Posted by:
RickGordon
at Sat Jul 23 22:02:55 2011 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by RickGordon ]
What I would recommend is setting up a mini-wetland filter. I use these for all ampibians and most reptiles. It is 100% self sustaining other then topping off the water levels once and while.You can't buy a mini-wetland filter you have to make one. The idea behind it is to cycle the water in the same way a wetland does using live plants and soil. You will need some plastic egg crate, which is found in the florecent lighting section of any hardware store, some window screem and a powerhead or fountain pump. The fountain pumps are actually designed a little differently and work better. The basic idea is use the egg crate as a platform a few inches above the bottom of the tank or enclosure underneath the platform you have biobeads or lava rocks and your power head. on top of the platform you have your soil, moss, water fall, and live plants. In the soil add earthworns leaflice and other such critters as you would naturally find. Make sure you create access door so you can get to the power head when you need to. Plant as many plants as you can, they are critical to the operation of the filter. The live plants will grow roots throughout, above and below the platform. they will add oxygen and remove both nitrates and nitrites, heavy minerals and other polutants. the biobeads and lava rocks will grow nitrosomas bacteria that will convert amonia and nitrites into nitrates. The end result is a full cycle that needs no attention at all other than to clean the viewing glass, and keep the water topped off. I have used these with water dragons, anoles, poison dart frogs, newts, toads, and various frogs. My longest running system ran for 12 years without maintenance.
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