Build Ideas (Need Advise PLZ)

[FroggieLove]

So I'm going to start collecting supplies for my tank with a pair of Whites TF's to create a false bottom, background, water feature, etc. I've been looking at ideas and inspiration and have an idea on what I want to do. This will be my first time with anything like this so I just need some advise/input on my ideas (before I actually start building).

So far I have a rough outline for the false bottom. Sorry it's so simple, but I just wanted to make something quick and easy so you guys have a visual on my idea. (Yay MS Paint!! lol.)



I want to include some sort of waterfall and maybe a stream, but I'm not sure where to put it yet. I'm not using live plants (at least for now), so I figure the filter will at least help to keep the water cleaner. I have my eye on a small submersible filter at work.

Hopefully I'll be making my babies happy with a new and improved set up!


Let me know what you guys think so far, and if there's anything I should do different let me know. I'll update again with other ideas as soon as I figure out more on exactly what I want to do. When I get going on the build itself, I'll definitely post a build log with lots of pictures.

Thanks in advance for all your help!

[FroggieLove]

Hmm.. Why are my photos just links? I thought I did the code right...

[Nubster]

I tried and it did not work either. Maybe it has something to do with the location of the photos? It worked in my build thread so I am not real sure what is going on.

[froggsong]

You have to post the IMG codes, not the html code. Hope that helps! I use photobucket for my pics, and they have the IMG code right there, and all you have to do is click it and then paste it where you want it. They also have a really good photo editor.

[FroggieLove]

There we go, that seemed to work. I guess I did do the code wrong for the pics... hm.

So anyway, now that there's pics, what do u guys think?

[MtuPup]

i give your photoshopping a 4....

J/k but looks good the only thing I suggest is take the number of PVC supports you think you need then almost double them. My first false bottom sagged pretty bad under the weight of the substrate when all was done.

where in MI are you from?

[froggsong]

That looks like the basic idea. Heh, my pvc pieces I bought for the FB in my CWD vive were too big to use in my frog tank when I redid it yesterday, so I used those reusable/disposable rubbermaid dishes... I had a few laying around that we weren't really using anymore. I only needed a drainage area in there, since the water area is contained, so it didn't need to be that tall. Just thought I'd put that out there as another alternative, they also come in a taller size that could be used where you need a taller FB. It might offer better support than pvc legs would... As long as the plastic will hold up as long. I think it will though, they are actually pretty sturdy dishes.

[FroggieLove]

Thanks guys. MtuPup, I'm in Westland.. near Detroit.

Anyways... I got together some supplies. We had a sale at work on some stuff that I would need so I grabbed it up. Then got some more stuff from my garage. My dad had some spare PVC, silicone (without mold inhibitor), and some garden fabric (I'll use instead of screen) which doesn't have any chemicals in it.

My dad gave me some advise as well, so instead of putting the PVC pipes as "legs" under the egg crate, I'll put two pieces of PVC along the bottom horizontally. He thinks it will make it more stable that way, so I'll give it a try.

So I have everything measured out, and everything I need collected. I made sure to charge my camera battery today so I can post lots of pictures for a build log. So look for my log very very soon!!!!

[Tiamat]

I would just like to say that, imo, you should place the pump/filter far away from the water exit of it. If i look at your drawing, you will have stale water in the tank. Water will circulate far less in the left part, under the false bottom.