Substrate Layering Question

Karackle · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 01:53 AM

Well, It's been a while but I finally the dividing wall covered with rocks and glued into my tank, once it cures I'll test for water tightness in the water area, and then I need to fill up the land are and put my Crested Gecko into his new home!

So my question is what kind of layering of substrate(s) should I use? I plan on having live plants in here, but I know i need to put something on the bottom for drainage, so what kind of layers should I use? And what will be safe for my gecko?

Here are some pictures to give an idea of what I built/am building.

Thanks in advance!!!

Front View:

Top View (to see layout):

Back view:

acpart · #2 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 12:41 PM

There's a good article about this a blackjungle.com. For my much smaller planted enclosures I use the dried clay balls, then a layer of mesh (both of these sold by Black Jungle), then eco earth to which I add liquid fertilizer.

Aliza

Karackle · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2008, 03:28 PM

Thanks, I'll take a look!

I probably should have mentioned this is a 60 gallon hex tank (for size reference)

thanks again!

Rainfrog · #4 (**permalink**) 02-26-2008, 05:24 AM

nice tank. id use expanded clay and some weed barrier then cover it with coco bedding.

Karackle · #5 (**permalink**) 02-26-2008, 04:26 PM

great, thanks!

FrogGirl · #6 (**permalink**) 02-29-2008, 07:29 PM

Wow this looks really great. I'd love to see some pics of the finished product.

Karackle · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 12:08 AM

Thanks! I'll post pictures as i get it set up. I tested for water tightness and had a few leaks

so the newest layer of silicone is drying, once it does i'll test for water tightness again and as soon as that's set I should have something new to take pictures of

FrogGirl · #8 (**permalink**) 03-02-2008, 11:54 AM

Great I can't wait. I just got a new tank yesterday. Won't be near as fancy as yours but I'll have to work on it slowly over the next couple of months.

Karackle · #9 (**permalink**) 03-03-2008, 02:09 PM

Yeah it's taken me a few months just to get mine to where it is in the picture you see. But it's finally getting close! Tested for leaks again before i went away last weekend....found a DIFFERENT one this time...will have to dry it out and re-caulk again....updated pictures to follow (hopefully) soon....as soon as it's watertight and i can show the waterfall in action!

Karackle · #10 (**permalink**) 03-17-2008, 08:26 PM

Well, sorry for the delay in the update, but i'm having a lot of trouble getting the wall (the rock part) to seal completely. I keep getting leaks! Does anyone have any suggestions? I've piled on the silicone....is there any thing else i can use? Most of the problems seem to be along the bottom seam....is there anything i can use to just fill a layer in the bottom of the tank?

Any and ALL suggestions would be VERY much appreciated!!!

Thanks!