[Groundhog]

Hey Guys:

What would you use as a background for an established tank? In other words, the tank was built long before the days of cork tiles, fake rocks, etc. Since I do not think it a good idea to tilt an established tank (necessary to attach these), these backgrounds are not an option. I really do not want to pull out and injure established plantings, nor remove the herps for 1-2 weeks.


I have been using coir mats, but these do need to be replaced annually.

9/2010_Terr picture by Ground_X - Photobucket

9/2010_Terr 7 picture by Ground_X - Photobucket

Some Einstein:

9/2010_Einstein picture by Ground_X - Photobucket

Joe causing trouble:

9/2010_Joe picture by Ground_X - Photobucket

SO:

1) Would you guys keep using the coir mats?

OR

2) How about I attach a paper background (blue or black--no planted scenes) to the outside of the tank, and just hang a few tree fern slabs (w suction cups or velcro) on the inner glass? I can mount epiphytes to these!

How say you guys?

 

[james67]

just take the frogs out for a week. get a chance to revitalize some parts of the tank (like new substrate or drainage, adding a background, etc.)

sometimes you just have to go back to the drawing board. it happens :/

a week ago i replaced everything in my darklands viv, for instance. im also rebuilding a 29 that housed a man creek trio right now. (the trio are housed in QT containers with plenty of mag leaves) spoiler alert: its a beaut. faux eroded rock with some fantastic natural root structures intertwining it

point being.. i know you are apprehensive about removing plants and animals but once you get into it, its easy, and if you get all the materials before hand and plan well you can replace everything in the tank and let it air out in a week or so.

and you can have some real fun with a rebuild too. right off the bat, i'd say a fun project could be to remake the "pond" area out of great stuff for a more natural look, and seal it with silicone or drylok. that project can be done for under $15 colored, textured and ready to go!

james

 

[tclipse]

Slapping some wet clay on the background is easy enough with an established tank, I've done it myself more than once

 

[ryan10517]

i've done clay on an established tank as well. its pretty easy.

James, your 29 sounds awesome! I really love the rocky root system idea, and i've been wanting to set something up like that for a while. cant wait to see it!

Ryan

 

[Groundhog]

1) James, I appreciate the advice, but removing the frogs and plants for a week ain't an option in my house (waay too many dogs and cats; the latter get into everything...) Also, I have a couple of guys I really care about, and I'm afraid a change in environment around bigger predators may freak them out (As is, it took a few months for my Anolis porcatus to show himself . Although in fairness to the smelly mammals, most of them are actually small-animal friendly--but frogs and geckos don't really appreciate being played with (By contrast, the water dragons don't really care, and actually seem to have some furry friends.)

Will definitely try your tips when I set up a second tank

2) Wet clay, eh? Hmnnn. Where does one acquire wet clay? Any best brand? Also--pardon if this seems silly--what keeps the wet clay from dripping?

Thanks guys!

 

[vivlover10]

The kitty litter clay you get at petsmart. The brand is Dr. Elsey's ultra precious cat.

It's a 20 pound bag and cost me around $12.

MAKE SURE YOU GET THE BLUE BAG!!!

1) James, I appreciate the advice, but removing the frogs and plants for a week ain't an option in my house (waay too many dogs and cats; the latter get into everything...) Also, I have a couple of guys I really care about, and I'm afraid a change in environment around bigger predators may freak them out (As is, it took a few months for my Anolis porcatus to show himself . Although in fairness to the smelly mammals, most of them are actually small-animal friendly--but frogs and geckos don't really appreciate being played with (By contrast, the water dragons don't really care, and actually seem to have some furry friends.)

Will definitely try your tips when I set up a second tank

2) Wet clay, eh? Hmnnn. Where does one acquire wet clay? Any best brand? Also--pardon if this seems silly--what keeps the wet clay from dripping?

Thanks guys!