First Paludarium (build journal)

maverick3x6 · #1 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 02:05 AM

After a few months of planning and collecting materials, it is done. I don't want to bloat this post with photos, so I've posted 48 of them on my flickr. Complete build journal.

http://flickr.com/photos/maverick3x6...7606615963752/

Check it out... let me know what you think... questions / comments / advice please! Don't forget to check the last few photos for the finished product.

Cheers

morselchip · #2 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 02:16 AM

Your tank looks great! I wish I had one that size to play with.... I really like how easy to maintain and change around it looks. Are you planning on getting digital thermometer/hydrometer? They are alot easier to check for conditions, and apparently a ton more accurate.

maverick3x6 · #3 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 02:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morselchip

Your tank looks great! I wish I had one that size to play with.... I really like how easy to maintain and change around it looks. Are you planning on getting digital thermometer/hydrometer? They are alot easier to check for conditions, and apparently a ton more accurate.

I was thinking of that... the exo-terra digital meters slide right into the compact tops and dual tops, but they are each about $16-18 bucks and to be honest a prefer to use the least amount of electricity as possible. I think I might just stick with the analogs for now. heh

morselchip · #4 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 02:24 AM

I picked up mine from joshsfrogs.com - affordable, and accurate to use once I figured out that I had to put the whole thing in.... (blonde moment I guess!)

maverick3x6 · #5 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by morselchip

I picked up mine from joshsfrogs.com - affordable, and accurate to use once I figured out that I had to put the whole thing in.... (blonde moment I guess!)

How is that site by the way? it's not very pleasing visually, but I know that not the best way to judge an online store... but that's how I do things since I'm a web designer.haha

morselchip · #6 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 02:33 AM

Good site, I suppose some of the aesthetics were left behind- but the site is kept updated, easy to search... and I have been very happy with my orders.

Nubster · #7 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 03:27 AM

Hey Maverick, I commented on your Flickr page too but I'll post here as well. You tank looks great. I can't wait to see it grown in.

As far as the temp and hydrometer, you can get a pretty inexpensive digital one at Wal Mart for about $6 that runs on a single AAA battery. It is accurate too. I use one in my viv and in my humidor and no problems. Battery lasted a couple years before I had to replace.

And Josh's Frogs, I just got my order from them and I can not be happier. Good prices and fast shipping and everything is great. The only kinda bad thing I can say is they ship their plants from a different location so if you have an order that has plants and dry goods they get shipped separate. I got everything today except the plants I ordered and I won't get those now until Monday since they are being shipped to my work and the office is close during the weekend so no mail. No biggie though. I would still recommend them 100%.

maverick3x6 · #8 (**permalink**) 08-09-2008, 03:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nubster

Hey Maverick, I commented on your Flickr page too but I'll post here as well. You tank looks great. I can't wait to see it grown in.

As far as the temp and hydrometer, you can get a pretty inexpensive digital one at Wal Mart for about $6 that runs on a single AAA battery. It is accurate too. I use one in my viv and in my humidor and no problems. Battery lasted a couple years before I had to replace.

And Josh's Frogs, I just got my order from them and I can not be happier. Good prices and fast shipping and everything is great. The only kinda bad thing I can say is they ship their plants from a different location so if you have an order that has plants and dry goods they get shipped separate. I got everything today except the plants I ordered and I won't get those now until Monday since they are being shipped to my work and the office is close during the weekend so no mail. No biggie though. I would still recommend them 100%.

that sounds great man. thanks for the long response. I can't wait to see it grown in either! haha. I'll check out joshesfrogs later when I need some supplies. I've ordered a bunch of plants from black jungle though... they are about 3 hours away, so I get fresh plants in the mail. I love it. haha. Let me know when you get yours comple!

maverick3x6 · #9 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 01:40 PM

I'm beginning to have a small issue with surface foam on the water... Can anyone recommend a chemical that can get rid of this?

jdart16 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-11-2008, 03:07 PM

I believe that may be a buildup of organics or bacteria. I would suggest a water change.

Justin