Yes, you really do need to build the false bottom like an inverted box so the frogs can't get under it and drown.

Re: Filtering. Do you have a circulating stream, drip wall or waterfall from the false bottom? If so, running it over some Java moss makes a great living filter. Otherwise, you will probably be wise to do occasional partial water changes by simply siphoning out about half of the water and replacing it occasionally. How deep is the water? I always try to make the pump easily accessible, perhaps just hidden with some smooth rocks that can be removed easily, because they can get clogged up fairly regularly. Boxing the pump in with some fine mesh might help. I don't worry too much about dirt falling in a water feature with aquatic plants in it. You could maybe try some Ricca if you can find it, or there's a small 4 leaf clover type plant that's really cool. I'll try to get back to you about where this is available and what its scientific name is.

I'd put the bubble wand where it is accessible in the pool area and just cover it with more gravel. The wands do last quite a long time, but eventually need replacing. There is one type that is sort of like a flexible soaker hose, with weights on it. I have one of these in my 180, left over from when the 180 was a fish tank, and it has lasted for years.

Ice in the misting reservoir would help on hot days. I've never resorted to the computer fans, although some people do use them for more ventilation. It seems to me that blowing the same temperature air into the tank wouldn't improve things much.

If your well water has been tested for drinking and is O.K., it will be fine for the tank. You might check for hardness and pH, but in the long run, this doesn't matter much with your frogs. I have very hard water from my otherwise great well, and the only problem with it is that it leaves deposits when it splashes, and also tends to crud up the pumps over time so I have to soak them in straight vinegar once in a while, as well as wipe the deposits off the glass with vinegar and paper towels. You can buy a test kit at a pet store, or just guess. If the faucets in your new house don't have lime deposits on them, you're probably home free. If your area has a lot of oak, dogwood, Madrone, redwood, etc., the water is probably soft and neutral, or possibly very slightly acidic. Icy cold well water is also a good sign. Perfect!
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Patty
Pahsimeroi, Idaho

D. auratus blue, auratus Ancon Hill, galactonotus orange, galactonotus yellow, fantasticus, reticulatus, imitator, castaneoticus, azureus, pumilio Bastimentos. P. lugubris, vittatus, terribilis mint green, terribilis orange.

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