02-07-2008, 12:02 AM
Hi I'm planning to build my first vivarium... I'd like to use a 45 AGA (tall). I want to have 1) a black foam style background, 2) a waterfall, 3) LOTS of plants. Plan to get 4-6 leucs in there.
I'd like to hear some recommendations regarding the waterfall. What pump can I use? In the past it seems like powerheads (in my old reef) constantly needed to be cleaned or fiddled with. Has this been a problem in other's vivs? What kind of pumps do others use? Do I need a way to access the pump for maintainance?
Also, I'm thinking about separating half of the tank with plexiglass underneath the substrate to allow a dryer area for terrestrial plants. The other half I envision a pool like area. I want it to be inconspicuous tho... (i.e. blends in so you cant see plexiglass). Any suggestions?
How can I plumb the waterfall? I'd like to have a Hose embedded in the background? Has anyone done a similar thing?
What should I do for heat? I live in IA... Winters (especially this one!) can get cold. The house can dip to the low 60s. Will a combo of the lights and a submerged aquarium heater maintain adequate warmth?
Finally I'd like to put lots of plants in there. I'd like to have some driftwood coming out of the background (and/or sides) to give the Viv some 3D appeal and lots of substrates for terrestrial plants (orchids especially). Any suggestions for how to attach these? Lighting suggestions?
I'd really appreciate any tips or suggestions. Also feel free to show pics! They're worth a thousand words!
Thanks,
Matt and Jackie
I'd like to hear some recommendations regarding the waterfall. What pump can I use? In the past it seems like powerheads (in my old reef) constantly needed to be cleaned or fiddled with. Has this been a problem in other's vivs? What kind of pumps do others use? Do I need a way to access the pump for maintainance?
Also, I'm thinking about separating half of the tank with plexiglass underneath the substrate to allow a dryer area for terrestrial plants. The other half I envision a pool like area. I want it to be inconspicuous tho... (i.e. blends in so you cant see plexiglass). Any suggestions?
How can I plumb the waterfall? I'd like to have a Hose embedded in the background? Has anyone done a similar thing?
What should I do for heat? I live in IA... Winters (especially this one!) can get cold. The house can dip to the low 60s. Will a combo of the lights and a submerged aquarium heater maintain adequate warmth?
Finally I'd like to put lots of plants in there. I'd like to have some driftwood coming out of the background (and/or sides) to give the Viv some 3D appeal and lots of substrates for terrestrial plants (orchids especially). Any suggestions for how to attach these? Lighting suggestions?
I'd really appreciate any tips or suggestions. Also feel free to show pics! They're worth a thousand words!
Thanks,
Matt and Jackie