Ideas for a 30G palu on a limited budget

[LNK_89]

I'm still going to push him to make an interesting tank. I bought him the tank he will make it nice and interesting....or so I hope.

Well then I guess I should ask how can I make a nice paludarium in the 30 gallon on a very limited budget? Also what could I put in there animals wise. I have always liked the idea of those natural tanks where everything mostly takes care of itself, but I think I would need a bigger tank for that.

[beckdg]

Originally Posted by LNK_89

I have always liked the idea of those natural tanks where everything mostly takes care of itself, but I think I would need a bigger tank for that.

yup... like earth.

but seriously... there's really no such thing as a tank that takes care of itself... many have tried... all have failed. you can get pretty close if you're careful and take your time though.

at any rate a 30 is an awesome size for a riparium too. i know, i'm not making deciding any easier.

[froggsong]

There's lots you can do on a limited budget, and you can make a tank that basically takes care of itself. I have a ten gallon with two or three guppies and my rough skinned newt, and I rarely even feed her (she eats the snails and whatnot). All I have to do in that tank is trim the grass that grows from the top.

The amount of money you spend depends on your creativity when choosing supplies as well as how well you hunt our deals and freebies.

Wood is one of those things that can generally be had for free, you just have to take the time to make it suitable for your tank (sterilization, etc).
If your dad has eggcrate left over, you can always use that so you don't have to buy any yourself.
Waterfall pumps are much less expensive than herp (or even fish) specific ones, so definitely price those. Of course, if you have a filter or pump laying around somewhere, you can always make that work as well.
If you want to carve styrofoam to make rocks and whatnot, it can be had for free from a plethora of places. Try retail stores first (you might even be able to find open cell foam you can use for filtering your water or planting moss), especially the ones that carry china and electronics.
As far as plants go, the cheapest route is to make a native paludarium, because then you can just mimic what's outside and gather your plants. Otherwise, buy your plants small and let them grow into the tank. Many tropical sp. can be found in 2" or 4" pots for a dollar or two.

As for animals, you need to decide that before you start building the tank. Believe me, it's the best way to go.The first thing you decide is the climate you want to replicate, then pick an animal that will work, THEN start designing and building.

That's all I have for now... I think I'm off to have a nap (I haven't been feeling well the past couple of days).

[froggsong]

Wait, where'd the other posts go???

[froggsong]

heh... I guess you don't know how to move a post? You had me all confused. I moved that post to a new thread and thought I posted to IT, not to this... Ok, maybe I'm still a little confused. I could have sworn I posted directly to that thread after I created it... Looks like I need to move these now.

[beckdg]

sites been doing wacky things today... for instance every time i post something IN ALL CAPS it's made them lowercase and my smileys don't work.

[froggsong]

hey, shush... this is pulling the thread off topic... between the two of us, we should know better... lol

[LNK_89]

whoa new thread made by me that I didnt create. Cool. Well there is left over eggcrate and even wood that my dad bought from the pet store. But I have no lights, top, filter, and very little know how. Which could create problems.

What about this great stuff I have been reading about, could that be a good way to go when making a paludarium ?

I think what I would like the tank to be is tropical, with a small area for some fish, maybe some sort of waterfall kind of thing. As for animals I think I would like something that is nice to look at not something that will always be hiding and never seen. Doesnt matter if I can handle it or not.

Froggsong sorry to hear your feeling sick hope you get better. I think I would like a tank similar to what you said you have. A tank with little maintenance with alot of the food living in the tank.( if thats at all possible.)

[froggsong]

Having lots of living food in the tank won't be sustainable for long with many species. I still have to feed the newt from time to time, and add more snails (she's a snail eating machine! lol...)

You'll pretty much have to expect to buy feeders. Now, if you wanted to try out one of these particular newts, I believe that they can be found in the pet trade. I could definitely give you ideas on a tank for them. They definitely aren't tropical though. She is out most of the time, and very personable, but not tropical.

I really need to go lay down, but I'll come back later and go over some things with you. I experiment with things pretty often, and there are lots of ways to do things cheaply, but well.

[LNK_89]

oh I know I will have to buy feeders. A newt or salamander would be a possibility, but I would prefer a tropical environment. I think they look nicer, at least the ones I have seen do.

Could you show me a picture of your newt tank ?