Step By Step Set Up For A Tropical Enclosure Utilizing A False Bottom:
As Regards To Tropical Scorpion Enclosures. This Guide Is Neither Definitive Nor Authoritative, It Is Simply What Works Best In My Experience.
Checklist:
□ Aquarium (Any Size)
□ Aquarium Gravel (Enough To Create Nearly 5±cm [2.0±in] Layer)
□ Aquarium Undergravel Filter Tube Assembly
□ 5cm2 Fiberglass Window Screen (To Cover Hole In Tube Top)
□ Suitable Substrate (ie. Eco Earth® Expandable Substrate)
□ Shallow Water Dish
□ Scorpion Hide(s)
□ Other Decorations (ie. Stones, Rocks, Logs, Plants etc.)
□ Fitted Screen Top For Primary Tank Cover
□ Glass Or Acrylic Sheet For Humidity Barrier Secondary Tank Cover
□ Heat Source (ie. Heat Lamp w/ IR Bulb Or Ceramic Element, UTHs)
□ Thermometer And Hygrometer If Desired
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1) Place the expandable cocofiber brick into a 5 gallon bucket and pour 1 gallon of warm water over it. Set it aside for ½ hour to allow it to expand.
2) Take your clean tank and pour in an even layer of rinsed aquarium gravel to a depth of about 5cm (2in)
2.1) I use gravel with a diameter of around 2.5cm (1.0in) this usually dissuades the scorpion from pulling gravel to the surface. As an alternative some people use smaller gravel and then place a screen barrier between the gravel and substrate.
3) Assemble the undergravel filter tube, and cover one end with a screen or similar material to keep prey and smaller scorpions from dropping down. (you can also plug the hole with cork or tape until you need to use it) Invert the tube and place into an easily accessible corner.
4) Place any large or heavy item in now on top of the gravel. Scorpions will burrow and heavy items may collapse onto the scorpion and injure it.
5) Take the bucket of cocofiber and pour generously into the tank and around all the decorations. Pack firmly with the back of your hand to add rigidity to the substrate to help burrows stay intact. Pour to a depth of 10-12cm (4-5in)
6) Place hides water dish and other decorations around as desired. To assist in burrowing I place my ½ log hides into the substrate and fill up the tunnel. I then reopen the front by placing three finger wide about 4cm (1-2in) deep.
7) Place your gauges in a highly visible spot. If using a UTH (Under Tank Heater ) place it on one side of the tank. (some will argue that it can go under the tank I won’t argue it) Fix your IR heat lamp so that it provides adequate heat and point it towards the tank. I place mine on top of the tank clamped to a solid object. Make sure it is a solid base, I’ve had a lamp tip over and melt all the plastic under it.
8.) Place the screen top on the tank and the aquarium canopy on top of that for a humidity barrier. (Plexiglass, glass or even cellophane will work I just prefer the ease of the canopy)
9) Leave the tank set for the better part of a week to allow it to acclimate and balance the temperature and humidity. This also gives you a chance to change your set up drastically if need be.
For a 10 part 30 minute tutorial, check out my youtube chanel.
http://www.youtube.com/user/Thaedion
