Concerned about false bottom

[itzjezze]

Ok so im a bit concerned about my false bottom, I used a windows screen to seperate the coco fiber from the hydroball false bottom. The water level is kept below the screen however at the back of the tank some of the coco fiber has sank down and is sitting in the water level. Also I have a water feature that runs water through the fiber constantly. Will this cause in a rotting or anything that I need to be concerned about? Is this something I need to fix asap?

[clownonfire]

The mesh will only help to prevent substrate to fall in your drainage layer. However, it will happen. If you have a circulation pump in the water, you could put a sponge filter between the water and the pump, which will help stop substrate from infiltrating your pump, and prolonging its life. If it's a filter pump, just make sure you remove it occasionally to wash the sponge inside or to replace it.

[itzjezze]

Ok, ill check out the filters, thanks again! just don't want anything to go wrong once I get the frogs in lol

[VicSkimmr]

I may just be misunderstanding, but are you saying that you have a water feature that constantly runs through the substrate? Any type of running water needs to be kept out of the substrate at all costs.

[itzjezze]

Ok I will fix that then when I get home. What is wrong with the water running through the substrate?

[VicSkimmr]

If it isn't kept separated it will soak the substrate and keep it constantly saturated. It just needs some kind of barrier to keep the water away from the substrate.

[clownonfire]

I may just be misunderstanding, but are you saying that you have a water feature that constantly runs through the substrate? Any type of running water needs to be kept out of the substrate at all costs.

Jason, great question. My understanding was that he used "false bottom" when actually referring to a drainage layer.

Jess, a drainage layer is also very easy to build... If you need more help with it, let us know.

[itzjezze]

Shoot lol im using the wrong terminology, yeah its a drainage layerm used hydroballs. The pump is in the hydroballs and is working. The substrate is saturated in some areas, the rest of it is just reallly moist.