Reptile & Amphibian Forums

OK I have a question for everyone?

In my new tank I want to just make a pool, without a waterfall, will this be a problem, and will I have to change the water all the time?

Is there a better option? I know people make tanks without water features, but my frogs seems to like the water so I at least want some water present. No idea what will go in this tank, maybe some tincs, or maybe my leucs as I want to redo that tank.

Thanks for any thoughts ideas,
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

I had some areas where the water didn't move at all. The water may become stagnant, and may require water changes every month. If you can set up a small filter it would do fine. I've put one of my fluval canister filters in those areas. Some plants may stall the time, but eventually it will have to be changed every once in a while.

That reminds me, time for a water change in my setup. I'm using the siphoning method. I'm hoping to buy another canister filter and used that to pump it all out, so I can just pump all the water out.

HTH

Daniel
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-_^

Canister filters are a bit much don't you think? I do change my water in my other tanks about each month or so. Water changes are not a big deal since its not much water. Now at some point I might have to back off thw spring water, but right now its no biggy. A couple gallons a month.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

I do this with alot of my tanks as it is much more economical. Your best bet would be to just keep changing the water out every 2 weeks for 4 to 6 months and then change it once a month or so from then on. Also, your misting alot will be a factor in this and the water will rise pretty quickly and will have to be drained off via a siphon or turkey baster. This is a very laborous technique but it works. I have several tanks that have been up for 2 years and have no problems with foul water anymore...it's sparkling clean and passes nitrate/ammonia and ph tests. Hope this helps.

-Bill J
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Ya I plan to have java moss, and mondo grass in it. so that should help a little.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Yeah, as will any other plant you have planted in the substrate. This is why I recommend to people to plant their plants in the substrate rather than sinking the planters that they are in. Best of luck!

-Bill J.
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I have a substrate question for you...

My new tank I am using gavel for the water section and then leca for the rest, but I can not make up my mind what, if anything to put on top of it...

Ideas? I have tons of eco earth, but like I said in another post I can never seem to get moss to grow on dirt.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

I normally top the gravel off with new zealand sphagnum moss mixed with firbark and oak leaves. All three are excelllent for growing moss on. I've used ecco-earth in the mix as well find it to be very messy as the frogs track it everywhere and it'll end up all over the bottom sides of the vivarium.

-Bill J
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Hmm... I've just had such good luck with just gravel. My dirt tank is a pain, and like you said the frogs get it all over. Hmm, going to sleep on it... I'd have to get some moss, nice have a couple local stores that sell it.

Going to sleep on it...
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

I like just gravel with magnolia or oak leaves over it.I'm not a big moss fans.I do have java moss in a few tanks that is doing very well.I have tried pillow moss and it grows ok at the start but then the plants grow up and shade it and it dies so I gave up on using it.Alot of the pics I have seen of frogs in nature there isn't moss growing everywhere.
Mark W.

This is true, but hard to reproduce that soil too...
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators

Kyle, I was searching for orchids last night on the forum and I found a nice post with several good substrate recipes on it. search for orchids and the post was titled "where can i find it?" or something like that. I printed it out. There was one guy that praised the T&C substrate mix because it is basically the Atlanta Bot. Gardens mix, and it was cheaper to buy from them, than to go and get the ingredients and mix it himself. I will not use eco earth, bed-beast, etc., again because it becomes a soggy mess. There is virtually no drainage. If you can't find it, let me know and i will post a link.
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Matt

Yes I have heard it is very good. Hmm not sure what to do just yet.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
Dart Links - still a work in progress
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
1.1.0 D. azureus
1.0.1 D. imitators