Exo Terra saltwater paludarium

[Metalreefer]

What are you planning to stock it with?

There will be definitely a yellow tail blue damsel,porcelain crab and red hermit crabs. Coral-wise zoas,candy cane ,torch,shrooms, maybe i try an acro and a monti too. for experiment.

 

[Metalreefer]

The spray has arrived. I ordered the Vallejo matte acrylic resin varnish spray. Suppose to be waterproof and non toxic after it cures. so Far i am satisfied with the result. I will do a wc in my tank at the weekend and i will chuck the control piece into a jar of tank water to see how it will affect the varnish and the resin. In the video you can see the whole piece glazed with 2 part epoxy resin. And the left half has been sprayed with the varnish as well.

 

[watki127]

Any update on this?

Curious how you went about cutting the glass as I'm about to make a divider. I had the same problems getting acrylic/plastic to bond well to glass.

I did a similar project on a eco terra but did not do a reef tank just a beta/nano tank.

I'll try to post some pics and a video of how I did it soon.

 

[GAIA]

Hello Metalreefer,

From Barcelona (Spain) i just discovered your thread, and i can only tell you; GO AHEAD !!!!!!

Sorry for the English version (Google translate).

I'm going to try to help you with your great project (this one), or the one you have planned for the future.

I am a happy retiree, with a lot of time for my hobbies, and this allows me to read Forums as interesting as R2R.

Many years ago i finished my studies in Biology, i was lucky enough to work for a season at the Barcelona ZOO, in the collection of Poisonous Snakes (ATROX) in the Terrarium of the zoo.

Then all my life I have kept Vivariums, Marine and Fresh Aquariums, Terrariums, etc ...... as a hobbyist.

I currently have a project, for next summer, if the Covid allows it, very similar to yours; a biotope of the coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea, with a submerged zone (Posidonia meadow), a tidal zone and a terrestrial aerial zone, all with native species of the Catalan coast. Aquatic area volume 600 lts.

I am enclosing a photo with a lousy handmade scheme that could suit your idea. It's a profile view of a terrarium like yours.

It is based on a standard partition, with a glass partition, between the two aquatic areas, the marine and the freshwater that you want to set up.

You can design the glass partition as you want to suit your project; straight, with different angles, at the height that suits you, in the depth you need, etc .....

At the bottom of the terrarium, and as a support for the waterfall, a false bottom (F.B.) is installed with an angle of inclination (alpha) that will allow the water from the cascade to flow like a curtain and not splash the marine area. The flow of this waterfall must be such as to allow this situation. Install a regulating valve at the outlet of the inner filter (I.F.) of the fresh zone. From this you launch a tube to the top of the waterfall, which will have a horizontal perforated tube to create several lines of water fall, and better distribute the curtain of water from the waterfall. All this is the key to the proper functioning of the waterfall.

At the top of the waterfall, or wherever you want, you can install the tank for the mist creation pump (MP), inside the terrarium or outside (in / out), making a hole in the glass of the terrarium if it is outside. In this case, the tank must have an access cover for filling water, and maintenance ......

The outline photo of the waterfall (Waterfall profile) and the rest of the background decoration (Rocs profile) are included in the diagram photo.

The fresh water zone (Fresh) will have a standard heater with thermostat.

It is important that you have access (Hand access) to this area for proper maintenance. You can install an overflow hole (W. Exces) of the duct water level, to avoid contact between the fresh and marine zones. It is not essential.

In the marine area (Salted) I propose the two standard perforations for overflow (To filter) and return (Filter return) of water to the filtration system.

This can be a sump, a bottle filter, etc ..... If it is a sump you can include all the equipment you think is necessary.

If you don't want to pierce the glass you can install an internal filter (not included in the schema) and a heater (T.H.S.).

With the rocks for the aquascape of the marine area you can hide the installed equipment, always with easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

From my experience in caring for poisonous snakes, reef aquariums, vivariums for Dendrobates, etc ..... you must foresee 99.99% of possible situations and incidents in the operation of the system.

Putting your hand once installed and running has its problems and risks ........

Take time to simulate all the situations that occur to you !!!!.

Find all the information you can about the compatibility of the plants you want to introduce in the aerial zone, with respect to the evaporation that will occur in the marine zone and that will drag a "salty" environment.

In your big country you have countless ecosystems that are related to your project.

For any questions, queries or information, let me know.

I am very interested in your project.

Greetings from Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain, Europe, World .......

P.D.: I don't know how to add the photo of the scheme !. help !

