Guess what I'm going to do with this!!!

[Dane]

The local Robinson's May department store is going out of business, and in addition to getting rid of all their merchandise, they were selling their display cases and fixtures as well. I saw this baby and couldn't help but think of the possibilities. It sits about 6' 5" high. I did a gallon conversion on the usable space, and it comes to about 125 us gallons. It's going to require a little bit of modification for frog use, but it's going to be damn nice when it's done.









I'M LOCKED IN A GLASS CASE OF EMOTION!!! (Anchorman)


The biggest problem is going to be the door. It's going to have to be side opening or a slider. Sources for parts would be appreciated. Light will also be an issue. I think a MH will be the only thing that could produce enough to penetrate all the way to the bottom. Any comments or suggestions would be helpful.

[kleinhanz]

I think a MH will be the only thing that could produce enough to penetrate all the way to the bottom

I think it may be a losing battle (plants needs) if you plan on only putting lights in at the top of that very tall enclosure. You may want to think about running a strip light down the sides.

Awsome score! Your possibilites are endless

[Darks!de]

Yes, what I was thinking was the lighting issue. An MH will probably be the only option. But even then, you will need massive amounts of air movement to get rid of the heat, and the bottom will still be pretty shady. No idea on the door...do the sides come apart or is there some kind of door already? DAMN DAMN...you need some large colony in there...what are you thinking?

Luke

[Dane]

I think it may be a losing battle (plants needs) if you plan on only putting lights in at the top of that very tall enclosure. You may want to think about running a strip light down the sides.

I thought about that, but there are several ferns that I've wanted to use in the past, but my tanks were all too bright, so I may be able to find a happy medium with lower light plants at the bottom.

Yes, what I was thinking was the lighting issue. An MH will probably be the only option. But even then, you will need massive amounts of air movement to get rid of the heat, and the bottom will still be pretty shady. No idea on the door...do the sides come apart or is there some kind of door already? DAMN DAMN...you need some large colony in there...what are you thinking?

I don't know if it's obvious in the pics, but there are eighteen 1/4" holes on each side. I was thinking that they would make good exhaust vents if covered with mesh, so I could run a couple larger intake fans at the top, and have the holes provide an exit for the hot air. Plus with a tank this high, the temperature gradient should be substantial, and the frogs could move earthward if the canopy gets too hot.

As far as species, I think eggfeeders are a must. I was either going to put all 7 of my adult bastis in and let them go wild, or get a group of 4-5 harder to find pumilio (Nancy, Colon, Green & Orange) and seeing how well they do. I'm sure that will be the toughest choice of all.

[Dancing frogs]

Originally Posted by Dane

It's going to require a little bit of modification for frog use, but it's going to be damn nice when it's done.

No freakin' kidding :lol: !

I think I'd go with a T-5 HO on each side...might be tricky to make it look classy though...

[Dancing frogs]

Originally Posted by Darks!de

DAMN DAMN...you need some large colony in there...what are you thinking?

Luke

If nothing else, looks like you have an excellent "time out" room!

[Grassypeak]

Just an idea, but I believe that there are mercury vapor bulbs that operate from regular fixtures. At least I’ve been told that there are. You could simply place a free standing fixture on each side to illuminate from different levels. Nice brass fixtures would probably give the whole thing a classy look.

Good luck that’s a sweet case.

[RGB]

Nice find Dane, that thing definitely has possibilities.

I like Chris's idea of using freestanding fixtures on the sides of the viv. I've seen some nice cf fixtures at frye's that may work.

Good luck with it and keep us posted.

[Catfur]

WoW!

Instead of intake fans trying to push through the vent holes, I would recommend exhaust fans at the top that pull air in and up. Also, you could just put some PC lighting up top and perhaps on the sides and not worry about the bottom being dim, put your high light plants from the middle on up and put some low light stuff (pothos, etc...) on the lower end, creating a natural shade gradient.

[joshsfrogs]

Just an idea, but I believe that there are mercury vapor bulbs that operate from regular fixtures.

Yeah, they make 100 watt and 160 watt. In an open top the 100 watt creates a basking temp of near 100 degrees at about a distance of a foot.