False Bottom -what exactly is it ?

[RichFrye]

I don't make waterfalls anymore. But a pond is just a hole with water in it. And waterfall really has nothing to do with a false bottom. You just need enough substrate. Not many darts hang out around water features or waterfalls though...

[HCS904]

I am very confused about draining the water that accumulates under the false bottom. Can anyone give me some pointers ?

[Philsuma]

I am very confused about draining the water under the false bottom. can anyone give me some pointers?

A quick and easy drain is a hand syphon. Some even use an electric dosing pump and I've even heard of using a small wet/dry shop vac !

Most people drill a hole in the glass and plumb in a bulkhead and then just tip the tank and drain it that way.

ad then....some people hardly drain at all. Years of accumulated water. Most all methods work fine and it's all up to your personal preference.

[itskris]

Auto parts stores have hand pumps for oil extracting that can easily be used to extract water from vivs.

[Philsuma]

Auto parts stores have hand pumps for oil extracting that can easily be used to extract water from vivs.

Yep...that reminds me to pick one of those up and try it.

Also...

Nothing beats a $1.00 / Dollar store Turkey Baster for sucking up some water. You will be surprised on just how effective and efficient those are.

[tulip55555]

Just a few quick facts about false bottoms.

I have zero vivs with false bottoms.

have never, never replaced, drained, or removed excess water for the sake of removing crap. And rarely if ever remove it because I spray too often.

Do you layer the substrate? If so could you please tell me what you use?

Thanks,
Patricia