False Bottoms Necessary?

[seebison]

So, my first viv was a 29g tall with an egg crate false bottom that fed a waterfall/creek/poool. I recently came across a 18x18x24 exoterra and some ideas were thrown around..I was wondering if it would be necessary to have a false bottom at all? If I kept the live plants in pots and use a deep tub as a water fixture? Still new to this, so I'm not entirely sure. I just knew that some people use wet paper towels, so it probably would be a huge deal to go without a false bottom.

[bshmerlie]

You definately don't have to have a false bottom. If you use Leca or gravel as a drainage layer you can plant the plants...its super easy.

[bshmerlie]

Check out the care article on the left called Dart frog terrarium building and it shows exactly what im talking about.

[seebison]

Oh I see. I read that before, I think it slipped my mind. Gravel is good and easy. Hoorah, thankyou!

[bshmerlie]

The gravel will also serve as a biological filter to help break down waste. Seed your soil with springtails and with live plants you will have what we call a balanced tank.