So I finally finished this non-traditional viv.
The bottom I covered with a waterproof membrane and silicone to make about the bottom 5 inches of the viv water tight. The first time I applied it I was careful to be neat and just barely get the silicone on the glass. The fourth time I just made sure I wouldn't have to do it a fifth time.
Then a FB which was covered by some coco liner mat and substrate.
For lighting (which I'm still not 100% satisfied with, but it's good for now) I went with what was originally recommended. I just soldered on all the supports. You can also see about 3/4 of the glass top I placed inside.
The vase would have sat too low, so I put it on another vase. Here is a broken one that I worked with.
And here is the finished product in my office. I put some mylar covered panels in the top to be reflectors and shield the lights.
The moss has really taken off since the photos. The orchids are recovering from being seared by the halogen lights and putting out new growth. There is a lot of room on the bottom to plant, but I don't have the time right now.
It is frog livable, but right now I have no plans to put any frogs in it.
