viv 2

[Pappy65]

Hey there folks.. Going to be picking at some of your brains here as I attempt to build my FBT's new home.
I want to go with live plants and a waterfall feature too.

1. How do you add the plants in the GS/background ? buy cutting a hole and inserting a cup/pot of sorts , or just add the plant directly in the hole ?

2. For substrate, I've seen 2 that I was considering on using, Flourite-floramax gravel, or Eco-Complete planted substrat, or BOTH ? What do you folks use that seems to work well with your set ups ?

3. For those of you that have waterfalls in your set ups. I will be having a
15" high waterfall. Dose anyone use the 606 mini jet water pump ? And if so, will it be enough power for a nice stead flow for a cool waterfall affect ?

4. Heard of using a power head aswell. Anyone here using one of these for there waterfall ? Was thinking maybe a Maxi jet 1000 would work nicely..

Input on any of these questions would be appriciated, products, or tips welcomed too..


Thanks in advance

[Rainfrog]

if it is an air plant just use something to attach it to the surface like a stple (around not through the plant), or even hot glue it. if it needs to be planted make a ledge for soil or use a small planter or plastic cup/film canister. make sure to leave drainage. some where on here is a post where tubing was used in the bottom of the pots so water would drain out and not rot the roots.

[Pappy65]

Thanks Rainfrog. I thouhgt I seen it too, but had no luck finding it again. I've been doing alot of checking on here, maybe I'll find what I'm looking for soon.. Lots of post to look at..

[Pappy65]

Hey folks. I'm getting my list of things together, but I'm still not sure on the plants yet. Got some ideas from looking at everyone elses set-ups but I want something that is on a like 3-5 out of 10 to maintane. Can somebody help me out here with some good plants to go with for a rookie. i.e. moss , I like the java moss, for ferns though, there are so so many.. HELP, anyone ?

[matt020593]

As for the substrate, you should have a layer of gravel (about 1"-2" deep) for drainige so the plants don't get water logged. Then you can have some type of soil like peat or compost.
For plants Pothos is good (Devils Ivy/Marble Queen), Spider plants do well, schefflera (umbrella tree), Ficus or Wandering Jew.
all of the above plants usually fare well in vivariums.

[Pappy65]

Thanks matt. Was checking out them plants, wow they get bigger then I might want for the viv, have to keep digging..

Was going to use a false bottom, but not thinking of using to much soil [plant substrate] other then whats needed for my plants. My FBT's like to kick it in the water all the time and is a mess to try and keep after. I don't think I want something to get more then say 10"-15" tall .
Again, thanks..

Anyone else with some hints,advice, something ? I've been looking at lots of plants, but again I'm not sure whats going to work well. I've never used real plants before, not even in my fish tanks..

[matt020593]

You could try putting a layer of moss on top of the soil so your FBTs don't kick it into the water.