Hi, I am working on the conversion of my 4ft x 2ft x 2ft aquarium to a vivarium/paludarium. Had visited a numbers of website for ideas and informations.

I had not confirm the layout of the new tank but had the query of the development of the plant's root in the different setup.

Some setup had the dry land raised up using eggcrate and PVC. And had clay pellets, dry mosses and potting soil as the base for planting.

While some setup had the similar setup as a planted tank, fert and substrate, as the base for planting.

So which of these is more suitable for a vivarium/paludarium?

More information on my conversion:
Tank : 4ft x 2ft x 2ft
Light : 6 x 36W PL
Filter : 2028 eheim

I intend to reuse as much as possible my existing equipment. The substrate will be change if needed. Only FISH are allow. Therefore, I would like to have a waterfall and stream running across the green and ended up in a pond kind of a nature setup.

Please advise on my conversion. Thank you.

Ken