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83 Posts
I've run planted and reef tanks in the past. Just recently I bought my wife a couple bumblebee walking toads as she is a huge frog fan. Well, having the addictive personality that I do, that was all it took to start a new addiction. 
I learned many years ago in the different hobbies I have; if you are going to do it, do it right. I do have a budget, but I won't skimp on important things that will cost more to upgrade later. I have been going a ton of research and still have a bunch to learn, but have gleaned a bunch of great information off this site.
Tank - Exo Terra 36" x 18" x 36". I will be building a custom stand and hood for it. I will be drilling the tank and installing a bulkhead. I know most people don't recommend a water feature on starter tanks, but I'm confident I can pull if off. I also have enough room to work with that I think it will tie everything together nicely. I will be using a sump for water recirculation. If something can go wrong it will, and I don't want to deal with building around a pump inside the vivarium, and trying to remove it should it fail. A recirc pump down below in a 10 gallon will work nicely.
Composition - The usual. GS back wall with silicone and peat. I am trying to track down a large chunk of driftwood for the focal point, with some smaller pieces incorporated into the sides. The bottom will consist of a false bottom made of eggcrate covered in mesh with an AGB top layer.
Plants - I'm still researching these, so any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm looking at budgeting around 200.00 here. I'd like to start off slower obviously, and allow for some grow in before getting too carried away.
Lighting - I will be building a custom hood that will house 2 39 watt dimmable T5's. I want to be able to simulate dusk and dawn cycles. The hood will also incorporate a custom fan box that will be responsible for circulating air down the front of the terrarium.
Misting - Mist King system. I'm not sure whether I am going to use 2 or 3 nozzles. Any input here would be great too.
Timer - EcoZone EZ400 controller. Being a tech junkie I can't pass up any gadget, let alone one that makes life easier.
Inhabitants - 5 Leucs.
Time frame - 30-45 days for the tank to be up and running. 45 days before any chance of inhabitants after completion.
I learned many years ago in the different hobbies I have; if you are going to do it, do it right. I do have a budget, but I won't skimp on important things that will cost more to upgrade later. I have been going a ton of research and still have a bunch to learn, but have gleaned a bunch of great information off this site.
Tank - Exo Terra 36" x 18" x 36". I will be building a custom stand and hood for it. I will be drilling the tank and installing a bulkhead. I know most people don't recommend a water feature on starter tanks, but I'm confident I can pull if off. I also have enough room to work with that I think it will tie everything together nicely. I will be using a sump for water recirculation. If something can go wrong it will, and I don't want to deal with building around a pump inside the vivarium, and trying to remove it should it fail. A recirc pump down below in a 10 gallon will work nicely.

Composition - The usual. GS back wall with silicone and peat. I am trying to track down a large chunk of driftwood for the focal point, with some smaller pieces incorporated into the sides. The bottom will consist of a false bottom made of eggcrate covered in mesh with an AGB top layer.
Plants - I'm still researching these, so any suggestions would be appreciated. I'm looking at budgeting around 200.00 here. I'd like to start off slower obviously, and allow for some grow in before getting too carried away.
Lighting - I will be building a custom hood that will house 2 39 watt dimmable T5's. I want to be able to simulate dusk and dawn cycles. The hood will also incorporate a custom fan box that will be responsible for circulating air down the front of the terrarium.
Misting - Mist King system. I'm not sure whether I am going to use 2 or 3 nozzles. Any input here would be great too.

Timer - EcoZone EZ400 controller. Being a tech junkie I can't pass up any gadget, let alone one that makes life easier.

Inhabitants - 5 Leucs.
Time frame - 30-45 days for the tank to be up and running. 45 days before any chance of inhabitants after completion.