Lots Of Advice Needed

[KittyKat]

Out of interest KK how would you heat 1000 litres of water without a sump?

Normally, by heating the whole room but in practice, with some really big heaters hidden behind a hollow piece of decor (which all water has to pass through).. I think the biggest ones available in the hobby are in the 300-500 W region. The warmth of the air should also help.

 

[Miles_hot]

Thanks KK - it's for a project which may never happen but always good to plan ahead

 

[emmie]

I'm really confused on what filter would be best? Because its such a large volume of water and because I will be planting it.

For that volume of water, a sump is the best option. This is way out of consumer filter range and a custom filter that big costs a fortune and a half.

Now for cycling again because my minds set on planting it, the information given here suggests not to do fishless cycling when wanting to plant the tank...

I really do need to have a look at exactly what is says.. but I am of the opinion that a fish-less cycled aquarium can be planted without a problem and I very much encourage it.

On the other hand, I also think that fish-less cycling an aquarium that large is futile. What size fish were you thinking of? If small fish and shrimp, then you are better off just planting and adding say.. 10-30 1" fish per week. They will produce so little ammonia that you it will never register on the tests. In effect, you will be silent cycling.

Also with lighting regarding plants, I am planning on using 5.0 UV tubes so I'm unsure how this will effect the aquatic plants?
Will the aquatic plants need their own lighting?

You will probably need a metal halide over that, to give it enough light but I don't know how that will affect the rest of the animals.. or go for low-light plants and use some spotlights which are aimed only at the water.

I can't help on the cycling question other than to observe that "silent" cycling is normally advised as being for non beginners but I don't know why.

Because there is a high risk if the plants die. A prerequisite for silent cycling is being able to keep aquatic plants alive. Also, the risk is higher, the smaller the aquarium, which is what beginners often have.

In terms of heating the water I would put a (or some) heaters in line with the pump if pumps. These will have themostates so will only heat the water if the land doesn't do the job...

A couple of heaters in the sump should work.

Thanks I'll look into this, but I was thinking about aiming spot lights at the water so low-light plants seem to be the best way forward...

What species of amphibian are you planning on keeping? Having multiple different species in a single enclosure means you have to find a way to properly meet all of their unique needs fully.

Also, different species of amphibian cannot be mixed and setting up a system knowing that some of its inhabitants are going to be eaten is not making an ecosystem - - in nature yes, there are predators and there are prey - but there are natural hiding and living spaces that simply cannot be replicated in this small of a system.

I suggest choosing one type of system for one species, and making an amazing enclosure that can be utilized to the fullest by that one species. You will find it more enjoyable and so will the creatures you are caring for.

I see that as having an amazing amphibian, such as tree frogs, enclosure - you could really make it stunning.

At the moment for the land, I am thinking about a couple of species of snakes and maybe a few skinks all native and from the same area of Papuan new guinea the reason for this is they will all have the same needs near enough just different dietry needs which can easily be met.

With Amphibs I don't think I'll get any, A few species of small skinks and two/three species of small snakes from the same area will look stunning.

This sounds like an awesome project, but if I were you I would really seek out a professional expert in creating this sort of thing (maybe contact a local zoo or aquarium for a person that they would recommend for this). One thing can be sure, it is going to cost a lot of money. But, another thing is also true, in things like this, it is definitely far better to get it done right the first time, to eliminate all the potential pitfalls that can come along if unprepared, and will end up costing even more money in the long run.


I ask that you please post all throughout the process, including a full montage of pics during all stages of development. One thing that you are going to want is a record of everything, especially if you are laying out this type of cash for it. Best wishes with it! It sounds like it will be absolutely AWESOME!

I tried to talk with zoo keepers about it but they just said it would be near impossible to do correctly, but I can't see how it can be that hard especially because it will all be running without any animals in there. I will make sure it is running smoothly enough to meet every animals needs I plan to add perfectly before getting them.

 

[emmie]

The project has started

 

[Rynofasho]

Worthless without pics

 

[GreenA]

Wow, this sounds like a project and a half!!! Please make some pics throughout the stages. I bet many here would love to see the outcome of this! Good luck!!

 

[Aqua Tom]

WHAT DO WE WANT?
PICTURES!
WHEN DO WE WANT THEM?
NOW!