[Hoodsquirrel]

So I finally finished my vivarium (well, almost finished. Still need to add some java moss all around the viv) after weeks and weeks of hardwork and sweat. here I present you a little walkthrough of everything I did. :]

First of, I received my exo terra 18x18x24 vivarium about 4 weeks ago. The plan was to build a viv to house a pair of dendrobates azureus.

As soon as I received it, I was so eager to start right away. Unfortunately I had to wait another week for my silicone & foam to come in, which really sucked for me. during my wait, I spent the majority of my time on the forums, looking at other peoples builds. More importantly, I had to figure out a way to have some sort of amazing waterfall system without running into any problems, like my old viv (fell apart within a year due to water/land division not retaining water.)

After receiving my silicone/foam, I began my work. I spent about 30 minutes to an hour trying to fit the pieces of driftwood/cork bark into a beneficial manner. My first idea was to have a piece of drift wood on one corner while putting the other on the opposite corner, only to realize that it looked absolutely horrible. Then, an idea came to mind. I realized that if I put both together, it would look like a somewhat fully figured tree stump with a gap. Almost instantly, I had the idea of setting up a waterfall right through the center of the two pieces.

So there it happens:

^it took me 2 weeks of siliconing/foaming the walls. man, what a pain. ._.

Couple of days later, I received my peatmoss and began brushing the walls etc. ANOTHER PAIN! (but well worth it) Man... I had to do like 4 coats of silicone just to fill in all of the missing gaps. I also got destroyed by mosquito's outside where I was doing this work at. Not fun times at all lol.

Couple of more days later, this is made! :]

I was really impressed at how detailed the walls came to be. Now I just had to wait a couple of days for my plants to come in. Btw, xxxxxxxxxx sells the BEST plants ever. Everything came perfect and I was really pleased with the package.

Anyway, I got my plants in the mail, and started my planting. First I worked on the substrate. Then I added some rocks to get the appearance of a narrow stream.

Finally, I went on to planting. This was my first time planting bromeliad's, and I was quite happy at how easy they were to mount. The cork bark had slight holes inside of it so I mounted a couple of the smaller brom's into it.

Enjoy the pics. =]

"Hole in the Wall" A Vivarium by HoodSquirrel - YouTube

=]

 

[Scott]

Generally speaking - I like it.

But - your substrate is going to be waterlogged in nothing flat. The waterfall is going to splash and soak the substrate good. It might still be ok - but it wouldn't surprise me if you have issues with that.

FYI - I'm going to remove your Vendor Feedback. You can add Vendor Feedback in that area once you've been on the Board a bit longer - but VF is not allowed outside of that specific area.

s

 

[james67]

there are some things you might think about changing before its too late.

the waterfall is nice and all, but it uses a TON of space.

the pellonia will grow too vigorously for your tank, as will the pilea, and most of all the alocasia. you will also most likley have growth issues with the ficus and wandering jew as well.

its one of those live and learn things, and i assure you, your idea of how to plant your tanks, and with what, will dramatically change over time.

the cryptanthamus is a terrestrial sp.

james

 

[Hoodsquirrel]

Thanks.

Yeah I figured so, but to be honest the only thing that's in harm is the bromeliad in the back. I'm trying to think of a good spot to put it at without it getting too soaked, since the splashes only seem to be hitting the back of the viv more than anything. I want the majority of the substrate to be somewhat soaked since I'll be laying a carpet of java moss on the floor.

That's fine. I actually spoke with the guy and he said I can get a refund which I haven't got yet. I wont get into that here though

Btw, do you think a viv like this would beneficial for a pair of azureus? I haven't seen many dart frog tanks with the pebble/stream method that I have so I was wondering if it would be fine or not.

 

[Hoodsquirrel]

Ahh, I see james. Thanks for the insight. I'm gonna have another go at fixing the tank tomorrow to moves some of the things around/replace a couple of the plants.

I've read online that you can plant cryptanthamus in small areas above ground. Would it be a bad choice to keep it against the wall?

 

[james67]

no, not necessarily a bad choice.

azureus would be though. the vast majority of the tank will be wasted on them as adults. some vents, or imitators would be good choices, but being smaller frogs they dont handle nearly the neglect larger frogs can and therefore arent a top choice for beginners.

james

 

[DragonSpirit1185]

I love the tank...looks fantastic
Look so compact and small tho :/
I would have chose a bigger tank...

 

[Hoodsquirrel]

The dirt on the floor makes it seem quite small, but to be honest it's really spacious. I added some awesome looking vines to the tank now. I might just make it a red eyed tree frog tank instead of the dart tank that I originally wanted.

Might also get some pothos to add to the walls if I do in fact make it a RETF tank. :]

 

[Scott]

Might want to check on humidity requirements before doing a RETF.

s

 

[Hoodsquirrel]

some sites say 70ish, some say 90+. When my tank has it's screen mesh on it goes to about 60-70 with misting. With the glass top on it stays at 99% all day long. I think I'll be okay housing a RETF in my viv. :]

 

[Judy S]

Do you have a misting system in place?? How did you do the mechanics of the viv? Is the stream water confined under the substrate, like in its own container, or does it get totally recycled through to the waterfall.. I have not seen any of the RETFs I have ever lounge in water...other frogs I have do. Good luck

 

[Alegre323]

that is a very nice tank. awesome.
where are you getting your plants from?