How do you clean your tanks? Some other questions

Goblinmatt · #1 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 12:04 PM

well I just got my first frog, a pacman. Right now my setup is very lame. 10 gallon tank, coco fiber, rock water bowl in corner, and threw in a large crystal rock thing I had just to get something in there for now

Im planning on picking a live plant or two. Any suggestions? Petco had a few I think, would they have anything good?

Now, I saw some pictures of people working on their tanks. If I were to use that foam stuff (could I get more info on this stuff), then black silicon I think, and put some moss on, how would I clean that? I just got my frog and I heard it only needs to be cleaned about once a month or whenever it gets smelly. Could I just blast it with a hose outside?

Im planning on doing something very basic like I said. Just like a moss wall. So if anyone has any tips or links to other threads/site it would be a great help!

Thanks guys

froggsong · #2 (**permalink**) 07-26-2008, 11:44 PM

Plants from petco are likely not going to be sturdy enough for a pacman. I have never owned one myself, but i have read that they LOVE to trample plants. When setting up a natural vivarium, you don't break it down and clean it all the time. The beneficial bacteria and plants and such take care of tank waste. If you have enough plants and some bugs that will break down waste, you will only need to break it down and replace the substrate every few years. If you were to try and blast the background with a hose, you would wash everything off of the silicone, so that wouldn't be a good idea. If you are concerned about being able to clean it, you could do something other than covering GS with coco fiber or moss. You might try PM-ing a member named Pacmaster and asking how he has his tanks set up, and what plants are good to use.

strange_screams · #3 (**permalink**) 07-27-2008, 12:57 AM

petco has a few that work well, but the emplyees lickly know nothing about them, so do some studying there are some pics on my blog of some plants i got at petco, i dont know there names, and some experimenting is nessisary because i dont know all there light requirements, finding a good nursery that knows there plants and has some inside plants is always a good idea

Goblinmatt · #4 (**permalink**) 07-27-2008, 06:24 AM

Actually now im looking at picking up a panel and a few plants from blackjungle, just 2 bromelaids and something else for now I think. Any tips?

Thanks!

Goblinmatt · #5 (**permalink**) 07-28-2008, 12:35 PM

Would home depot carry plants like that? Bromeliads and air plants?

froggsong · #6 (**permalink**) 07-28-2008, 12:51 PM

Broms, yes, air plants, I'm not sure if mine does or not. I haven't look specifically for those. I hear that buying online is the best source for plants. Maybe someone could recommend a good site?

Goblinmatt · #7 (**permalink**) 07-28-2008, 02:35 PM

Well blackjungle has pretty decent prices and a nice selection and I was planning on ordering a tree fern fiber panel from them. Only problem is shipping would be about 8$ for the panel AND 8$ for the plants

Kinda lame when im only going to be spending like 30$.

froggsong · #8 (**permalink**) 07-28-2008, 03:09 PM

The shipping isn't calculated on the weight of the entire order? That's weird. I actually haven't looked at their site yet. You can also look at sites that aren't just for terrariums, you should be able to find some good deals. Also, check like craigslist and stuff for your area and see if anyone is selling plants.

Goblinmatt · #9 (**permalink**) 07-28-2008, 03:42 PM

Ok I will, thanks.

When going through the checkout it says to select SPLIT shipping for dry goods and live plants

Also, if anyone knows of another site that sells plants and the panels that would be good too.

froggsong · #10 (**permalink**) 07-28-2008, 06:08 PM

ahhh that sucks... Why don't you just order the plants and make your own BG?