Mist/Rain system....doable?

[SludgeMunkey]

Depends on the substrate used if any. In a set up like yours, It may be wise to have an inch or two of gravel under the substrate, just to help keep solids out of the system.

Filtration is a wise idea in the main reclamation reservoir. A cartridge type canister filter or the like would work well.

Even with filtration though, it would be necessary to change the water every few days.

If you go substrateless, then you have the issue of losing eggs/tadpoles to the drain. This can easily be prevented with bulk filter media over the drains. Additional protection can be provided by using a smaller catch basin in the main reservoir. The water drains to the small basin and then overflows into the main. Any stray eggs or tadpoles will be in the smaller basin.

[Scott Morgan]

Depends on the substrate used if any. In a set up like yours, It may be wise to have an inch or two of gravel under the substrate, just to help keep solids out of the system.

Filtration is a wise idea in the main reclamation reservoir. A cartridge type canister filter or the like would work well.

Even with filtration though, it would be necessary to change the water every few days.

If you go substrateless, then you have the issue of losing eggs/tadpoles to the drain. This can easily be prevented with bulk filter media over the drains. Additional protection can be provided by using a smaller catch basin in the main reservoir. The water drains to the small basin and then overflows into the main. Any stray eggs or tadpoles will be in the smaller basin.

I am thinking a gravel/hydro ball mix with fine plastic mesh over it. Then just a standard mix of substrate and moss above that. I also got the suggestion to drill the tops of the containors to have the pvc run directly through it so I can still keep a partial screen top with a lighting cycle goingand proper ventilation. Using this method I think I can run the pvc through three 58 q sterilites.

The species I am most intersted are african reeds (Hyperolius sp) and amazon milk frogs (Trachycephalus resinifictrix). Possibly some mantellas down the road as well.


Also the actual rain portion would only be active during breeding season unless I need to raise the humidity/water table for whatever reason.

[SludgeMunkey]

Sounds like a solid plan to me. Over on Caudata.org, there is a fellow that goes by the handle "grius" he is an expert in these types of set ups, although he mostly does cooling systems. You may want to browse his threads over there as he posts many pictures that can guide you on piping and the like for your project.

I admit that I primarily build display systems, he is the pro on life support systems.