Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have read that a substrate divider should be used to prevent substrate from settling into the bottom when a gravel is used instead of a false bottom. If there is a subatrate divider how do people add water features to there tanks? Also, what kind of substrate does everyone here use and what kind of plants do well in it?

personally, I just use gravel and *maybe* cover with a thin layer of long fiber sphagnum moss (moss used in orchid pots). This way you dont have to worry about the substrate falling through the gravel, it's much cheaper and most vivarium plants will do just fine in gravel only as they will help remove the nitrogen build up in the drainage water. The moss merely serves as a buffer which keeps the pH where you need it and also improves the appearance of the viv (I've had the moss come back to life and it looks great!!). Another gravel cover could be oak and magnolia leaves. Frogs love leaf litter as it gives them a sense of security knowing they have a place to quickly retreat if danger should arise. The leaves also serve as nutrients for the plants and harbor springtails. I probably should use leaf litter more in my tanks, but for now I'm happy with sphagnum moss.

-Bill J.
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2.2.6 D. azureus
1.2.24 D. ventrimaculatus 'yellow'
1.1 D. tinctorius 'cobalt' (one subadult)
0.0.3 D. tinctorius 'patricia'
1.1 D. auratus 'blue'
0.2 P. aurotaenia

In my first tank I used gravel then window screen, and then jungle mix ontop. After that I have used only gravel, and I can say gravel is the way to go. Much easier and you can get pea gravel from lowes or home depot for $3 for a HUGE bag, I think 50lbs or so. This is a much better solution than aquarium gravel which is WAY over priced. I plan to try some new ideas in my future tanks to reduce the weight since the gravel gets a bit heavy. My 29 gal Azureus tank has about 100lbs in it. I think I am going to use foam with gravel ontop of it for the next one, and maybe a false bottom type setup, as long as I can hide it. I think nothing showing the false bottom ruins a lot of good looking tanks.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
0.0.2 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

do you use the foam to add landscaping to the tank? different levels? Then just substrate on top?
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Matt

I have not tried foam yet, so I would see it more as a filler, to cut down on weight, and amount of rocks used. I would guess anything would work. I am also going to try winstone as posted by patty. To create a waterfall/rock type wall. Right now I am working on putting a ceiling in my basement so after that is done I will work on a 20gal high for my Leucs. At least that is my plan.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
0.0.2 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators