Bio-active Water Bowl?

[SnoopySnake]

As I was doing some of my usual cage maintenance yesterday, I began to think about what type of bugs I should add to my CRB's viv, to make cleaning a bit easier. As I was changing and scrubbing the water bowl, I began to think about how I could set up a bio-active water bowl. So I looked it up, but all I could find was info for bio-active substrate. Has anyone else done this, or think it could be a good idea? And if so, how do you think one would go about setting something like that up? Just wanna say thanks in advance for any tips anyone might have.:)

[CosmicOwl]

I don't think that would work. Short of adding a segregated area of the cage, devoted to being a small pond with a filtration system, it wouldn't be possible. Even if you did decide to go that route, you'd probably end up make more problems for yourself than you'd like. It might work for a small species in a large, natural vivarium though.

[SnoopySnake]

Yeah, I didn't think it was something that could be done in the average size water bowl, it would have been once they're in their larger, final enclosures. I was thinking maybe I could just do something like a paludarium, and have small fish and a small species of plecostomus or other algae eaters, have lots of plants in the water and maybe some snails and other bottom dwellers that don't get too big or reproduce too fast, and obviously a filter, but I'm not really sure.

[Georgia]

Very good idea. Im interested in ideas also. A fish filter may work. Keep this thread going!

[FWK]

Yeah, I didn't think it was something that could be done in the average size water bowl, it would have been once they're in their larger, final enclosures. I was thinking maybe I could just do something like a paludarium, and have small fish and a small species of plecostomus or other algae eaters, have lots of plants in the water and maybe some snails and other bottom dwellers that don't get too big or reproduce too fast, and obviously a filter, but I'm not really sure.

I have been thinking about something along these lines for a long time. I've been into planted aquaria for many years and since getting back into reptiles I've been trying to figure out how to combine the two. The only solution I've been able to come up with thus far is either a paludarium as you mentioned or a full on custom build literally combining an aquarium and a reptile enclosure. I was thinking a large aquarium with the enclosure essentially built right on top. I have no experience with emergent plants so a paludarium scares me a little lol.

The aquarium itself wouldn't be to hard to set up, a filter-less low tech setup would probably be ideal. Although you certainly dump a lot of money in it and make is fancy as you wanted. Personally I would stick to a low tech set up to minimize maintenance. Dirt substrate with a sand cap stuffed with easy low light plants such as Crypts, Ferns and Anubis, with only small powerheads for some circulation. Add a heater, small tropical fish, shrimp and snails and let it go. Lighting would probably be the biggest challenge with having the enclosure right on top of the aquarium, a custom LED array may be the way to go.

The next thing would be what snake(s) to put in the set up. It would definitely have to be a small, semi-aquatic species. Anything of reasonable size would likely crush plants and stir up the substrate as well as foul the water with its feces. A good size planted aquarium would have no problem handling waste from a small snake or two though. Most small semi-aquatic snakes will eat the fish so it would have to be stocked with something inexpensive and safe for the snake(s) to eat.

I have a ton of research to do before I ever attempt to put something together but one of these days I'd like to try it. I already have a couple empty tanks laying around...

[franks]

I have done this numerous times with lizards. I did this build with a 55 Gallon fish tank for hatchling water dragons, a 125 gallon fish tank for a pair, a 125 Gallon fish tank for a green basilisk, and a 240 gallon fish tank for sailfin dragons. It's fairly simple believe it or not. The fish tanks have a plastic lip that you can cut 1x to fit securely into in order to build the tank up. For a snake you would build a ledge and add onto the overall depth of the fish tank making the front of the enclosure water. You will need both sides to open in order to get proper access to your snake if you provide this kind of depth. Male sure you treat your wood very well. I had these setups for over 4 years without damage to the wood. My friend has the sailfin dragon one that is still going strong. Key is ventilation. With all of that water you need to vent the humidity. Also consider that is acts like an enormous humidifier for whatever room it's in. Keep away from hardwood floors.

[FWK]

That sounds awesome. Pics, franks, please tell me you have pics!

[franks]

I can't find the thread I made on here. I'll try to post them tomorrow. I'm on my phone and they are somewhere on my computer.

[CosmicOwl]

I'm having a hard time visualizing this. Are you talking about building a reptile enclosure on top of an existing aquarium?

[franks]

I'm having a hard time visualizing this. Are you talking about building a reptile enclosure on top of an existing aquarium?

Precisely. The first one I made was so simple. I was 19 and made the entire thing with a hand saw and screw gun. I'll get pics up today for you guys.

[SnoopySnake]

I too am having some difficulty picturing what you mean-but it sounds interesting, would love to see those pics when you get the chance. :)

[franks]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/diehardislanders/DSC00404.jpg

This is the 240 gallon one for sailfin dragons.

[franks]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/diehardislanders/DSC00403.jpg

It's hard to get the whole thing in one picture

[franks]

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g223/diehardislanders/pets/tank.jpg

This is the simple one I made when I was 19. It is over a 125 gallon fish tank.

[SnoopySnake]

Ohh okay, I see now. That's awesome. I really like that idea, just not sure how well it'd work for my rainbow boas. I think I may eventually just go with a paludarium, where one side of the enclosure is water but then the other is land, and I may make a grout background to separate the two, and plant plants into, but I'm not really sure. If I ever do it I'll definitely make a build thread!