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Posted by rick gordon on May 07, 2003 at 12:17:31:
In Reply to: wetland filter ?s posted by gyke on May 06, 2003 at 17:38:34:
:I ahve read everything I could find in this forum about wetland filters but I still have a few questions. How do you build a platform around the smaller container and how is it secured? Do you secure the screen to the platform or to the containers? Does the smaller container have to be shorter than the larger one or could they be the same height? I am also not exactly sure how to plant the plants.Finally, where do you get lava rocks. Sorry for all of the questions but if I am going to try this I want to make sure I do it right. Thanks.
Rick::
1.Platform: I use plastic egg crate it can be found in the floresent light section at any hardware/depot type store.
2.Securing platform/Screen: I use the egg crate to make legs for the platform and use construction adhesive to glue it together. I also glue the screen to the platform.Once the screen is glued you can cut doors in the platform for adding lava rocks, pumps etc. The screen becomes the hinge.
3.Lave rocks can be the same type sold for gas grills, or even better find some biobeads or similarly designed ceramic substrate. These are better then the lava rocks but are more expensive. Sometimes you can find a larger quantity of them for sale in pond section of your petstore.
4.Planting Plants: Make sure that the platform is two to three inches lower then the small container. Fill this space on top of the platform with moss and plant directly into the moss. Make sure to remove all soil from the roots of the plants. The water level should be right at the platform. The moss will suck up the water and the plant roots will grow through the platform in time.
I never tested mine to see how long it takes to get established. I suggest that you test the water frequently and do partial water changes until it is stable. How long that should take, depends on the size of your filter and the number of animals it is supporting.
