Can I use my 90 gallon drilled as a vivarium for Dart Frogs?

[Cody]

What I'm saying is, or asking, is what're you implying the overflow box could be used for? Sorry but I'm not 100% understanding xD...

[DonLisk]

I myself would cut out the bottom of the over flow and then screen it off from the tank. Then build my false bottom to be slightly higher than the bottom of the overflow so I could place a pump down in there for removing excess water or for running a water feature.

Having the pump down in the overflow would make access to the pump easy if you had problems later on such as it clogging up.

As Mike said, I would cover the overflow at the top so no frogs can get in there.

[Cody]

So you're saying to cut the actual plastic overflow box?

I myself would cut out the bottom of the over flow and then screen it off from the tank. Then build my false bottom to be slightly higher than the bottom of the overflow so I could place a pump down in there for removing excess water or for running a water feature.

Having the pump down in the overflow would make access to the pump easy if you had problems later on such as it clogging up.

As Mike said, I would cover the overflow at the top so no frogs can get in there.

[BG]

I like Don's idea too. That tank has alot of potential.

I myself would cut out the bottom of the over flow and then screen it off from the tank. Then build my false bottom to be slightly higher than the bottom of the overflow so I could place a pump down in there for removing excess water or for running a water feature.

Having the pump down in the overflow would make access to the pump easy if you had problems later on such as it clogging up.

As Mike said, I would cover the overflow at the top so no frogs can get in there.

[DonLisk]

As long as your not planning to ever go back to using it as a fish tank and using the overflow, then yes.

Or, just block off the top of the overflow and not use it at all.

[Cody]

Hmm...So, I'd cut the bottom out..then put a screen mesh over it and have the pump in there? As in, in the overflow area..hmmm...

[BG]

You could replace the plastic over flow box in the future. But why cut it? i would definatly cover it so the frogs don't go in there. I would make the cover to br removable so it can be cleaned.

[Cody]

But you said you liked Don's idea...xD...confused. Hmm...

You could replace the plastic over flow box in the future. But why cut it? i would definatly cover it so the frogs don't go in there. I would make the cover to br removable so it can be cleaned.

Edit: So what's the point in "pond" area of the vivarium setup for dart frogs on this forum? As in, the guide for the setup where it shows how to add the drainage layer...it has a pond area, what purpose does that serve? Also, I know some people use PVC couplers (I think they're called) and then the egg crate on top with their drainage layer in some way? How does that work? Would you add the....I forget what it's called..the substrate on top? (It's the three syllable one xD I don't wanna google it because I don't know it and if I just google it I'll forget...)

[DonLisk]

The vivarium you build is going to be more of what you want for a viv. The drainage area is a place to allow for water to filter down through the substrate and collect below that substrate. If not there, the substrate would eventually become saturated and rot requiring replacement over time. Also, many plant's root systems would have issue with no drainage unless they were plants that thrive on wet soil conditions such as aquatic plants.

There is no need for a pond with dart frogs, but some individuals love the idea of the water feature. Some darts will actually stand in the pond area but its recommended to not have the water level deeper than what the frog can stand in.
The water, especially water with movement such as a drip system or waterfall, will help with humidity, but a sealed up tank with plenty of live plants, a misting system or fogger, will keep your humidity high enough.
I've seen pond areas with no filter system, but you would need to siphon out the water routinely and replace the water.
Since the overflow is already there, looking at Mikes build, you wouldn't have to create an area to access the pump and run hoses since your overflow is already there to hide a pump and hoses.


I think the main thing to determine when designing your build is whether you want a water feature or not.

[BG]

The viv that i saw had a nonstop water supply thru a holding tank->thru the mister on a timer->thru the tank and what everexcess water got to the bottom of the tank it drained thru a whole at the bottom of the tank in a pipe going outside . So our aquariums could become that type of system because we have the holes allready drilled in the glass.