View Full Version : Paludarium Setup - Feedback!
mercsoulja
07-25-2006, 12:05 PM
I currently have a 20g high planted and the planted tank isn't for me. I've always wanted to do a half/half tank.. so i've done a lot of research and i've been planning the tank ever since.. here's what i have so far, let me know what you think (very rough sketches)
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/jtd1216/tank1-1.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/jtd1216/tank2.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/jtd1216/tank3.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/jtd1216/tank4.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/jtd1216/tank5.jpg
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/jtd1216/tank6.jpg
DaisyTattoo
07-25-2006, 12:10 PM
Looks like a good plan. :thm:
Rowangel
07-25-2006, 12:31 PM
What do you have planned for inhabitants?
I like the look! One idea...have you thought about inverting the plexiglas to angle down to the right side of the tank against the right back corner, rather than up against the back wall angled down towards the front? If you switch it you would only have to put in one crate wall because the down-ward angel to the right would hold the gravel in place easier without two restraining walls. Plus, you would now have usable swimming space under the angled plexiglass that you could turn into a cave or something for fish instead of that closed-up, unusable space with the two walls. Does this make sense? Hopefully you can visualize it! :o
mercsoulja
07-25-2006, 12:40 PM
I'm not sure about inhabitants, i was thinking maybe a betta or another fish that can tolerate room temp water. I was going to maybe go with a newt because i heard they are a bit easier to maintain than a fire bellied toad. Any suggestions???
One idea...have you thought about inverting the plexiglas to angle down to the right side of the tank against the right back corner, rather than up against the back wall angled down towards the front? If you switch it you would only have to put in one crate wall because the down-ward angel to the right would hold the gravel in place easier without two restraining walls. Plus, you would now have usable swimming space under the angled plexiglass that you could turn into a cave or something for fish instead of that closed-up, unusable space with the two walls.
I can visualize that, that's a real cool idea actually. The only problem i'd see is that if you look in the third picture of the profile view of the land--which is how it would be in your description (right?). that gravel and stuff can fall out the side... so i would have to use a triangular piece to stop that from happening. Also, i would be worried a bit with cleaning under that cave. it might be sort of a pain.. Any suggestions though may help! Sounds like a neat idea :)
Rowangel
07-25-2006, 12:48 PM
The only problem i'd see is that if you look in the third picture of the profile view of the land--which is how it would be in your description (right?). that gravel and stuff can fall out the side... so i would have to use a triangular piece to stop that from happening. Also, i would be worried a bit with cleaning under that cave. it might be sort of a pain.. Any suggestions though may help! Sounds like a neat idea :)
Not if your keeping it in the back, right corner with the angel to the wall…If the plexiglass is up against the back wall, angled down to the right, against the right wall, than the only part that will need a restraining wall would be in the front, because the back wall is holding in the back side, and your creating a V with your down angle against the right wall. Then you have an ‘open’ cave to the left of the plexiglass, something very easy to clean and get to…make more sense now?
mercsoulja
07-25-2006, 2:07 PM
You mean something like this? the blue is the other "barrier" plexi piece. The reason i was angling the plexi *towards the water is if some water got onto the land part, it would drain into the water... in this case, it would be sitting against the glass. I do like the idea though
http://i41.photobucket.com/albums/e299/jtd1216/Untitled-1.jpg
any suggestions about inhabitants?
Rowangel
07-25-2006, 2:48 PM
Yup, that is what I was thinking. If you stick with the egg crate as the retaining wall, water should still be able to drain off the land as needed. You could even cover the wall with java moss to hide the pattern. Java moss is easy to keep and would look nice. But either set-up would work well, just a matter of what is best for you and is the easiest to maintain. ;)
As for tank inhabitants I would look into salamanders, newts, or frogs as possible options. I understand some of these either eat or would poison any fish in the tank, so just check them out first. Hopefully someone else can give more ideas.
jm1212
07-25-2006, 2:57 PM
that look really cool. i think a betta would do well or even some guppies
mercsoulja
07-25-2006, 3:02 PM
Thanks for the input! what does everyone else think of the set up?
jm1212
07-25-2006, 3:04 PM
it would be really cool to have the grren plants contrasted by the yellow, orange, or red guppies :)
mercsoulja
07-25-2006, 3:15 PM
hmm, i've never thought about that.. i've never kept guppies before but that might be a good idea!! thanks! How would they get along with FB newts? I know the FB toads might try to eat them.
tricksterpup
07-25-2006, 3:41 PM
Here is a picture of my Fire Belly Toad tank. I am using an ESU island water fall Filter. This might something you might like.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/tricksterpup/RBTank.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g160/tricksterpup/RBT.jpg
tricksterpup
07-25-2006, 4:11 PM
Ok after going through this, I think this is way to much work for something like this.
As I stated, I am using a ESU waterfall island.
http://www.reptilesupply.com/images/096316882645.jpg
This would allow plenty of filtration in your tank and give you about 4 inches. As for plants, you can go out and purchase Bog plants that should be small enough for a tank like this.
I think you will spend alot of work and time in something that may not work. As you can see I got this going on right now, I am planning on looking for small bog plants this weekend for my tank. What I am trying save you from is placing a lot of work into a tank you might want to use later for something else. Also the egg crate with meshing will allow nutrients to seap into your water and that may cause problems, unless you use laterite. Plus it may be to much water for non bog plants.
That's a pretty cool piece of fake rockwork there Trickster....I've never seen that anywhere around here....
That tank looks fantastic BTW.... ;)
tricksterpup
07-25-2006, 4:58 PM
That's a pretty cool piece of fake rockwork there Trickster....I've never seen that anywhere around here....
That tank looks fantastic BTW.... ;)
thanks, I got one at my lfs really cheap, like $20 normally going around $50 there. No one wanted it and it sat on the shelf for ever. I asked him how much, and he gave me an offer and I took it. I originally wanted this for Newts but I could not find any this year. It is a really nice filter. A store I go to uses it also in her Green frog tanks with only enough water for it to be brought into the filter pump. She has alot of nice live plants in that setup.
This piece is for $47 at reptile supply
http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=693
I do recommend it for those who want to try a amphibian tank. Its one of the nicer filters/water falls I have seen.
Oh by the way, last night I heard chirping coming from the tank and saw the frogs mating. So who knows, I may get some eggs from them and hopefully tadpoles.