noob in desperate need of any ones experienced advice

alexG92 · #1 10-22-2010, 04:57 PM

Hi im new to viv forums and i want to make a vivarium with fish as well as plants and frogs like this one:
Grimm's Vivarium "Build"
i was wondering what type of filer and pump i should use for the water. im only gna be using 2-3 gallons of water for the water fall and pond

alexG92 · #2 10-25-2010, 01:42 PM

beckdg · #3 10-26-2010, 12:00 AM

pick one that fits where you need it to...
internal power filter - Google Search

alexG92 · #4 10-26-2010, 12:21 PM

but idk anything about filters the only one ive owned was for a fish tank and it clipped on the side of the tank like this one

i need one that filters stuff and pumps water out of my waterfall

alexG92 · #5 10-27-2010, 02:54 PM

i am planning on building my first paludarium and "Gimms vivarium build" thats stickied gave me some inspiration on the 20 gallon long I want to do. none of the threads ive found while searching gave the answer i was looking for.

1. what kind of pump/filters should i use? there will be about 3 gallons probably less and i want a water fall but idk if i need a pump or if there are filters that can double as a waterfall pump or what im new to this

. links or names of products super helpful pls

2. i see ppl using gs foam for the background but sometimes they use black pond and stone sometimes this cream colored foam.... whats the difference?

3. i plan on having a few guppies ghost shrimp and some trumpet snails along with a pair of firebelly toads will these animals do well together?

4. if i have terrestrial and aquatic plants with all these animals how often am i gna need to clean

beckdg · #6 10-27-2010, 04:45 PM

1. this...

will be perfect for a waterfall in such a small palu

2. the black one is made for ponds so might las longer wet... and it's black so you don't have to try so hard to hide it. DO NOT USE GREAT STUFF FOR WINDOWS AND DOORS. other than that you're good to go.

3. the frogs might eat some of your aquatic stock from time to time, but i'd still say they're compatible.

4. as often as you have to clean a fish tank. if it's stocked too high it might be quite often. if it's stocked lightly you could go some time without maintenance.

i combined your threads to make things easier for everyone and to keep the questions/info together.

alexG92 · #7 10-28-2010, 02:01 AM

thanks beck your a great help

now that filter in the picture would it hook up to a tube to connect at the top of my waterfall or how would that work? (sorry im new)
Also with great stuff its my understanding that i can just smear sillicone on the glass and put the foam on top correct?

Grimm · #8 10-28-2010, 09:56 AM

If I were you I would purchase the filter first, then test it out once the waterfall/background is complete. That way it it isnt powerful enough, you can just buy a cheap pump. I think I remember you saying in another thread that this tank will only be about 20 gallons though correct? It may be very difficult to hide any sort of filter and pump without the use of a false background, or sump setup. I would spend some time researching both options.

As for the silicone, spread it evenly on the visible glass sides, then just add globs and lines of it on the glass surfaces that will be hidden (back). As long as your glass is clean the foam should have a firm grasp of it. On the visible sides, try doing a thin layer of silicone without any bubbles, then once it has dried, do a secondary thick coat to stop the light from passing through it. If you dont like the idea of using 2 tubes of silicone, then I would suggest using dark limo tint or black spray paint on the outside of the glass to hide the foam.

alexG92 · #9 10-29-2010, 02:28 PM

so i think im gna make a hidden box to house the filter but i still need a name or a link to the filter im looking for that can hook up to one of those smalll hoses i can put in the foam