False bottom vs. LECA

stkupprnces · #1 11-17-2010, 02:36 AM

Hello Everyone,

I listed my first post in the intro section and apparently that is not the place to ask questions. Sorry for the newb move. I am obviously new to dart frogs and forums so don' slam me too hard.

I have 3 Ensing dart frogs that will be going into an Exo 18x18x18 with a water feature. Here are my following questions:

1) Do I use LECA or a false bottom?
2) If I use egg crate for the false bottom how high should I make it?
3) Should there be a gap between the water line and the substrate?
4) Are tannins in the water dangerous to frogs?

If any additional info is needed to answer my questions please let me know. I appreciate any advice you have to offer.

geckolord1 · #2 11-17-2010, 03:45 PM

umm id try two or one frogs in something like that small and id go with a false bottom with leca in it and then cover the eggcrate with a screen then put the substrate over sorry about my question but im 12 and what are tannins???

stkupprnces · #3 11-18-2010, 02:25 AM

Thx for the info. What size tank do u recommned? I read on another post that the guy was concerned about the "tannins" from the soil and bark turning the water in the vivarium brown. As long as this doesnt hurt the frogs, its okay for the water to be brown.

geckolord1 · #4 11-24-2010, 01:35 PM

i would reccomend at least 30 gallons idk measurements though so good luck

Grimm · #5 11-24-2010, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stkupprnces

Hello Everyone,

I listed my first post in the intro section and apparently that is not the place to ask questions. Sorry for the newb move. I am obviously new to dart frogs and forums so don' slam me too hard.

I have 3 Ensing dart frogs that will be going into an Exo 18x18x18 with a water feature. Here are my following questions:

1) Do I use LECA or a false bottom?
2) If I use egg crate for the false bottom how high should I make it?
3) Should there be a gap between the water line and the substrate?
4) Are tannins in the water dangerous to frogs?

If any additional info is needed to answer my questions please let me know. I appreciate any advice you have to offer.

Ensure that your water feature is not very big. The tank you are using is fairly small for 3 darts (larger species), so the more land area, the better.

On to the questions....

1. Leca will provide more surface area for microfauna to flourish, whereas a false bottom will not. Its personal preference. I personally hate the look of Leca, so I would try and hide it somehow.

2-3. It depends how deep you want the water feature. I would leave at least 1 inch from the substrate to the water. If you are using leca, you may want an even larger gap to accomodate for the water's capilary action up the leca.

4. Tannins are completely fine. They are even recommended for tadpole deposite sites. You are looking for a clear brown water, not cloudy! If it is cloudy its time to do some water changes.

stkupprnces · #6 11-24-2010, 04:27 PM

Hi Guys, thank you for all the wonderful advice. Went out and got an exo 36x18x24 figured the bigger the better. Want the water feature for personal pref. Heard that it's not necessary for the frogs. Decided to go with fb and LECA combo. The space available at the bottom of the tank is 5 in. So here is what I am thinking about doing:

1) 3 in FB with a 1-2 in. layer of LECA on top of the FB (for beneficial bacteria)
2) Water fall feature will be a at the back corner of the tank (figured this would take the
least amount of space)
3) Water will run in a stream toward the front of the tank diaganol. Creating 2
seperate land areas.
4) Considering purchasing a Mistking system (suggestions?)

Not sure if this helps give u an idea of what I am trying to accomplish. Let me know your thoughts, ideas, suggestions. If this is a completely bad idea let me know too. All that matters is the health of the frogs. In additon once I know if I have a pair out of the trio I will more than likely only keep the pair. Don't want any aggresion issues and I don't plan to breed but if it happens, great! Please gimme as much feedback as possible. Preffer to learn from your trials and tribulations. Thanks again!

frogfreak · #7 11-27-2010, 09:50 AM

Hi

You don't need both eggcrate and leca. Here's a post I put on another forum. I would also skip the waterfall and stream for your first build. They're not the easiest to accomplish.

Canadart.org • View topic - Adding soil and drainage

Glenn