 

[Metalreefer]

Its been a while now isn't it so time for a little update
So i glazed the background with water based epoxy. then sprayed the background on the middle and the bottom with acrylic matt varnish. It eliminated most of the very fake disgusting shine but some still left so maybe i will put on one more layer. The background attached to the glass with magnets. And i installed a mini ATO to the freshwater sump because the water volume just so small it was a must. The waterfall and the fogger works perfectly. I put the fogger on 3h interval with 5mins on. I love it so much when it turns on. looks so relaxing. And its not even planted yet ;Shamefullyembarrased So I ran the waterfall and fogger to see if there is any leaks or some drips I don't want. It PASSED finally. Now its running with freshly mixed saltwater to see if something is leaching (shouldn't be) from the background or the moisture from the fog or the tiny splashing will alter the water parameters. If yes then i need to look for a solution. If no then I just need to add the final touches then its ready to go. Unfortunately I cannot plant it or put the livestock in it because I have a big move soon so I can do it after. Hopefully the end of the year?
.

 

[Metalreefer]

Hello Metalreefer,

From Barcelona (Spain) i just discovered your thread, and i can only tell you; GO AHEAD !!!!!!

Sorry for the English version (Google translate).

I'm going to try to help you with your great project (this one), or the one you have planned for the future.

I am a happy retiree, with a lot of time for my hobbies, and this allows me to read Forums as interesting as R2R.

Many years ago i finished my studies in Biology, i was lucky enough to work for a season at the Barcelona ZOO, in the collection of Poisonous Snakes (ATROX) in the Terrarium of the zoo.

Then all my life I have kept Vivariums, Marine and Fresh Aquariums, Terrariums, etc ...... as a hobbyist.

I currently have a project, for next summer, if the Covid allows it, very similar to yours; a biotope of the coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea, with a submerged zone (Posidonia meadow), a tidal zone and a terrestrial aerial zone, all with native species of the Catalan coast. Aquatic area volume 600 lts.

I am enclosing a photo with a lousy handmade scheme that could suit your idea. It's a profile view of a terrarium like yours.

It is based on a standard partition, with a glass partition, between the two aquatic areas, the marine and the freshwater that you want to set up.

You can design the glass partition as you want to suit your project; straight, with different angles, at the height that suits you, in the depth you need, etc .....

At the bottom of the terrarium, and as a support for the waterfall, a false bottom (F.B.) is installed with an angle of inclination (alpha) that will allow the water from the cascade to flow like a curtain and not splash the marine area. The flow of this waterfall must be such as to allow this situation. Install a regulating valve at the outlet of the inner filter (I.F.) of the fresh zone. From this you launch a tube to the top of the waterfall, which will have a horizontal perforated tube to create several lines of water fall, and better distribute the curtain of water from the waterfall. All this is the key to the proper functioning of the waterfall.

At the top of the waterfall, or wherever you want, you can install the tank for the mist creation pump (MP), inside the terrarium or outside (in / out), making a hole in the glass of the terrarium if it is outside. In this case, the tank must have an access cover for filling water, and maintenance ......

The outline photo of the waterfall (Waterfall profile) and the rest of the background decoration (Rocs profile) are included in the diagram photo.

The fresh water zone (Fresh) will have a standard heater with thermostat.

It is important that you have access (Hand access) to this area for proper maintenance. You can install an overflow hole (W. Exces) of the duct water level, to avoid contact between the fresh and marine zones. It is not essential.

In the marine area (Salted) I propose the two standard perforations for overflow (To filter) and return (Filter return) of water to the filtration system.

This can be a sump, a bottle filter, etc ..... If it is a sump you can include all the equipment you think is necessary.

If you don't want to pierce the glass you can install an internal filter (not included in the schema) and a heater (T.H.S.).

With the rocks for the aquascape of the marine area you can hide the installed equipment, always with easy access for maintenance and cleaning.

From my experience in caring for poisonous snakes, reef aquariums, vivariums for Dendrobates, etc ..... you must foresee 99.99% of possible situations and incidents in the operation of the system.

Putting your hand once installed and running has its problems and risks ........

Take time to simulate all the situations that occur to you !!!!.

Find all the information you can about the compatibility of the plants you want to introduce in the aerial zone, with respect to the evaporation that will occur in the marine zone and that will drag a "salty" environment.

In your big country you have countless ecosystems that are related to your project.

For any questions, queries or information, let me know.

I am very interested in your project.

Greetings from Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain, Europe, World .......

P.D.: I don't know how to add the photo of the scheme !. help !

Great plans! You can learn from my mistakes so you will have a quicker and easier job than I had! And less waste of money hopefully. You will need a chiller too because the mediterraen water pretty cold. You can put some snakelock anemone in (Anemonia viridis) Like growing your snack style For big project yes its better to have a sump for both systems but there is always a way . For my 15L water volume I was able to get away with a fake background what got space behind it to cover up the equipment. yeah you need to plan a LOT and also fix problems what is getting in the way while you progress. I could have done better job but as a first project I call it a good enough.

