30 X High Build

6325 Views 38 Replies 16 Participants Last post by dubvstudent, Jan 5, 2012

dubvstudent

Discussion Starter · Aug 3, 2011 (Edited)

Just picked up a new all glass aquarium from a guy on craigslist. Its a 30 X High (dimensions 24W x 12D x 25H). I love the height of it, and since it has the same footprint as my old viv there is no need to get a new glass lid cut/change the lights out/ect.

I learned a few things with my first build: http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/members-frogs-vivariums/69211-first-viv-first-frogs.html
First, silicone and acrylic don't bond worth [email protected] Secondly, something in calcium supplements tends to destroy certain mosses if it comes in direct contact with it. Third, under PC bulb, plants can grow real quick, and frogs like to climb, so taller is better for the most part (IMO). And finally, Organic potting soil is not a good substrate choice (melts/rolls downhill in that humidity)...

So, for this viv I will be going a more traditional route - I'll be using the great stuff method over a false bottom and eco-earth substrate. Nothing too fancy here, but a time test and reliable method.

I will try to update here with pics as often as possible!

21 - 39 of 39 Posts

dubvstudent

Discussion Starter · #21 · Aug 28, 2011 (Edited)

Got a couple better pictures. I'm still having trouble getting great pics though - a lot of glare getting in the way. I have had much better luck with my aquariums as far as getting good pics. Anyone got some good "how to" links for vivarium photography?

Here is what I managed:

Of course, since I had to clean the glass off before taking the shots there are no frogs in them. They came back out eventually though:

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Reactions: 1

eos

· #22 · Aug 28, 2011

Turned out nicely... what do the sides consist of?

dubvstudent

Discussion Starter · #23 · Aug 28, 2011

The back and sides got covered with a thick coat of black silicone. I wanted to create that deep, dark, jungle kind of feel. I spread the silicone with my fingertips to give it some texture.

eos

· #24 · Aug 28, 2011

Ah ok, that's what I thought at first, but didn't want to assume.

Neontra

· #25 · Aug 28, 2011

mordoria said:
I love the 30 gallon x high too. I have one sitting around.

Im using this as inspiration. It seems to have the same proportions. Maybe a bit deeper

That's def not a 30 lol.... I'm serious that looks atleast 100 g... look how small the broms are compared to the tank

Dizzle21

· #26 · Aug 28, 2011 (Edited)

Neontra said:
That's def not a 30 lol.... I'm serious that looks atleast 100 g... look how small the broms are compared to the tank

agread id like to see a build thread on that tank tho, im curious what those white outlets are on the bottom, vents maybe?

and Dub, tank turned out awesome man! I like how the bottom is all moss,good tank dims too

Amer

· #27 · Aug 28, 2011

Nice inspiration....

Ross

· #28 · Aug 28, 2011

Dizzle21 said:
agread id like to see a build thread on that tank tho, im curious what those white outlets are on the bottom, vents maybe?

and Dub, tank turned out awesome man! I like how the bottom is all moss,good tank dims too

Construction completed

/hijack

Great tank, dub

tulip55555

· #29 · Aug 31, 2011

mordoria said:
I love the 30 gallon x high too. I have one sitting around.

Im using this as inspiration. It seems to have the same proportions. Maybe a bit deeper

Hi. Newb question...Do the frogs actually use the height??

Dizzle21

· #30 · Aug 31, 2011

tulip55555 said:
Hi. Newb question...Do the frogs actually use the height??

Yes, some frogs use the height more than others tho, "thumbnails" like more of a vertical tank while more terrestrial frogs like tincs, leaucs and auratus enjoy more ground cover. But yes most frogs will use most of the area in their tank.

mordoria

· #31 · Aug 31, 2011

My leucs and my auratus hang out at the top all the time

mordoria

· #32 · Aug 31, 2011

Dizzle21 said:
agread id like to see a build thread on that tank tho, im curious what those white outlets are on the bottom, vents maybe?

and Dub, tank turned out awesome man! I like how the bottom is all moss,good tank dims too

It's a 60 gallon, if I am not mistaken.
The white vents are just that, vents. They are hooked up to an air pump and will blow air on the glass to defog

Judy S

· #33 · Aug 31, 2011

dubvstudent said:
First question:

Just can't manage to get these old hard water stains off the glass. I have read alot on a fish forum that I am a member of and have come to believe that the glass has actually been etched over time by the calcium deposits.

The tank is old (says it mas manufactured in 1987) so this is a possibility but I thought I would ask here first to see if anyone has a different method for removing it. a 30min soak in white vinegar was completely ineffective and given the intended inhabitants, I am weary about using harsher chems.

Anyone had success at removing old hard water stains with their own method?

My other viv had them a lot worse, but it bugged the snot out of me so I would really like to take them off it at all possible.

Q2:

To remove the rim like my first viv or not?
Your opinions?

Do you think w/o it it sorta highlights the hard water marks?

On an aquarium forum, it was suggested to use OxiClean...but having checked the product out at Lowes, saw that there are several "types" so am not sure which would work the best...

dubvstudent

Discussion Starter · #34 · Sep 1, 2011

Judy S said:
On an aquarium forum, it was suggested to use OxiClean...but having checked the product out at Lowes, saw that there are several "types" so am not sure which would work the best...

I have just decided to live with it. I'm of the opinion that getting rid of it completely is more trouble than it is worth anyway. It could be done, with a sharp razor, inch by inch, with enough time and elbow grease. But its an old tank and it doesn't really bother me.

The top half of the tank fogs up anyway so I can't tell the difference, haha. Anyone got a link to a good DIY ventilation/defogger type thread? I have been thinking about creating a system like that for this but really don't know where to even start.

dubvstudent

Discussion Starter · #35 · Oct 12, 2011

Finally got a good pic of both of these guys together.

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parkanz2

· #36 · Oct 12, 2011

Really nice lookin tank!

I'm a sucker for taller vivs for some reason. Part of the reason I like thumbs so much, so I can make a bunch of verts.

Anyway, check out this thread. It's a HUGE thread but he goes into detail on his air circulation system.

Cheers

SutorS

· #37 · Oct 12, 2011

My auratus always frantically explore the top when they're put into a new viv. Those are really good lookin frogs. I like the 30 high too... I think it's a great size for auratus. Aside from a few, most auratus in my experience use any height given.

TWA

· #38 · Oct 18, 2011

Great looking viv and frogs!

dubvstudent

Discussion Starter · #39 · Jan 5, 2012 (Edited)

This pic turned out well.

I still find it hard to take good pics of my vivs. Time for a new camera I guess...

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