I'm just about to embark on building my first viv (probably for Darts). I've gone for an Exo Terra 60x45x90. I have read this may be too big for a first viv but I learnt from keeping tropical fish that it won't take long before I want to expand!
I have some questions that I wouldn't mind some answers to folks:
I am putting a false bottom in as I am planning on installing a water feature - I know! Another no no for a newbie due to potential humidity problems, but I can always turn it off. 1st question then is can I use an external tropical fish filter/pump rather than a submersible pump. I figure that if anything goes wrong with the pump if it is external I can sort it out. There will be a drilled hole at low level for the water output (input into the filter) which can also double up as a drain.
2nd question - heating. I can't find anywhere that suggests the best way of heating the viv. Do I have heat pads on the side/back of the tank, or a cable under the substrate? I'm not keen to put an aquarium heater under the false bottom as once it is in there it'll be a nightmare to get out if it fails. The temperature in the room that the viv will be situated in will not be warm enough to keep the tank at the right temperature.
That's it for now, but I'm sure there are going to be other questions as I go along.
Thanks in advance.
Jase
I have some questions that I wouldn't mind some answers to folks:
I am putting a false bottom in as I am planning on installing a water feature - I know! Another no no for a newbie due to potential humidity problems, but I can always turn it off. 1st question then is can I use an external tropical fish filter/pump rather than a submersible pump. I figure that if anything goes wrong with the pump if it is external I can sort it out. There will be a drilled hole at low level for the water output (input into the filter) which can also double up as a drain.
2nd question - heating. I can't find anywhere that suggests the best way of heating the viv. Do I have heat pads on the side/back of the tank, or a cable under the substrate? I'm not keen to put an aquarium heater under the false bottom as once it is in there it'll be a nightmare to get out if it fails. The temperature in the room that the viv will be situated in will not be warm enough to keep the tank at the right temperature.
That's it for now, but I'm sure there are going to be other questions as I go along.
Thanks in advance.
Jase