Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I know that in my slowly progressing 46 gal bow front I want a waterfall and stream. But the possibilities are endless so I am looking for a bit of advice. I've noticed that the higher the waterfall water actually drops the more it splashes. Constant splashing in the same area all the time is most likely going to rot any plants that I put there, except for maybe java moss... So I nixed that idea. So I'm thinking trickling waterfall over rocks and cork. One problem is that I bought a Fluval 104 and its 125 gph and that's a lot of pressure. Trickling doesn't seem quite possible with that much pressure. Any suggestions on how to decrease the pressure, maybe through small tubes or poking holes in tubes so that the water doesn't shoot out one hole?

My other question is pertaining to the stream itself. I have a general idea of the actual construction but placement is a bit of a dilema. I am going to have a false bottom and at least 4 d. leucs. If I put the stream so that it cuts 1/3 of the tank off will they use the 1/3 that they will have to cross the river to get to? Do I put something over the water to form some type of bridge? I can't imagine them trying to hop over or swim thru the water, no matter what the pressure. Or should I make it go from the waterfall in the right rear corner to a small pool in the front left corner and cut the tank in 1/2? The way that it looks isn't as big of a concern as giving the darts something that is functional as well as natural. What setup have you guys been pleased with? Thanks so much for all your help!

Nicole
weeeee!

The pressure will also depend on the height. I'm sure at 2 ft. the pressure is nowhere near 125 gph. Try it out and see.

I always put water features in the corners for ease, but one in the center would work too. Remember that leucs like to climb a bit, so they will be climbing all over the water fall. I think they will be fine as the pressure should be that bad.

Post pics when you can of your setup in progress and we can help you out along the way.
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Josh Willard
www.joshsfrogs.com

You could always try putting the fluval on the ground (if it's not already there), making the tubes longer, or maybe even artificially introducing some kinks in them. You could also try covering partially closing the inlet tube (not the outlet).

I used to have a small waterfall in my tank, and every once in a while, I'd see my Leucs climbing up in in the water. It was only a trickle, though.

Blackjungle sells a manifold that converts a 1/2 inch line into 9 1/4 inch lines so instead of 1 high pressure hose you get up to 9 trickling hoses.