I am hardly a professional but hought to give it a shot, another recommendation is to post this question on the Dart and Mantella forum. They all deal with vivarium's and can give more practicle insight.
>>What exactly does a false bottom do?
A false bottom gives the tank and area for extra storgage of water. Weather it be for a water element or for drainage. Often without o false bottom the plant roots become lodged wth water creating rot. Your soil needs to be able to dry out if even for a little bit.
>>Is it only for drainage?
No water elements such as water falls rivers even some mist system's need a place for a filter and water. Often it is easier to do that within the tank rather than outside. Remember that the more water in the system the more resilient to change. With any water in a tank will also need to be changed on a frequent basis.
>>I've seen tanks with filter balls with mesh over that, then soil and moss. Why do the filter balls seem so popular?
Filter balls or Bio Filtration Media, are often cheap you can buy them in cubic feet or gallons. They are also extremly lighter than gravel or even some of the clay pellets some compaines sell now. Another advantage is that these balls are highly faceted creating tons of surface area for active bacteria that will thrive in your water supply. They help filter the water and exist without interferance, so we all live with them. They do a good job as well!
>>Wouldnt large gravel be cheaper and easier?
It might be but it scertainly isn't lighter! I would do a price check on the Bio Balls.
>>and I would just need to wipe down the walls. It this accurate?
To certain point yes you will not have to do soil changes in a well set up tank. The plants and bacteria will break down fecal matter and the tank will cycle everything as in nature.
However this is not a perfect system. Like I said the water will have to be changed frequently and will last longer if filtered. Also many soils will loss nutrients you can not possible replace so soil changes will also need to be accomplished. This however can be done every couple of years. Also some plants will thrive others will fail as it is in nature. This living community will need your involvement to keep things neat and trimmed.
>>I'm sure a spot cleaning would still be necessary, but that would be great if I could add plants to cancel out the need of an entire tank breakdown.
You will so long as you keep everything else neat and tidy. Plants die then are replaced. But the soil will need to be changed every couple years and water every couple weeks. Also some times its good for change. You will know when!
>>How do I got about using plants I find outside?
This I don't recommend at all. The commercially available plants have a great market. There is no sense in saving a few buck for a plant that could contain some pesticide or bacteria that will ruin your colonie not to mention mites or other small creatures.
Walmart caries a variety of tropical plants that are hardy and easily replaceable. Once you get your Green thumb you can move up to harder specimens, available via terrarium suppliers on the web.
>>Besides ultrasonic foggers and constant mistings, whats another good way to raise humidity in tanks?
Any water element will increase humidity like a water fall. The cascading water will create turbulence and oxygenation of the water as well helping your living bio bacteria within the false bottom filter and even the soil.
Welcome to the next Generation of habitats, the vivarium!
Jeremy
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"I am become death, the destroyer of worlds" July 16, 1945 Robert Oppenheimer
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