Rock wall vivarium construction

Devanny · #1 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 09:58 AM

After i saw arielfs and melas rock tanks i decided to build one myself using an 18 x 18 x 24 exo terra, styrofoam and cement.
I started by siliconing a black piece of plastic tubing in the corner to run the water pump powercord and the actual water fall tubing, i also siliconed 2 pieces of driftwood one of the pieces of driftwood will hold 3 broms that i will mount and spread moss around when im done. I thought i'd try with styrofoam that i had laying around altho next time i will be using the closed cell foam ( styrofoam is very messy to work with ). I cut and shaped a billion pieces of styrofoam to mimic rocks i then hot glued them around the tubing first then around the pieces of driftwood, after a few days of allowing the silicone to cure i started with a thin/watery coating of cement then another and another and another untill i achived what i was looking for, spraying tap water and allowing time in between each coat of coarse then i took multiple sculpting tools to add demension/texture and shape to each one of the "rocks".....This is what i have so far, its in the process of curing then will come the white vinegar wash and finally the painting will begin, i plan to use Liquitex "BASICS' permanent acrylic paints.

The start of the "Devatopia" vivarium lol

Hope you all enjoy , ill be posting progress pics...

-Devanny

Nubster · #2 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 01:25 PM

Awesome. I can't wait to see more. I want to use this technique on my next tank and the more people that try it the more I really want to give it a try. Looks like it is going to be sweet.

Manuran · #3 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 01:35 PM

I applaud you for the sheer number of foam pieces shaped and glued into place!
That just looks meticulously done. It looks good. Can't wait to see it finished.

Mywebbedtoes · #4 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 02:04 PM

Ambitious! I like it. This looks very promising. Keep us posted.

moothefrog · #5 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 02:58 PM

Cool!What are you gonna put in there?

LittleDip · #6 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 03:13 PM

Amazing!! It looks wonderful!! Please keep us posted. I've seen this method done so many times and just looking at your post makes it look "TO EASY" Thank you for sharing!! I would like to do something like this in one of my tanks.

Devanny · #7 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 04:37 PM

Thanks, i did use a lot of piece i wanted that stacked slate kinda look.
This will be home to my Nancy Pumilios.

MELLOWROO421 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 09:33 PM

Looks great! Keep them pics coming. Look out Wayne, she may end up building YOUR next viv

BTW, I love those Nancy's!

Mywebbedtoes · #9 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 10:05 PM

No kidding! Good looking start, and frogs. Those are my dream frogs by the way, so way to go!

Devanny · #10 (**permalink**) 09-09-2008, 10:20 PM

i wish i could build tanks like Wayne....thanks.

I have a question....do liana vined hold up to humidity pretty good?