ZooMed Naturalistic Waterfall Kit Review

[zuper8]

I built a setup with ZooMed's Naturalistic Waterfall Kit a little over a year ago now.

https://www.rescuepetsupply.com/nat...Hzbs6jLBUs_w6tmQLp3Q4DtqtydnApzg4hRoCTtLw_wcB

I have to say, it was a lot of work to do it right, but it was worth it. Especially since I have had zero pump clogging issues after a year. My review video is linked below. The cliff notes? Be super meticulous during setup to make sure almost no substrate gets in your reservoir layer, and make sure you have the water running so that it goes through rocks, not dirt. It's beautiful, and worth the effort. I imagine it would be extremely frustrating if it stops working shortly after the build, but that's why I was extra careful to keep everything clean.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpzSSjGDTX4&t=6s

 

[Elizabeth Freer]

Thanks for sharing! Visuals r-e-a-l-l-y help us out.

 

[zuper8]

Ah, sure, visuals! I have some pics of the build process somewhere out there, if I can dig them up I will post! Essentially, I decided where the water was going to run, and walled that area off with piece of a cereal box. I filled the water area with washed rocks, and then put the substrate on the other side of the barrier. Once I removed the cardboard, I happened to have a perfectly shaped piece of Mopani wood that I put over the substrate that borders the rock area, so that when water splashes, it hits the Mopani and not the substrate. It was super fun, if you like projects like this. I have always said, building the vivariums is one of the most enjoyable things about keeping geckos. I love it. I'm amazed at what master builders can do.... I have a long way to go to get to their level, but I'm having fun learning along the way.

I'm so glad I didn't follow the Zoomed video on Youtube, I think the pump would have already clogged without a doubt. They tell you to use coco fiber and have the water run through that to the drainage layer- even with mesh, I'm sure those fine particles would work their way down no problem. Also, coco fiber molds if it is constantly moist, and with a waterfall feature in this 18x18x24 enclosure, the entire substrate floor is moist 24/7. Something mold resistant is critical. I used NEHerpetoculture's substrate, far more mold resistant and holds humidity even better than coco fiber. Also supports the plant life better that I have in there. Beautiful,too.