Underwater cave design.

[landshark]

So I had this amaaaaazing idea for a set up. I'm getting a tree frog species, and while think of basic designs, I thought of this. I want a semi-aquatic tank that has a false bottom above the water, being attached to the back and supported with pvc pipe. Now, for one, will this work with substrate added on over it? I was going to add gravel to the lower areas because I think the clay would fall apart under such conditions. However if the clay does work with the water (maybe if you spray it with a transparent sealant?) then could I just use the litter/ peat moss and skip the egg crate entirely? Then on top of that of course I'll have coco fiber/ peat moss. I may or may not need a pump, but I'd like one. If I get Cinnamon dart frogs, I'll need to incorporate bamboo into the viv as well. This will be my first vivarium with a background so I appreciate any and all advice.

[Kisa]

Our member DonLisk just recently started a build that sounds similar to the idea you have, here's a link to the thread, maybe you can find something helpful in there. And Don's really nice, I'm sure he'd answer any questions you have as long as he has the time.

Here's the link:

http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...viv-build.html

[DonLisk]

Thanks for the nice complements Kisa.

Landshark, I'm not understanding this part " I want a semi-aquatic tank that has a false bottom above the water, being attached to the back and supported with pvc pipe."

As for the clay, if you cover it with anything to seal it then it will dry out underneath and break apart on the wall/glass. The moisture for clay has to be pretty right since if its too damp it melts down or slides off the glass, if too dry it will crumble over time and come off the wall.

Any materials you put over the false bottom has to be able to drain to the false bottom, so the egg crate is probably best with substrate screen over the egg crate.

What type of water area are you trying to build in? Pond, stream, or a seperate water feature under the tree frogs living area?

[landshark]

Well I understand how confusing it sounds, but wanted to create a cave under the land area. I have another idea where I could put plexi-glass under part of the egg crate and another sheet and angle it so that the drainage layer would drain down the side. :/ The problem with this is I can't just cover the drainage layer, but I need the bottom to look nice and to where the frogs won't crawl up in it. I know this sounds ridiculous so bear with me.

[DonLisk]

If I am getting this right.... you want to have a real false bottom, then have the cave drain into that and then pump back up to the back of the cave so the view would be water coming out towards you but not accessible to the frogs.

substrate ------------------------
------------------------ _____________ Egg Crate 2
--------------- --------I
_____________ I_____________Egg Crate 1
___________________________Bottom

Egg crate 1 to be complete bottom but cut away at end of water run
Egg crate 2 to come to front to separate land from cave

Egg Carte 1 to be topped inside cave with what water will flow over but stop before glass to allow smooth runoff.
You will have to have an area to access pump from behind so look at Mikes construction journal for how he made his access to pump and the hose can come up the same hole.

Are we on the right track? Hope this is planting some ideas or helping finish off some ideas you have.

[Kisa]

Thanks for the nice complements Kisa.

You're very welcome Don. ^ ^ As soon as I saw this thread I thought of you.

[landshark]

It is, thanks.

[DonLisk]

Another thought would be to create the egg crate false bottom. create the cave out of great stuff and finish it off separately (all silicone and peat/coco applied) so you can place it over the completed water run.

Then run your substrate over the egg crate and up to the sides of the cave.

Just some other thoughts..... all be thinking about this all night now... thanks :-)

[Grrrit]

I like this alot. Would be a great build log, as to see how and the final. Can't wait! trap doors are my favorite for pump access. I'm on my phone or I would post links to my builds to sure you my pump access "trap doors". Hope this helps

[landshark]

A local breeder recommended I try fiberglass shaped like rock instead of the typical pvc pipe. hmm. This is tricky. Another plan i have is that I could cover the bottom of the second false bottom with a low light moss, but I doubt that would work.

Oh yes, and Don; that occurred to me yesterday. :0 This will actually be the background vivarium I design myself.