90 Gallon Re-Build - * Pic Heavy *

[Marty]

I haven't posted in a while, so I figured I'll show you guys the latest project. I've redone my 90 galon diamond viv. After few years of service, the tree fern panels fell apart on me. I decided to build it to last forever. I used epiweb and mortar. Here are some pics of the process

I cant seem to find the early photos, so I'll start with the epiweb already glued to the glass with aquarium silicone. Some black foam is already on.







Haba Create from Deven at HerpInvert.










Future waterfall.


Installed an extra light in the canopy. From AH Supply.


Misting System connected directly to the RO supply. Never have to fill up a reservoir.


This tank is not drained. Prior to this setup I had to disconnect the filter and siphon off a bit of water when the level was getting too high. I decided to use a spare pump and tap into the canister filter and pump off the excess water directly into the house plumbing. Now when I need to get rid of some water I just flip a switch. Actually, I have it rigged on a timer, idea is to turn it on daily for say 20 sec to pump off the extra water automatically.


Canopy open, with the extra light in the lid


Acrylic Lid lifted with a fan to keep the condensation off.


I hate false bottoms. For this setup I used epiweb chunks as a substrate. It will also act as a filter. Landscaping fabric on top. YOu can see the water area forming.


Didn't want the front to show epiweb, so I jammed some aquarium gravel in the front of the tank.


Ready for planting


Part of the plants from Antone of Spring Valley Tropicals. Vendor feedback removed MJ


Front Pannel with all the controls. Timers are visible when the cabinet door is open. These switches control the following: viv lights, cabinet light, waterfall (filter), heater, drain pump, air bubbles in the water, misting system and the fans... Timers are used for the drain pump, misting system and the lights. It was a pain to set up and organize the wire jungle, but it's a lot of fun operating the viv from the pannel.


Vivarium has been planted for about 1 week. Broms are dropping roots already.


I don't want to use and java moss nor any other moss for that matter. I'm going to experiment with riccia only. I got bunch of riccia from Brian of Brian's Tropicals. Vendor feedback removed MJ


More riccia

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[Marty]

The water area with a few plants.


Broms from Antone.




Waterfall and some riccia


Misting System is working overtime in this tank. I want to make sure that riccia takes over the tank.


This is the fresh tank after about 7-10 days. I still need to add few more plants and wait for everything to overgrow. I'm waiting for some miniature orchids. Right now there is a group of 8 leucs roaming around the viv.

[clwatkins10]

You'll love that riccia. I got some inspiration from Brian when I made my first viv and covered everything in riccia. The wall turned out great. Is that mondo grass and ludwigia repens in the water area? Awesome, I can't wait for it to grow in.

[melas]

AWESOME! I really like all of the open floor area! Great Job!

[deckmanx]

That's such a sexy tank. Looks really good. Now I'm convinced I need to get Riccia for mine. Those broms look nice and fat, that'll be cool when they start throwing off pups. Nicely done!

[Faceless]

Very nice looking tank

[Ed Holder]

WOW, That is an amazing set up Marty! Especially loving the control panel.
Is that fan drawing air down onto the glass or pulling air up and out along the glass?

regards.....Ed

[trunda]

Very nice setup, id like to ask 2 questions. 1) do you circulate the air through the hood or only inside the tank? 2) What is the point of using epiweb when you cover it whole with mortar? Maybe im missing the idea?
Thank you and good luck, What are you going to put in there?

[Marty]

Originally Posted by trunda

Very nice setup, id like to ask 2 questions. 1) do you circulate the air through the hood or only inside the tank? 2) What is the point of using epiweb when you cover it whole with mortar? Maybe im missing the idea?
Thank you and good luck, What are you going to put in there?

the hood has 3 fans and it's cooled by air from the outside. The tank has 2 fans in the acrylic lid and pulls air from the hood. Warm air defogs the glass and gets sucked back out in the back of the tank creating a very subtle air movement.

Epiweb will never break down. I don't feel like redoing the tank in a few years. Tank has some 8 leucs in it.

[kyle1745]

Looks good, is this the third time for this one?

I forget did you build the tank or was it a standard aquarium?