false bottom in an ExoTerra 12x12x18?

[Sharkdude]

I'm new to the site and still learning from various websites, etc.

I recently purchased an exoterra medium 12x12x18 that I plan on planting for a single dumpy tree frog.

I get the idea of a false bottom as drainage area to keep the substrate from getting waterlogged. Some vivs seem to use the false bottom as source water for a waterfall feature, etc.
I really don't like the idea of installing a pump and water heater where they are inaccessible under the false bottom.

In such a small viv, should I just use a stagnent drainage area?

Is any one familiar with a Tom's Aqualifter pump?
Tom Aquatics Aqua Lifter—Dosing Pump (Saltwater Aquarium Supplies > Overflow Box > Accessories )

I use one for supplying water to a calcium reactor in my reef aquarium.
I was thinking if I install rigid airline tubing behind the exoterra background, I can use the aqualifter to pull water from the drainage area under the false bottom and then drip it back to top of the viv.

This would re-circulate water (aiding humidity), the pump is accessible, and if I use some clay marbles in bottom, they act as biofiler media too.
For heating, I am thinking just a pad stuck to the bottom outside of the viv, even though its less efficient, at least its accessible.

advice appreciated.

[Rainfrog]

I would not put a heat pad sticky mabob (technical name I believe) under an area with lots of water. it could cause problems including glass cracking.

[Sharkdude]

thanks for reply RainFrog. I did not think of that potential problem.

will a heat pad provide sufficient heat if I place it on the back wall behind the foam background?

I have another idea for placement of a submersible heater in an outside and accessible location, but still trying to work out the details.

any small submersible heaters I could place under a flase bottom, preferably with a heat sensitive switch so it turns off if the area runs dry?

[Green Ghost]

I don't use a heater of any kind in my vivs and I don't have a problem with heat. I live in Montreal by the way so it gets cold here in the winter.

[Rainfrog]

What are the temps in your house where the tank will be? if your house is in a good temp range it will be fine. remember your lights will add some heat (this varies on light type of course) also if it gets too cold at night get a 25 watt nighttime light eather red or a Moonlite (soft light simulating moon gives low heat for night)

[Sharkdude]

thanks for replies and advice.

I'm in So California, so I may be ok on temps. My main concern is nightime winter temps in my home. We set the thermostat at 65, and belive it or not, it can get down to 40's outside at night in So Cal.

I had not planned on a light, at least at first, for a nocturnal tree frog. But I may add a small light for the indoor plants if I place the viv in my son's bedroom, away from the windows and natural light source.

should at least I plan on a low wattage basking light for a dumpy or white lipped tree frog or a vietnamese blue tree frog (species the local reptile shop has available)?

[Waterkeeper]

hey sharkdude..
I use that aqualifter for my denitration tube on my reef.. I don't think you will be moving enough water to stir any crud on the bottom of the tank.. I can tell you that on this DIY protein skimmer I made once, that a maxi-jet 400 will run dry, like an external pump. the only trick is how to prime it? It will also run a little warmer this way and supply some heat to the water, which will in turn warm your tank. slightly.
Glad to see I'm not the only reef keeper who's found his way to ruining perfectly good aquariums......

[Sharkdude]

ahhh... an equally deranged cross-hobby viv/reefer!

no problem on the prime, I have plumbed external closed loop with a mag 7 on a 35 gal reef before. I

I'm more concerned of running out of water (through evaporation) and the external pump runs bone dry, overheats and melts.

any small powerheads or pumps that can be plumbed external (not submerged) and also have a thermal cut-off?

an aqualifter is self priming if any one is curious.