Hi new to PDF's

[Junito]

I have alot of 10 gallon tanks laying around and one 20 gallon from when I use to breed cichlids. I read that 10 gallons are fine to use for a pair of darts or group of mantellas. My question is do I need a drain system when using such a small size tank. If so can someone give me some info. I've been searching and can't find anything on a drain system. Thanks to all who reply

[Darmon]

Welcome to the board The 2 main methods for a drainage layer are LECA or a false bottom. If you click search and go to advanced search then select search titles only im sure you will get the answers you are looking for. Hope that helps.

[earthfrog]

Welcome to Dendroboard!

I think it is good to have a drainage system for any size tank that is not a temp tank which will be torn down periodically. That way you can siphon extra water off that accumulates from daily misting---the plants can't seem to keep up with the volume of water that accumulates, and they will rot if there aren't any air pockets left in the soil.

The easiest setup is to use clay pebbles, otherwise known as LECA or hydroton, for the bottom couple of inches, then cover that with a mesh screen, then cocofiber and sphagnum moss. A good walkthrough on how to set up a vivarium is on Poison Dart Frogs Poison Arrow Frogs Dart Frogs & Exotic Tropical and Carnivorous Plants with Terrarium & Vivarium Supplies by Black Jungle Terrarium Supply.

[Junito]

thanks for the info. I've been reading about false bottoms, when I'm ready to get some PDF's almost positive I'm going to use PVC with egg crate and just silicone tubing along side the corner of the tank and just siphon out water when I need to. Thanks again now going to see what plants work best.

[DCreptiles]

Originally Posted by Junito

thanks for the info. I've been reading about false bottoms, when I'm ready to get some PDF's almost positive I'm going to use PVC with egg crate and just silicone tubing along side the corner of the tank and just siphon out water when I need to. Thanks again now going to see what plants work best.

You got the right idea.. I don't silicone the tube I just lay it down in the viv and kinda hide it because you only need to empty the drain layer once or twice a yr. A lot of people drill their tanks and put the drain plugs in, but the siphon method works well for me.
-Derek

[jeffdart]

I find that false bottoms in 10 gallon tanks take up to much room. I just use hydroton in that size. Also I find if you have a good lid you don't need as much water. Just poor a litle in and refill or drain as needed.

[kingnicky101]

Ten gallon tanks are too small for most larger dart species. They would work great for a pair of thumbnails. A twenty gallon tank would work better with the larger species, like a trio of leucs or auratus, or a pair of azureus.

[Junito]

well I have nine 10 gallons just laying on my rack so that's what I'm going to use for now. I've read several articles saying that 10 gal. tanks work fine for a pair of PDF's. I'm probably going to just do 1" for the false bottom and use a glass canopy to keep humidity levels high. I've have it planned perfect in my brain let's see if I can actually do it when the time comes. Thanks again for the info.

[Ziggi]

10 gals work fine for thumbnail pairs.
I wouldn't keep a pair of azureus or leucs in a vertical 10gal.
1" false bottom sounds a little low for me, not much water can accumulate but if you don't plan on having a pond then I guess that's fine, as long as your willing to empty out the water regularly, 10Gal doesn't give much floor space as well as 1" false bottom will quickly reach your substrate.

[Junito]

so do you suggest I do 2" for the false bottom, also I'm not doing the 10 gallon vertical just horizontal. Doing alot of research on how to get my tank setup before I even think about buying PDF's or mantella's. I'm gonna do some searching for 10 gal. vivs. and see what ideas I can get. thanks again.