false bottom or gravel

[DigitalPunk]

To echo and expand on what Heather said.

Drainage layers main function is to allow excess water to drain away from the soil and help keep it from getting swamped out. There are several options for removing the excess water from the tank. My favorite method is to drill the tank (like heather) about an inch or so up from the bottom. This will let me keep 1" of water in the drainage layer which is essential for promoting a healthy thriving microfauna population in the tank and it will also help keep the humidity in the tank up.

False bottoms are typically used when creating a water feature in the tank.


As to the material used in the drainage layer. You can you anything that will not decompose or break down in water. Hydroballs, LDL, River rocks, Horticultural Charcoal. I prefer either River rocks or if I am concerned about weight I will us LDL (NeHerp and Josh's Frogs sell LDL).

[ifeelfroggy]

can i use the no-see-um window screen for a substrate barrier? i have a lot left over after making some vents, dont wanna buy garden fabric if i dont have to

[Vivariums In The Mist]

I personally wouldn't use No-See Um for substrate barrier, a little too fine and I would think it would fall apart over time. I would save it for future builds!!

can i use the no-see-um window screen for a substrate barrier? i have a lot left over after making some vents, dont wanna buy garden fabric if i dont have to

[ifeelfroggy]

a little too fine and I would think it would fall apart over time.

Thats what i was worried about. I only saw huge rolls of the fabric type stuff at lowes/depot is there a place the i can buy just a little at a time i dont really want to end up with a lifetime supply like i did with the screen. its prob just cheaper just to buy the big roll tho?

[Vivariums In The Mist]

Yup, you can get a big roll for under $10. A hardware store might have smaller quantities or even some scraps laying around.

Thats what i was worried about. I only saw huge rolls of the fabric type stuff at lowes/depot is there a place the i can buy just a little at a time i dont really want to end up with a lifetime supply like i did with the screen. its prob just cheaper just to buy the big roll tho?

[ifeelfroggy]

hey guys. im just about to start placing orders and was lookin at substrates and it seems to be sold by the qt./gal. and was trying to figure out how many qt./gal. of drainage balls and ABG mix i will need for my viv? it is 24x24x24 with about 2-2.5" for drainage and 2.5-3" for ABG. thx guys
~Trevor

[DigitalPunk]

around 6 gal for each. It is a rough guess, but it is always better to order a bit to much than to get everything in and realize you need to order more supplies