivariums In The Mist.

Does the water that goes into the drainage layer need to be collected on a regular basis?

thanks for the quick reply!

[DigitalPunk]

Hey Matt!

Welcome to the forum. Here is a link to a thread we have for commonly asked question when dealing with Vivarium construction. There is a topic called "Control your water" that will answer this question for you. If you need anything explained a bit further please feel free to ask!


http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...questions.html

[mattfien]

thanks, that's a pretty helpful link.

The setup is actually a planted terrarium that will house a spotted python, I came here because I know frog keepers are all over the different methods and techniques of scaping a planted tank!

when I asked about a planted tank for a snake, I got a reply saying that I'll get a mould problem. Is this true, and how do I avoid it?

Everyone's so helpful on this forum!

thanks!