Clay Background in a paludarium?

[eruheru]

Hi all, I want to redo my 65 tall FW community tank into a paludarium. I really like the idea of a kitty litter background but I'm afraid of what it will happen if it's submerged in water or have a waterfall running over it. Any ideas on what would happen or if I can waterproof this method?
Thanks!

[Grimm]

Use pure sodium bentonite powder instead of kitty litter. I have herd of people using them as dripwalls without erosion. The only thing you need to ensure though, is to let the clay sit for a week to build up a biofilm. This film protects the clay and in therory should stop water from comming in direct contact with the clay. In any case, sodium bentonite naturally repels water, so it withstands heavy moisture well on its own.

[eruheru]

Thanks for the tip. Is the process the same as kitty litter? ie, mixing with the organic material etc? Also, where do I buy the powder other than ordering online?

[Grimm]

You can get it from pottery suppliers. I would just visit a local pottery shop and ask them where they know you can get it.

If you want the best and longest lasting results, then you wont want to use any organics, just pure clay. You can mix in about 25% red art clay to give it an earthy red tone. If that is still not a satisfactory look for you, then mix in some very finely ground peat moss. The finer it is, the less of it you will need to colour the clay to your liking. In turn, it will withstand water and degradation much better this way.