I’m building a new tank as soon as I find a replacement for the Tank of Betrayal. I plan to do a natural version of a false bottom based on videos I’ve been watching.
So if you watched the Crabstreet Journal Crabiscope live chat on Periscope last Saturday you know I briefly discussed the current trend of using a false bottom in your crabitat . I’ve never used a false bottom and #KnockOnWood in 12 years have never needed one. However, I understand why some people want them, they are a simple insurance policy against a devastating flood. The process of building one is a bit of a PITA IMO. So I thought this set up may be a much simplier way to accomplish the same thing. No cutting or measuring necessary. Yah for being lazy 🙂
I plan to place a nice layer of hydroballs first, so that the base of the tank is well covered. On top of that will go a thick layer of sphagnum moss. This is to prevent my substrate from sinking down into the hydroballs and compacting around them. UPDATE: Don’t do the moss layer! It’s not safe 🙁
The hydroballs are made of clay so they will absorb any excess water that filters down to it. Excess water will be visible with this natural drainage layer in place so I will be able to see if I need to take steps to siphon out any water. When damp they can add humidity to the tank as well as act as a substrate for live plants. At some point I hope to put live plants in my foam background so the hydroballs will be a great substrate for them as well.
You can check them out on Amazon:
Hydroballs on Amazon
hydroballs: Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate can be used as a base layer underneath Zoo Meds Eco Earth® coconut fiber substrate or other substrates to create an underground water table in Naturalistic Terrariums. Add water to create a natural aquifer” and increase humidity levels for all tropical species. Excellent substrate for live plant root growth in Naturalistic Terrariums. Use for filtration for a waterfall.”
