Constructing a Euopean type Vivarium Step by Step

[Darryl]

Originally Posted by dralucas

Hi, I’m a bit concerned about where the bottom front vent is. Do u know if with that design the water from misting system is getting trough the vent and down the floor?

??? I what way?

1. Do you mean that if the base is not drain it it will over flow...
Or
2. That if you spray directly down, you are spraying through the vent?

We have using the design for many years with auto misting system and this has never been an issue. This is because we sight our misting heads slightly back from the front and angle them into the viv. Thereby you do not end up spraying the front sliding doors and do not have water running through the vent.
Additionally as we use a very fine Stainless Steel mesh, you would literarily have to have standing water on the vent before it will start to run through.

[dralucas]

thk, i was conserned about the second one, from misting directly on the mesh but if u say so its fine.

Thk

[tachikoma]

In this image, I can't seem to understand the functionality of this false bottom. What I mean is that as I understand it the point of a false bottom is to have a way to collect a water supply and recirculate it without over saturating the land mass. Or simply to separate land from water yet have them interact with each other.

I do not see how this false bottom provides any of these attributes (assuming all pieces are solid glass) I don't see a way for water to enter under the false bottom setup, or collect since there is a hole in the back pane of class. Am I just missing something? Someone help me out here I want to build this but I am obviously not understanding something.

[Darryl]

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.

[tachikoma]

Ahh thanks a million for clearing that up for me. One more question, in euro vivs like this one is there a way to have a pond in the landmass or is it more common to just have it in front "moat" style? Sorry for the persistent questions just trying to understand it as best I can.

[Darryl]

Depending on the breeders preference, either can be used.

To create a larger water area or pond, we simply shorten the depth of the sloping area, thereby widening the “Moat”.

With a wider “moat”, this can then be decorated and the hard edges hidden to look more natural.

[tachikoma]

Ahh, Thanks a bunch for your patience. I really appreciate it. Looking forward to building a very large version of this.

Thanks again,
James

[moore40]

Hey is there any way possible to get some actual pics? The build is amazing, but to see a finished product would kinda be like the icing on the cake

[kwazarr]

This discussion got me thinking about the potential problem of frogs or tads getting stuck in the bulkhead or tubing, should such a method be used to remove the water. If you were to put a drain in the moat, it might be a good idea put a screen or filter of some kind at the opening so that any frogs/tads who might possibly end up in there are safe, and so you also don't have any random materials clogging up your drain.

[013]

I don't really understand the false bottom. I'm a European and as such have a European tank. The extra sheet of glass isn't being used here anymore, as it doesn't really add anything to the tank and costs extra glass.

You want good drainage? Use clay marbles and peat on top. Of course make sure, it's well above water.