Fire belly toads

[s6t6nic6L]

hi. my first post here to showcase my OFBT's abode.

seems toads are getting a raw deal here so i'll give them a heads up

i did not make an actual construction build log so i'll give you the basics.
materials used: celotex, foam filler, grout, pond paint plus the usual sealants etc
now for the plan (don't laugh) and latter stages of the build.


so after glass divider, rocks, pool area and land with drainage built, the grout and paint applied, it was left to dry. then hydroton, mat spreader, earth, moss, branches and stones were placed.

plants and water test. (2 week trial) first piece of fascia placed.

the best rock effect colour pic

the lighting is a 60w dayglo for 8hrs thru a part meshed lid so i don't suffer with condensation issues. as seen all lighting is automated with timers. second timer is for my night viewing. more fascia placed.

water feature installed and anubias plants for the pool

night light installed

night viewing (til midnight)

hood frame built, fascia 99.9% complete (needs touch up)
now pics of the inhabitants

already planning the escape route!!!











thanks for looking.

[heatfreakk3]

Nice, I like it! That background and ramp into water looks great! I'd like to make something like that someimte. I likst what you did to hide all the dirt and stuff to. Very nice!

[frogface]

I love this! Now I want some fire belly toads

[HunterB]

Awesome build
what size tank is that?

[s6t6nic6L]

Originally Posted by heatfreakk3

Nice, I like it! That background and ramp into water looks great! I'd like to make something like that someimte. I likst what you did to hide all the dirt and stuff to. Very nice!

thank you. see below.

Originally Posted by frogface

I love this! Now I want some fire belly toads

thank you. quite active toads through the day these

Originally Posted by HunterB

Awesome build
what size tank is that?

thank you. the tank is only 30 x 12 x 18"

they have a reputation as being messy so: the sloping bank by building up layers of the foam. the rocks come down to same level as pool wall. the substrate placed and left 2 inch short up the pool wall. pre-packed moss layed and stones place around terrain and, again, along the pool wall. this all helped to prevent substrate being dragged into the pool. the drainage system helped with the reverse effect of when water was brought out of the pool onto land. this was further improved later by introducing a carpet of live moss from the woods
and with the size of tank used: not wanting to lose any land area for hides being placed around, they get the shelter from three ways: the cave "A" by the branch arch and substrate scraped away and the rock overhang "B" of which 3 are along the back and the larger built on the side to give shelter from the basking light. one favourite spot is under the branch/pool wall "C". the pool & bank is designed to let them swim, rest at any level in the water and to easily emerge from the pool. anubias plants also in the pool for them to rest on to.

thanks again

p.s. please enlarge image(s) for more detail plus a 1 minute video of setup here:
Fire belly toad terrarium project 1 :: toads home video8 video by s6t6nic6l - Photobucket

[s6t6nic6L]

and with the moss carpet

[Freeradical53]

Is the water filtered?

[s6t6nic6L]

Originally Posted by Freeradical53

Is the water filtered?

no but, i siphon out the pool then wipe down water area and replenish with purified water i store for them and my chams needs. i do this weekly and takes me 10 mins to do . this is because of the toxin build up in the water and i prefer them to have fresh clean water in their habitat. NOTE: it is like a greasy substance when it builds up and makes the "banks" slippery too and is a reason why i don't keep fish with these also.

cheers

[s6t6nic6L]

photobucket: pics will be deleted here after my re-arrangement of albums, images, etc, so to save time will post a slideshow link of build
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

plus my toad pics (beware 27 of) Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

cheers

[s6t6nic6L]

Originally Posted by s6t6nic6L

photobucket: pics will be deleted here after my re-arrangement of albums, images, etc, so to save time will post a slideshow link of build
Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

plus my toad pics (beware 27 of) Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

cheers

well i obviously don't know what i'm going on about there then LOL

anyhow some may have seen this already but i have now introduced a new rock look and more water volume for the pool area with a little added feature to the waterfall.

Image hosting, free photo sharing & video sharing at Photobucket

plants for the pool and land yet to be placed and will be running and replacing water for 2 weeks before reinstating the toads.

or you may just like to see the finished setup (not HD quality i'm afraid) here:

Fire belly toad terrarium project 1 :: Toads home video4 video by s6t6nic6l - Photobucket

if you have nothing to better to do and watch the slideshow (select slow if interested in build) please give your verdict on the rock replacement!!!.

thanks for looking (again)