I used a filter that goes under the water, I just have my sideways, would this be able to work for you?
So it’s basically anything that will let water through but not soil so that the drainage layer stays clear.
I used this -
Exo Terra Terrarium Draining Mesh, 45 x 45 cm https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009ZW9ZZK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8X1S9HFSPJE0Q5DKF2N5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Which is made for paludariums, but basically any sort of fine mesh works.
personally I'd do what the other comment suggests. Although, its funny you mention that serpa video, I rewatched it a few days ago and noticed that its an identical filter to what I've purchased in an all-in-one 10 gal kit a while back.
You might be able to automate the smart switch somehow depending on the app you use. I have some smart switches that I use with the apple homekit app, however the problem I run into is that if we have an internet outage the automation stops working(Thanks Apple). I have a Planted 24/7 light on my main tank, but all of my other tanks are on simple analog timers, sometimes low tech is just better.
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I use these, 2 for $15 it allows me to set on off periods on 30 minute intervals, for example my paludarium rain turns on 4 times a day for different intervals, sometimes it's on for 30 minutes, sometimes 2 hours, and it's easy to adjust. I also have my light on the same kind of timer.
Check out lifter pumps, they are very low flow. This one is 3GPH:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004LODDNC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It's a hygrolon knockoff from amazon. I've never used the real thing but this works great IMO and it's WAY cheaper.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07RBNRJSL?ref=ppx\_yo2ov\_dt\_b\_product\_details&th=1
This one is a little more expensive but it's also bigger. Idk if you could have vampire crabs in it but maybe still some shrimp, geckos. I have one not from this brand but the same size and it's bigger than it looks on Amazon.
it’s 18” deep by 24” high and 24” wide. It’s definitely worth going with an exo terra for they have a deeper bottom than something like a reptizoo
https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Glass-Terrarium-Tank/dp/B000I1O2UK
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00EZB1QQ2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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I used this, have gone through multiple tubes with great success
AMOSIJOY Glass Turtle Tank Aquarium Reptile Tortoise Habitat Turtle Basking Platform with Pump, Filter and Filter Layer Design, Prevent from Escaping (Medium) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09191F22L/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_C2908Z7QQA6CE1403DCS?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Well here is what I started with.
Maybe something like these?
1 Pair/Glass Door Hinge Wine Cabinet Wine Cabinet Display Cabinet Embedded Side Mounted Glass Door Hinge Brushed Nickel https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087P41KDZ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_YZN3BG9N00F9KECQPAMH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I purchased through amazon. They have quite a few variety's available, depending on your number of outputs.
I bought this one for $12 and just use the tank water.
AGPTEK Mist Maker Fog Maker for Water Fountain Pond Rockery Fishtank Vase Birdbath (Atomization Amout:≥400mL/H) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PAK21WU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apanp_vcw25twQR1W9t
For algae stuck to the side… this tool I got on Amazon is a game changer!!
MiguCo Stainless Steel Algae Scraper Cleaner with 10 Blades for Aquarium Fish Plant Glass Tank https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01N8PUHKA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_QTXQ2VQ3VWMAK1V3BXKJ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
If you want to go real crazy you also use an emergency shut off switch on the pump
This is the particular light on this tank Hygger 16W Full Spectrum Aquarium Light with Aluminum Alloy Shell Extendable Brackets, White Blue Red LEDs, External Controller, for Freshwater Fish Tank (24-30 inch) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07X9TDN27/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_EJESFHNYK1MEAAM0R1FP?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Coroplast or Correx are some of the brand names.
Honestly, no. I had worse trouble using it on my turtle pond at the same level as the waterline.
I have this filter and it has a 4.6ft max height for a normal flow rate. Check the specs on yours. Might answer the question for ya.
Tysm for your advice!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F9HCFEC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?smid=A262TPPYXMWGNT&psc=1
Would this work in a aquarium or would it be better to find a silicone made for aquarium use?
It actually might be a little large for the width of my water area. Does this look like it might work?
