I need a list to start my vivarium

[smaug]

This is my 2nd post here and I'm gonna start asking questions right off.I have a 20 gal high that I wish to make a viv.from.I want it to be well planted and I want to have a water scape with a small pond at the bottom front side[about 12" round bowl shaped 3" deep] I want it to be at the bottom of a nice creek starting high and in the back.Ultimately I want to have some dart frogs [beginner types].I am at a loss as to what type of equipment Ill need or what type of plants to get.I do have access to a pet shop that has all the equipment and the plants and a great many of the animals.Any and all help will be appreciated.

[Waterkeeper]

if it's a shopping list your after.. here you go.

1. can of greatstuff foaming insulation (red can)
1. tube of 100% silicone black
1. caulk gun
1. sheet of fluorescent lighting "Egg Crate"
4. feet of 1.5" PVC cut into 3" pieces.
1. 40x20inch minimum piece of vinyl window screen
all available from homedepot or Ace hardware. these items will be used to create your background and false bottom.

as far as plants, animals, dirt rocks and decorations..... well that is only up to you and your imagination.

take a look here and here Here Here
Those all gave me inspiration while in the "pondering" stages with mine.. the 44 hex (first link) is my build so far. there were so few step by steps out there, that I decided to log mine as I go to help the future newbie.

I would FIRST AND FOREMOST decide on the animal you want to keep, and build it to suit them. in my opinion, no dart frog is the "beginner type" but luckily there are a few other frogs that are, and that will inhabit the same environment. allowing you to graduate to a dart frog later on.

Good luck with your build, and keep us up to date on your progress..

-Chris

[smaug]

Thank you!What type frog would you recomend?What is egg crate?

[Waterkeeper]

2 of the best beginner frogs are Firebelly toads (FBTs) or Green Tree Frogs (GTFs). just as fun to watch as a dart, but cheaper, and more hardy for the beginner.

egg crate is used in fluorescent lighting as a panel.. it's this stuff
you will find it by the fluorescent light fixtures in homedepot in 4x8 sheets

[smaug]

Gotcha about the egg crate.We have firebellys already and are doing pretty well with them.They are quite entertaining.What size pump is good for a small waterfall/creek.How about heaters?

[Waterkeeper]

I used an aquarium heater to keep my 10 gallon heated. warm water=warm tank. you can do the same with your pool. the warm water also keeps up your humidity. a heater rated for a 10 gallon will do just fine in a couple gallons of water.
as for the pump.. that depends on the height and size of your waterfall/creek. a marineland micro would probably be just fine.. get a basis for how high it will have to pump, and get your guys at the store to run it with that much head pressure for you, so you can see how much flow you get. personally.. i'm a huge fan of these Tera in tank filters. the 10i or 20i they are awsome, reliable, and will filter your water pretty good.

[smaug]

thank you for you help tonight,Ill be back again with more questions Im sure.

[Rainfrog]

That is too much water for PDF's. I would have more water for FBT's. I think you set up plans would go well for a GTF. 20 tall is good size water is ok. you will not need a water heater for that little water. I would use a low watt light for your heat or a stick on heater for the outside of your tank. good luck