P.S: Ctrl+P to insert picture

 

[GAIA]

ctrl + p has worked!
I hope all your work goes ahead.
I follow you.
Currently it is very difficult to find Anemonia viridis; became fashionable as a delicatessen dish in bars and restaurants, and disappeared from the natural environment ......
I attach another photo of my Mediterranean Nano to see if you can guess which species appear. It's a game !. Je, je......

 

[Metalreefer]

WOW. Disappeared? Time to visit Croatia then! They don't eat it and its like a pest in the shore. When I went there a few years ago for holiday they were everywhere in the shallow water. Literally waist deep. Also beadlet anemone is very common. The only problem with Coldwater setup is the chiller. Its big and expensive.

 

[GAIA]

On the Catalan coast they were also like a plague, but overexploitation has practically extinguished them. Last summer I did not find any at various inspection points. In my hand I do not use a cooler, which as you say are expensive; I use a fan, both in summer and in winter, to achieve the target temperature, which is variable throughout the year.
Actinia equina continues to be very abundant.

 

[Metalreefer]

I did some tests PH, Nitrite, Nitrate, Phosphate, alk, calcium and ammonia. Everything was in place except Ammonia. It was 1ppm. with API test kit (yeah I know I know the worst garbage test kit I could possibly use) but I did it with Salifert too and that showed similar results. The water already 2 weeks inside. I'm not sure But maybe if I will cycle the tank the ammonia eventually will leach out completely and disappear after a while because of the bacterium levels in the water adapt to it. any thoughts?

 

[fish farmer]

How did I miss this thread?

Not sure if you've seen some of the other threads regarding this subject. Maybe you can learn from my mistakes.

Saltwater Paludarium?

What do you guys think of a saltwater paludarium? With a beach setup and foam baffles covered in silicone to hold back water from the plants. This sound like a good idea?

www.reef2reef.com

 

[Metalreefer]

Finally settled. I'm not moving to Berlin looks like it. So I started to finish my work. I patched moss slurry to the background wall and covered the top for humidity. Also, I put moss on the branch. Look soo nice. just needs to wait now for the moss to grow and settle down.

Also, I changed to the bottom background, I noticed a problem with it. If I submerge it in water it starts to change color in streaks to white and it's not really nice. So I reglazed it with epoxy and put sand on it. I'm waiting now for more equipment, and once they arrive I will cycle the whole background with some live rock and bio balls from my tank.

And one more but bad news. I got a terrible dino outbreak. I started to dose vibrant now and the "dirty tank" method, hopefully, it will go away sometime. I'm guessing that when I trimmed my macro it stopped absorbing any nutrients and the balance broke. But perhaps another culprit also possible, the high CO2 level of the room because of the lockdowns... nut sure what should I do with this disgusting sludge.

 

[Metalreefer]

Slowly but the background is getting there. I will put the plants in the pot in the next couple of weeks I guess.
Then I will have to wait a week more or two so the plants can settle down. Release the springtails too, for the bioactive touch.

 

[fishlover1478]

wow this is a cool idea. do you have concerns about plant leaves falling in the saltwater?

 

[Metalreefer]

wow this is a cool idea. do you have concerns about plant leaves falling in the saltwater?

Thanks!
Most of the plants not gonna have falling leaves, only one or two so it's not gonna be a lot anyway. Also, the springtails will do the recycling at the canopy part I will have some macro in the tank for nutrient control, like Gracilaria parvispora and Cryptonemia Crenulata and weekly water change should be sufficient. I will need more testing. I want to install a fogger too, but no idea how the mist from the dirty water will affect the saltwater quality below. Will see. With enough macro and bio balls, the tank should balance itself out at some point even with all the things going on in there.

 

[Metalreefer]

All the plants now have been planted. fingers crossed. I hope all of them will make it out and settle down. Once they survived and started to grow, I will transfer my corals and set everything up with the rest of the equipment. Can't wait, so exciting.
Here is the list of plants I used

Neoregelia Fireball
Ficus pumila 'variegated'
Tillandsia Usneoides (Fine Form)
Tillandsia ionantha var. stricta
Tillandsia abdita
Cryptanthus novistar
Gomesa radicans
Nephrolepis 'fluffy duffy'
Hydrocotyle tripartita
Selaginella
Peperomia sp. Isla Colón
Marcgravia umbellata
Nepenthes 'Bloody Mary'
Drosera ????
Utricularia ???
Polystichum tsussimense?
Hypoestes phyllostachya
various mosses from the nearby park

 

[Metalreefer]

Before and after the red sludge disaster. If you know how the system works, you can fix every issue.
Still long way to go, before I merge the paludarium and the reeftank.

 

[Colton.]

Amazing!

 

[Colton.]

What is dino?

 

[Metalreefer]

What is dino?

dinoflagellates. microscopic marine organisms, hard to get rid of, and can ruin your tank. But I'm not sure if it was dino or cyano after all. I never checked it under a microscope.