Also look up Carolina Custom Cages Bio-Deep series. They can be pretty inexpensive on sale. This link is a nice smaller one but can get under $220 on sale sometimes- https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Custom-Cages-Terrarium-24Lx18Wx30H/dp/B07LF7SRQP
These Bio-Deeps are nice as they can also trap in humidity and can be very cheap on sale these days. Not quite a cube, but not as long as most exos and a very good water capacity. These tanks are great for a larger water snake that can swim well.
I’m trying to reuse what I have from the aquarium. I have an idea on the lid. I’m going to try to make some plexiglass work and put some vents in. I’m going to attach these to the lids and tank.… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074FY998D/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Ksb9FbKHEN4AH . I have a canister filter I’m reusing, so my waterfall will be basically a 4”x4” tower to the top and I’m going try to use putty to make a tight seal. The waterfall itself will be powered by a small pump that I’m dropping through the hollow waterfall tower along with the filter intake and outtake. I will definitely post pics whether it’s a success or fail lol
Carolina Custom Cages bio deep is about the same price and comparable- https://www.amazon.com/Carolina-Custom-Cages-Terrarium-36Lx18Wx36H/dp/B07LF8S9FQ
I bought this for mine and it works a treat. So much so I just ordered another for my second set-up. This thing fits in the palm of your hand.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07TW39QXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
But I'm a little puzzled. You say your tank is 'tiny' but that it would hold about 5.5 gallons if full. That doesn't sound particular tiny to me.
these are what I used and they only have a tiny hole in the bottom. I put pieces of ceramic filter media on the bottom, covered those with coconut fiber for the lands to root through. On top of all that I used a mix of pool filter sand and peat from the bottom of the tank.
I use a mix of pond and stone and pure silicone. the pond and stone makes great filler but it doesn't make a water tight seal on it's rough edges. That's where the silicone comes in, or occasionally super glue (though the glue expands making it hard as hell to deal with). All of them are aquarium safe once dry. Only thing is you do need to dry it out if you're gonna do the silicone.
In this case I'd get a paintbrush, and try and find some black colored silicone. That or get some sawdust for whatever wood or stone you're using and coat the silicone in it before it dries.
I'm using a repto-filter (https://www.amazon.com/Tetra-ReptoFilter-Terrariums-Frogs-Turtles/dp/B000HHM9BE) It works in low water levels. This one works with, I think, about 2 inches of water. My depth is around 4-5 inches, but I lose about a gallon per week and the filter is still submerged. Thus far, it's working really well. Between my water plants and the filter, the water is clear.
Thanks for the reply.. I did not get a heater. I did condition the water and I did add aquarium salt to create the brackish water. I did 1 teaspoon and let it dissolve then I added it... only about 1.5 gallons or so in the tank. I’m in Texas but it stays about 69-72 in my house and they’re in the kitchen. I did also order these lights on amazon (link below) Today I added a moss ball and 5 little ghost shrimp and 3 very tiny minnows which I just watched one swim into one of the caves with a crab and hasn’t come out but them crab seems to be eating so I’m gonna assume the crab snatched up that Minnow. How long does it take for the water to clear up? It’s not nearly as foggy but it’s not exactly crystal clear either. Thanks.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X9T9PV6/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_i_FvUsEbQSV1RFS)
Computer fans are very common, but I have been using AC Infinity fans. I didn't have any computer fans available and didn't feel like dealing with it (though I know it's simple). I like the fans and have found them reliable and they are quite inexpensive. I have both the 80mm and 40mm sizes. Here is a link to the 80mm size on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00G059G86/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'll be honest, I have no idea what's going on in your diagram. However, these things are brilliant for alerting you to leaks without having to constantly watch for it:
8 Pack Water Leak Detector - 95 Db Flood Detection Alarm Sensor Bathrooms, Basements Kitchens Mindful Design (Grey) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0788B6L3V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_BLnoCb0XD2058
Put your pal into a shallow tray or something along with one of those and you'll know right away if/when you have a problem. (That's my m.o. for all of my aquarium canister filters these days after I was burned by a slow leak that went unnoticed for a while.)
I've fallen in love with the Tunze 5024.040. I've used them as powerheads in nano reef tanks, I have one circulating water in my 5gal fiddler crab tank, and have replaced the stock pump in my Fluval Spec V with one. They are small, quiet, efficient, and tough as nails.