How do I build a waterfall/cycle water?

[jstedman1]

I am currently in a research phase of planning out a future remodel of my terrarium. I would like to incorporate a waterfall where it moves the water from the water side, goes underground throughout my 20 gal long tank, and out through the land side down a path area back to the water. I have an albino axolotl and a tiger salamander. The tank is water and land divided by peat bricks, the axolotl is only a few inches and has well enough space but I do plan on him having his own tank in a couple years when he gets bigger.

Any ideas? Thanks in advance!

 

[Nowicki418]

I've been thinking about doing something similar. I know you can purchase little waterfall displays at the pet store but they are really expensive and most don't let you get to "creative" as all the rocks are glued in place around the pump.

I have one of those filters where the water comes in and drips off the top. I'm setting up a cage for my tigers today and this is what I was planning on doing. Taking the filter and covering it with rocks. Then simply lead a small channel for the water to drip down. Not exactly a waterfall but the running water should be cool.

 

[SludgeMunkey]

Use the forum search function. We have a couple off really detailed threads on here to help you out. CC has some articles on builds that use water features too.

I personally am a big fan of fountain pumps.

However, there is another method you can use that is completely caudate friendly as it has no moving parts. I originally came up with these plans for frog and toad owners, but the work just as well for caudates.

 

[jstedman1]

I guess I'm not well knowledged on how to use the site, I couldn't find the articles link you added but once I clicked it looks really helpful. I just cleaned and re-did the tank a bit. When I move out of town next month for school I plan on doing the pvc pipe idea...looks neat, cost efficient, and safe. Plus I can add some of my ideas and customize it. I'll post pics in the future when I do. Thanks again!

 

[jstedman1]

I bought a 2 foot long, elbow joint, and a 1 foot tall pvc pipe 1 inch in diameter. I read your notes about how it had to be twice as long as the water. Does that mean the top of where the water is, as in, if I have, say 5 or 6, inches of water and the 1 foot pvc going up from the land side...uhh basically what I'm asking is if that is good for your layout? The pipe is 3-4 inches above the land but if that's the length I need then I will build something...currently trying to find actual moss.

 

[suztor]

That PVC concept is a really nice idea! although I might be concerned that the water would not bubble out and over to the stream bed with just the power of the air stone. maily because the waterlevel of the exit would need to be the same as the water level in the 'pond section' and I'm not sure how that would work out, if anything mock it up and see if it works. Alternatively, I would suggest using a in water pump (the pond/fountain kind), and possibly building in filtration along the back.

I just did something similar to this with my tank build and would be happy to illustrate it for you if it isn't making sense.

 

[Aaran]

Justin, just to clarify you have a tiger and an axie together atm? and you plan to seperate in 2 years? my axie is just about to reach 5 months old and its at 7inches. just thought i should let you know

 

[jstedman1]

7 inches!? lol I've had mine for 5 months or so and I guessed he was within 4 months when I got him, he's only 4-5 inches haha. He's in great shape tho and I feed him a good variety of food. I'm gonna have to post a pic of my tank when it's all remodeled and good looking, I think he's pretty happy. Yes, I'm gonna have to build a mock version first bc it will be a pain in the butt to put the PVC inside the tank under everything then find out it doesn't work, plus I need to cut a few inches off to put the mesh wire cover on. I've had them seperated with a piece of plexi glass I made with a series of holes drilled in but I'm actually thinking about removing it since the axie and salamander seem to get along and he's bigger now. If you could post a pic of that filter idea that'd be great. I have an in water filter and actually thought about having the output water shoot into the pipe to assist with it all. Worse comes to worse I just waste 5 dollars on supplies so I'm not too worried if I can't do it. Trying to find some kind of moss to put on the side where the fountain water would go down.

 

[jstedman1]

Here's a link to a blog I made, basically to help myself remember/learn some of the things I've come across. Hopefully it's a trade-off of info lol if you see anything you can add to or correct feel free to comment on things so I can better my knowledge. Thanks again!

 

[jstedman1]

thealbinoenthusiast here is a blog I have to help me remember/fix/learn some new things on my guys. Maybe it can be a trade-off in info. Thanks again.

 

[ahritchie]

I have had great luck with a waterfall setup for my dart frogs by using the Zoo Med waterfall kit...it comes with "hydroballs" (lightweight expanded clay balls) which act as a water table. You can use some large rocks to separate the land (hydroballs) from your water reservior then just make a stream bed with smaller rocks so it is flowing into your "reservoir" A waterfall pump and tubing is included which works great. You can then put whatever substrate you want directly on top of the hydroballs (a mesh net is included to keep the water form being dirtied by substrate).