Hi,
I apologize if I am asking redundant questions. I've perused the threads and just feel a little overwhelmed! I'm hoping to eventually acquire some Tylotriton verrucosus in the next few months (IF ANYONE HAS EGGS I WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO YOU! I AM HAPPY RAISING THEM FROM EGGS.)
Being an ecologist by trade, I naturally feel compelled to make as complete of an ecosystem as possible in my newt habitat. I have a 60 gallon breeder that I hope to do half terrestrial, half aquatic. I would like to do a small stream, and have a planted tank of terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic plants. I plan on letting the tank get very well established first, and have a healthy population of daphnia, amphipods, and terrestrial inverts such as white worms and springtails as well before even bringing in the newts.
But to get to that point I have to fix on building materials! What, in your opinions, are the safest and best materials to use for a setup like this? I've heard the pond great stuff sealant, but what type of grout, paint, etc? And has anyone tried using this as the bones of a set up but incorporating soil areas for plant growth? I'm incredibly anal when it comes to chemical leaching, long term exposure and degredation of materials, etc... so for those of you who have been at this for a while- what do you use?
Thank you!
I apologize if I am asking redundant questions. I've perused the threads and just feel a little overwhelmed! I'm hoping to eventually acquire some Tylotriton verrucosus in the next few months (IF ANYONE HAS EGGS I WOULD LOVE TO TALK TO YOU! I AM HAPPY RAISING THEM FROM EGGS.)
Being an ecologist by trade, I naturally feel compelled to make as complete of an ecosystem as possible in my newt habitat. I have a 60 gallon breeder that I hope to do half terrestrial, half aquatic. I would like to do a small stream, and have a planted tank of terrestrial, semi-aquatic, and aquatic plants. I plan on letting the tank get very well established first, and have a healthy population of daphnia, amphipods, and terrestrial inverts such as white worms and springtails as well before even bringing in the newts.
But to get to that point I have to fix on building materials! What, in your opinions, are the safest and best materials to use for a setup like this? I've heard the pond great stuff sealant, but what type of grout, paint, etc? And has anyone tried using this as the bones of a set up but incorporating soil areas for plant growth? I'm incredibly anal when it comes to chemical leaching, long term exposure and degredation of materials, etc... so for those of you who have been at this for a while- what do you use?
Thank you!