Quote:
Originally Posted by tachikoma
I can't seem to understand the functionality of this false bottom.
|
This is an omission on my part...
The main function of this type of solid false base is to prevent the over saturation of the landmass.
It is used in two possible ways; firstly the excess water can be siphoned out the channel immediately in front of the sloping base, by hand.
The other method requires that a bulkhead fitting is placed in the bottom of the channel, in this way is all the excess water then drained off.
Where there are a lot of vivs in a rack the second method is normally employed.
I did not include this in my assembly instructions, as these are a guide only. This is why there are also no exact measurements either.
If you are going to put a bulkhead in your design make sure that you drill the hole in the base section of glass before you start to assemble the viv. Additionally double check that that your channel is wide enough to accommodate the bulkhead fitting and that the hole is drilled in the right place.
In Europe, we tend to use a bulkhead with a collar of about 1"; this ensures that there is at least an inch on water in the channel and that the vivs are not completely drained.
I hope this helps, if you have any additional questions, please feel free to ask.
