bbehring

Well, this is my first post here on APC! I'm looking to convert my Eclipse II 19h x 24l x 12w glass tank into some form of a Paludarium. More along the lines of creating a back waterfall feature cresting 2" from the top and the water level down 6" to 8" from the top. No reptiles, just planted tank, driftwood, rocks, fish and shrimps. So I'm not sure what to actually call this build? Quazi Paludarium? Water level will be about 2/3 of the tank. Looking to buld the waterfall out of egg crate/plastic mesh and handi-foam pond foam leaving mesh exposed in the bottom 1/4 for flow to the pump/filter. I plan to have a 350gph pump with flow control under the waterfall area, under a removable lid for access. Might also install a small internal filter, but not forsure on that? Since I'll have the waterfall area taking up about 1/2 the width of the tank by the entire length, am thinking of lighting with a 26 watt PC clip fixture. Wondering if this will be adequate lighting for a few background stems, midground ferns and foreground moss plants? 3" of substrate depth, so water depth will be around 10" to 12" deep. I'm not sure how to post pics here on this site yet? A similar build is in a store called Aquatic Warehouse in San Diego. Am taking my ideas from that and the pics I took on my cell phone camera.

Wondering if there are any Paludarium builders out there with any insight or experience on the waterfall building part and what to use as a lid?

bratyboy2

u got me thinking about a waterfall idea now what u said with the eggcrate and foam is a very good idea. if ur looking for a filter/pump why not try one of the Whisper In-Tank Filters? they work in two inches of water which should not be a problem for u seeing ur water level of interest.

the light should be enough but we dont know how many gallons this tank will be.

rbarn

Strive for zero splash on waterfall flow or you will have hell
keeping glass clean.

4-5" PVC elbows cut in half, then covered in black silicone and gravel
makes awesome flow channels for water too.

bbehring

BB2 - Ya I have a similar small internal canister filter like that lying around, I think it is Rena brand. I was thinking of using it, but not sure if it's necessary? Worried about too much flow from the main pump and this filter (if implemented) over the waterfall. Might have to direct the flow from this filter down under the water through the waterfall wall and not over the fall itself. Hum? Lots to consider

rbarn - could you elaborate more on the 4-5" elbow idea, I'm not really following you there? Any pics or diagrams?

bbehring

Any other ideas, info or help?

mellowvision

I would probably lean toward running the waterfall with a filter rather than a pump, and would use an external cannister like the Tom Mini Rapids... or an internal filter like a duetto, that is small enough to conceal inside the waterfall, with the lid at the top, so you don't have to disturb anything underwater to clean the filter. for instance, you could use a half round of cork tube to conceal the filter, and use a spraybar or hose to create your waterfall flow.

I also agree about no splashing, water on the glass really distracts from the view. mosses and plants growing on the waterfall should help a lot with splash absorption, but careful planning is key.

You should also consider heating before you build... if you go the cannister route you can use a nice hydor inline heater, or with an internal, you could possibly conceal the heater as well, if you give it enough breathing room. honestly, if you're doing a local palu, you may only need heat in the winter...

which brings up another thing to keep in mind... I'm not sure where you live, but chances are it's somewhere that has a distinct winter period... many of the plants and mosses you'll find locally aren't going to keep going year round without a break. Here in NY, the terrestrial mosses I've collected locally all pretty much dry up or die off over the winter INDOORS, but out in the yard they keep green in the colder temps.