building my first vivarium

Schloff · #1 (**permalink**) 07-01-2007, 07:54 PM

ive got some egg crate and this mesh to go over screen.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting

MY PROBLEM IS THAT IT IS NOT GOOD ENOUUGH TO KEEP THE SUBSTSRATE IM PUTTING OVER IT FROM FALLING THOUGH

MY QUESTION IS THIS, WHAT CAN I USE TO PUT OVER THE MESH THAT WILL FILTER MORE FINELY

maybe i could cut up some pillow cases or use some kind of material that is like paperish fabric that water can go through

IM SO LOST. DOES ANYONE KNOW OF MATERIAL THAT IS NONTOXIC AND DOES THIS

even if i double layer this mesh

screen.jpg - Image - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
the substrate im using will eventually fall though clogging my under works and making disaster

what do you think about cut up pillow cases or collored shirts? i can get them from the good will
can u find any problem with filtering this way? Thanks

Rainfrog · #2 (**permalink**) 07-02-2007, 03:13 AM

Stop by your local ladys department and get a pair of nylons. now....Get them off your head! now cut them to the area you need. you can stretch them over the screen and your substrate wont fall through. Keep in mind nylon takes a little bit to let the water through so you wont want to pour alot in at a time. streaching it helps with this though. try it out. I havent done this myself but I dont see any flaws in it Ive used nylon for aquarium and insect nets it works great. Using a cotton based material wont work. it will mildew and eventualy biodegrade.

frog_dude · #3 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007, 03:46 PM

I use weed control fabric (aka landscape fabric) in mine. Its easier to work with than the nylon as it doesnt stretch. Sorry if this is too late to be of any use, but i've been on holiday!

rsfrid · #4 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007, 04:14 PM

Aluminum window screen?

Rainfrog · #5 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 06:42 AM

That is a great idea! I dont know why but landscaping barriers never crossed my mind. aluminum screening would work if you were working with a level area otherwise i think it would be to rigid.

frog_dude · #6 (**permalink**) 07-10-2007, 09:35 AM

I work in a garden centre so i'm lucky enough to have stuff like that available free.

tunachris · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-2007, 12:50 PM

I use fabric screen over a false bottom to keep the substrate from dropping into the bottom. 2 layers would provide more of a barrier, but I have not had problems using a single layer. The screen can lay flat over the false bottom, and the substrate can be contoured as needed.

My vivarium is set-up from the bottom up, gravel, eggcrate, screen, 50% soil and 50% coconut husk chunks mixed. Very little of the substrate leaches into the water resorvoir.