Installing water feature

[dart345]

Thanks, I will do some more reading on those stickies... It takes me a minute or two to absorb the info, then some pictures to let it sink in.. lol

Yea I just email Cindy, since she seems the only one local for Dart Frogs. I have 2 offers sitting on the table. Cindy is offering me 2 29 gallons with lids , drains installed already and on top a spot for misting if I chose that route. Then I have another person with similar offer.

Basically looking to create a set up that will be easy to move, sO I know for sure I will be going with the false bottom, I think that will help me with the weight.

As far as the forums goes, well I checked the classifieds, Has anyone tried making clones from there plants? Hoping maybe I can buy some simple stuff from some people on here.

So far basically, I need to learn more on the fan mounting, care for the frogs ( Health Problems) and I am still researching the best plants to use for dart frogs.

From reading it seems that if I provide them with enough space, plants, and humidity they should do fine. Just out of curiousity, How much you think I am looking at to get started. Excluding a tank but if you think of counting the wood, substrate, egg crate, silicone, ligghts n fixture, It seems that I am looking in the ballpark of 200-300 Does that sound about right, for a DIY on 2 29 gallon tanks?

The frogs is a whole another story, which at this point I am not concerned about. I might just end up getting one tank started.

[dart345]

Speaking of which, I know pdf's do not need much standing water, so when I am thinking of my blue prints, how about do I go making a pond like area? I notice some with slants on them, then they glue the rocks, my concern is that I do not want to make it to deep.

[beckdg]

at that budget i'd think you'll have to wait quite a while for the plants to cover well. if you keep going at this pace you might be able to pull it off though. i'd definitely give some though to leaf litter too either way.

i am far from the plant guru at this point though.

[beckdg]

only make it a few inches (3-5) and fill it in with whatever's necessary if you need to.

[dart345]

THats perfect, well Beckdg in your honest and brutal opinion if I did DYI on the tank, what would you say be the estimate total cost to get started?

I was looking at black jungle not sure how much shipping was but I picked about 80 dollars worth of plants, just basic stuff, I did not order them yet, I was just getting a idea of what the plants cost me.

It seems that the plants will be the second cost factor in this new hobby. I I looked at that list you gave me and will be comparing plant prices amongst other sites.

It is unfortunate I could not get some of em local from a breeder. I was told a nursery, but I feel more comfortable going to through black jungle or simliar.. They put the effort into making the soil they use organic and safe for the frogs from what I read. PLus they have a good line of plants, in which have good genetics.

[dart345]

I just searched leaf litter in the forums, I am reading some of the stuff right now. There doesnt seem to be a thread solely on this, so could you care to elaborate on leave litter.

From what I am reading, it says it helps with the frogs not carrying over the soil... into the water area. However from my reading of other threads, the mesh that covers the false bottom material should prevent soil and other stuff from falling through.

With that said, I think will have intentions on using hydroton clay balls and a mesh screen over that then the substrate. I think that should help and eliminate any other material from getting to the pump that can potentially clog it.

[beckdg]

frogs skin can be sticky to soil and grainy things being it's moist. then they drag that wherever they go. when they get in the water it comes off. hopping around on moss or leafs helps that. the screen keeps it from falling straight through.

i couldn't give you an estimate. i've seen people do complete 50 gal. tanks for $40 and i've seen people sink probably around $1200 into an exoterra (1 exo... plus the frogs).

what soil they use is neither here nor there if you plan on de-potting, rinsing and aging the plants in the tank.

[dart345]

I wasnt sure if I needed to rinse and remove the soil on the plants, if I bought it like at a place such as black jungle.

So basically your saying to have some leaf litter on the ground to help prevent the soil and grain things dragging and sticking.

Yea, I completly understand about the price thing, it was just at first I took your one comment in regards to my budget, it seemed that it may be to small.

I guess only time will tell, not sure what the price will be on egg crate. Will any PVC work, or do I have to get a specific kiind. I ask because I know some of these materials can leave toxic stuff behind. I plan on using pvc to help make the frame for the false bottom.

[dart345]

Below are pics of what Cindy sent me for sale, I would not think it be to hard to clean. She said there is some substrate and background already in it. Which she will throw in there.

My concern is whatever is in there, how long its been setting in there with out any attention. I am wondering if its contaminated. If there is any wood, I can easily clean that out, especially if it is small enough I have a large pressure cooker.

[dart345]

Not sure if i would ever need to use those drains on the units, but it is included.