I've been running this non CO2 tank for 18 months or so (maybe more, maybe less). It's been moderately successful (no major plant health issues) but I'm kinda bored with it. What I'd like to do is convert it to a paludarium for a few Marbled Newts and keeping some suitable fish alongside. My plan so far is as follows:
• Drain water to 8-10" depth
• Build an 'island' for the newts and some emersed plantage, the bulk of which will sit to the left (see graphic below).
• Bin one of the two canister filters currently used, sticking with just an Eheim 4+ 350 Pro due to reduced water content.
• Have a tube system from the outflow draped over the back of the landscape providing water flow (hopefully a trickle) over the scape and into the body of water. I might adapt one of those irrigation systems you find in garden centres.
• Remove the tank's bracing and rim (it's a Fluval Roma 240). I figure it won't need near as much structural strength as current.
• Use Terracotta Class B Engineering brick as a base then use Lava Rock or similar for the main bulk of the scape. I'll then top-off with Seiryu stone as I have a fair amount of it spare. Any gaps, I'll fill in with Aquasoil.
• Simultaneously, I intend to add either a black foam sheet to the background OR a thin sheet of Coco mat - I think the latter might look better but perhaps might rot?...
Any flaws in my plan?
I'm aware that newts require lower temps (50f-75f) so some of the residents will have to go, that's a given. My major concern is the build. I don't want to completely tear down the tank but instead add to it at a moderate pace in order to build the land feature. What would be the best material to build bulk before adding the lava rock? How would I avoid producing uncleanable holes/areas where detritus would collect?
Comments/tips/suggestions most welcome.
• Drain water to 8-10" depth
• Build an 'island' for the newts and some emersed plantage, the bulk of which will sit to the left (see graphic below).
• Bin one of the two canister filters currently used, sticking with just an Eheim 4+ 350 Pro due to reduced water content.
• Have a tube system from the outflow draped over the back of the landscape providing water flow (hopefully a trickle) over the scape and into the body of water. I might adapt one of those irrigation systems you find in garden centres.
• Remove the tank's bracing and rim (it's a Fluval Roma 240). I figure it won't need near as much structural strength as current.
• Use Terracotta Class B Engineering brick as a base then use Lava Rock or similar for the main bulk of the scape. I'll then top-off with Seiryu stone as I have a fair amount of it spare. Any gaps, I'll fill in with Aquasoil.
• Simultaneously, I intend to add either a black foam sheet to the background OR a thin sheet of Coco mat - I think the latter might look better but perhaps might rot?...
Any flaws in my plan?
I'm aware that newts require lower temps (50f-75f) so some of the residents will have to go, that's a given. My major concern is the build. I don't want to completely tear down the tank but instead add to it at a moderate pace in order to build the land feature. What would be the best material to build bulk before adding the lava rock? How would I avoid producing uncleanable holes/areas where detritus would collect?
Comments/tips/suggestions most welcome.
Last edited: