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I've been researching on caring for darts for a good 15 years now & raising wild caught herps at the same time. And the one thing that always drives me mad is vivarium set up. I am not a fan of using foams & silicons (after several tank setup failures on my other herps). I am currently doing a set up /w hydroponic clay balls, granite, chert, weed block (instead of screen), & chemical free peat soil. I was wanting to do a running water feature but I would like to avoid using that comes out of a can or tube, I am thinking of using pond liner or other cutable material that is water proof to help channel the water to a pond, but since most of that type of material is plastic based I am worried about off gassing & chemical leaching into the water table. Another question I had is that my water is well water so it is hard & I know some mineral content is beneficial to the frogs but I am not sure what is an acceptable level & what is an over dose.
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The chemical composition of the plastic will most likely never be known to 'the hobby' and published. I would not 'overthink' any of this and just go ahead and use anygiven black outdoor pond liner.
Same with well water. Unless you take it to get professionally tested, there is no way anyone is going to know the mineral or chemical composition of your water.
I am 100% with you on trying hard not to use foams and spray and adhesives and chemicals whenever possible. My vivariums are as close to complete organic as I can get them.
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and..WELCOME to Dart Den !
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Thanks.
For the well water I was wondering what you all would consider acceptable mineral levels? I know mine has a fairly high iron content, but its been a while since I've tested it last at a store.
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Living in Pennsyltucky Pennsylvania, I know we have some of the hardest public water in the country - 'liquid rock'. I have friends that use well water also. Both are fine IMO, and your are correct - the added minerals and hardness actually assist the tadpole and allow for healthy growth. I like hard water.
Again....you will not find anything close to a scientific study or even the bases of recommendations as to water composition or even quality, in 'the hobby'. The fish hobby may have some data applicable for us to use.
