|
Post by hal on Aug 22, 2015 22:52:06 GMT -5
I want to set up a 5 gallon tank for my office. No natural light, just a hood with a CF bulb. I have a bunch of creeping/vining tropicals from Morphman, 2 Restrepias and some air plants to put in it. Maybe a lowland nep and a D. "Anromeda". What's a good formula for the substrate? I used to do 1-2" of coarse marble or granite sloped up to the back, a layer of fine mesh, then 3:1 potting soil/gravel and some LFS on top.
I expect to have to redo this tank about once every year or two when it gets overgrown. I just don't want it to get skunky too soon.
Any tips are appreciated. Cheers,
Hal
|
|
|
Post by bonfield on Aug 22, 2015 22:59:35 GMT -5
Lots of horticultural charcoal in the substrate and an emphasis on a rich biodiversity of detrivores?
|
|
|
Post by hal on Aug 23, 2015 0:25:21 GMT -5
Charcoal! Great idea. I'll have to find some detrivores in my compost bin.
|
|
|
Post by Dennis Z on Aug 23, 2015 12:16:57 GMT -5
You can also try a layer of clay balls separated from the actual substrate by plastic mesh as a drainage layer and perhaps make a small pipe leading to the bottom of the tank so you can suck out access water. Another idea would be to have a small aquarium pump that can circulate the water and create a waterfall in the tank, usually it's stagnant water (anarobic bacteria) that makes vivariums skunky. I usually just do a peat moss:perlite (1:1) mix top dressed with an inch or so of LFS.
|
|
|
Post by morphman on Aug 24, 2015 18:19:30 GMT -5
I always use a simple false bottom to allow for extra water volume and better circulation. Microfauna is important to control mould and detritus. Springtails and isopods are the most commonly used ones and can easily be collected or obtained from people in the Dart frog hobby. For media i use orchid bark,horticultural charcoal, LFS, peat, and perlite. The ratios depend on moisture levels. Tanks with water features that are constantly "wet" get less sphagnum and peat in the mix. If you do make a false bottom you will not need to use clay balls, hydroton or anything. The extra water volume is also very beneficial for maintaining temperature and humidity levels.
Glad to hear you still have those plants and I hope you end up with an amazing tank.
Regards
|
|