New obsession, a little slice of the rain forest

[Avalanche Wolf]

Well you people are a horible influance on me =-P

Started my build after planning yesterday. It is coming along little by little. Today I am applying the coco to the back wall and placing 2 more wood pieces to the back wall as well. I also have some work to do on the bottom to add a barrier, a planter wall so to speak to keep the soil from the water areas.

The center of the back panel can actually be moved forward a bit to allow access to the pump. The black tube is going to be cut down and have a pre filter of sort on the end of it and hidden by another island which is still being made. I still have gaps to fill and a lot of detail work but it is coming along.

It is a 47 gallon colum tank.

 

[gsusfreak]

man...thats gonna be nice avalanche!

oh yea...i forgot to say that it was chuck's fault for making this thread....got me hook and a few others i see.....LOL

 

[CKreef]

Is the bottom Foam also? It looks good keep us updated. Is the back completely removeable? How tall is the tank? What size pump is that?Sorry for all the?????? Thanks Chris

 

[sandalscout]

I started on my build last night also, hope to have it finished this weekend, at least he first one, it's only a 10.

 

[gsusfreak]

hey avalanche...you might want to change out or rig something up for the water output...the frogs can fit in it and might get stuck....im assuming you'll be keeping dart frogs that is...those guys are tiny...any other frogs should be fine with that though

 

[Avalanche Wolf]

The water output will be covered by some screen. Just have not gotten to that part yet. I just got the rest of the wood installed with the foam just waiting now to start applying the coco to the backing.

The center section that is not at an angle will be able to come out if needed, although I dont really see that it will but the most it will need is to tilt forward a bit to access the pump.

Time to go get all gooey with silicone and coconut. Thank goodness for rubber gloves.

Tank is 30.5x18x20

 

[False_Ideals]

Thanks again John for taking care of getting the frogs and taking care of being there for delivery.

Here's my setup. I've gone with Keith's (at the Critter who built all the tanks there) recommendation of no soil. My water outputs will eventually be covered with java moss, I have yet to get that. I actually kind of like the look of the black foam, so I don't plan on covering over the back wall. I may add more bark type wood eventually to it though.

 

[CKreef]

I know the critter does not have soil but I still wonder how long the plants will last I am afraid you will get a ton of root rot.

 

[CKreef]

Avalanche is the bottom foam?

 

[plantguy]

http://www.georgecramer.com/dutchvivariums.html

Warning: Above link may cause heavy drooling.

 

[gsusfreak]

justin, i like the second picture...looks like the frog is taking a shower...lol

oh yea, what was it recommended to have no soil?

 

[Turtle77]

Okay I finally finished my tank. Wanted to know what ya'll think. I take any opinions and especially tips and if there is something that stands out as wrong please please please let me know.
I have also put moonlights in that you can see on the last picture. There is two peices of wood in the background, not sure if you can see them or not, they kinda sunk into the foam a little far. This was my first try with the Great Stuff. I have a hole drilled into one peice of wood and a hose running through it where the water runs off the end right behind the moss there. Then on the other side there was suppose to be a hose where water just trickles down the background but instead its just like a big fountain shooting out. and I have the pump turned down as far as it will go. It was making a huge splashing noise until I put some large rocks there and it has seemed to quieten it a bit.
Now I want to let it sit for a week and make sure there are no problems before I add my frogs.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11107081@N02/2880791882/" title="P1010326 by chernalp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3272/2880791882_575bf1dc6b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="P1010326" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11107081@N02/2879957089/" title="P1010324 by chernalp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2879957089_3288ebd699_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="P1010324" /></a>

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/11107081@N02/2880791378/" title="P1010323 by chernalp, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3218/2880791378_21cb5b163e_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="P1010323" /></a>

 

[SRT80]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13386348#post13386348 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CKreef
I know the critter does not have soil but I still wonder how long the plants will last I am afraid you will get a ton of root rot.

Yea, that's the purpose of usin' the hydroton. The soil doesn't stay soakin' wet and your plants aren't sittin' in water.

The tanks and frogs look great...

Steve

 

[fallinapart]

Very, Very Nice Turtle, you did a good

Norman

 

[gsusfreak]

nice tank turtle....any room for a coco hut?.....they always need a few places to hide/sleep during the night

 

[Turtle77]

That peice of cork bark is curved and there is a place under it is this snug little place I thought they could use . Do you think tht would work or do I still need to get a hut?

 

[CKreef]

Looks good turtle!!! I think the cork will be fine. Where did you get the moss?

 

[sandalscout]

wow, lookin' good you guys! Mine is gonna look like junk compared to you all!

 

[Turtle77]

I got the moss at Petsmart in Smyrna off Sam Ridley, its all dried out when you get it, Its in a bag called Terrarium Moss or frog moss. Its in the reptile section.

 

[gsusfreak]

that should be fine...just thought i should mention that they need hiding places, thats all


and yea, where did you get the moss...and what kind is it?

p.s. let me know when your ready for the frogs