My tank inspiration :)

[Heatheranne]

I've purchased my 55gal and am getting ready to start my viv. It's for my RETF's.

Everyone here has been very inspiring and your tanks are beautiful, so I think I'll give it a try. I have mostly only had terrariums and aquariums in the past.

I'm good with critters it's the plants I have trouble with. What is the best way to keep my plants alive?

I will be making a waterfall. These pictures will be my guide, although the waterfall will only be 1/3 of the tank or less, probably about 1/4 of the tank. So pretty! I plan to make a GS foam /silicone /coconut fiber substrate background with plants in pots on the wall and angled down a hill with some perching branches and a waterfall to the right base and some moss and plants at the left base and center of the tank. The waterfall will be self contained. And I think ? a false bottom (egg crate). It will be slightly less crowded than the waterfall picture and not all of the plants will come from the ground so there will be some areas to hop around near their water bowl.

Any suggestions for me?

[Heatheranne]

Two more pics (ideas)

[meganmcnerney]

I don't have any advice...just lurking around, but your drawing of your proposed tank is beautiful! You can design my tank anyday!

[Heatheranne]

Thanks : )

[JWells]

You should set it up paladarium-style so that the tank can serve as a sort of rain chamber as well. I know the dimensions are awkward, but a 55 vert would be interesting!

[Heatheranne]

How is that done?

[JWells]

How is that done?

Something like this..55 gallon vert progress. Almost ready to add plants - talk to the frog

[Heatheranne]

Neat!

[Heatheranne]

And so it begins... I hope this works.

Waterfall is not done yet but I thought I'd play around with positioning plants to see where I might put them.

Still lots to do.

[Heatheranne]

Any suggestions?

[DonLisk]

I would suggest a false bottom under that for collecting the water. Eggcrate or a hydroball bottom would be fine but I think I would go eggcrate and have a pump down below to circulate and filter the water. Then your substrate and plants above that. The water feature is looking so awesome.


Here is a simple eggcrate false bottom: http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...se-bottom.html

[Heatheranne]

That looks pretty easy. I think I'll try it. It seems most people use that type of set-up here.

So, it will lift everything up a good few inches. That should help the waterfall look a little taller. Thanks on the waterfall . It has been a fun, gluey, little foam balls all over the place mess, ha ha! Static was not my clean-up friend .

Is it difficult to put branches on a foam/GS/silicone background? When putting mini flower pots on the background with the GS, do you poke holes through the bottom for drainage?

I have to say making the vivarium is very rewarding. Fun. I love how everyones are so unique and pretty.

Thank you for your help. It's greatly appreciated .

[JWells]

I have to say making the vivarium is very rewarding. Fun. I love how everyones are so unique and pretty.

It becomes and addiction in itself! My suggestions would be to work in small areas when you get to the silcone part of it. Like, smear some silicone in a small area then put the cocofiber or whatever you're using on that area. Then repeat on the next spot.

I learned the hard way not to silicone the entire background, then go back and try to attach the fiber. Doesnt work!

Looks good! You're on the right track!

[Heatheranne]

You're not kidding! I never would have thought I'd want so many. I've always liked critters but the tanks are just beautiful! I can't seem to put it down. And everyones' viv's and terrariums are so different. So many great ideas. I've learned so much here in only a few weeks. It's just like one big family here and everyone is so welcoming, kind, and patient with us new friends. Even when we ask cheesy questions . I can honestly say this is great forum. Thanks everyone for being so helpful!

If things progress as I have time I should be actually putting my viv together within, I'm guessing, 2 weeks.

I can't wait to see everyones! So much fun!

[DonLisk]

If putting your pots into the background then you wouldn't need to have holes in the bottom since there usually wouldn't be drainage through the background. I usually silicone branches and wood accents into place then GS foam around them to keep them in place.
You can also make a hole in the GS foam later to slide branches and vines into and silicone them in.


Remember to design in access to your pump for the waterfall in case you have to service it.

[Heatheranne]

Ah, great idea! Some of my plants didn't have true type labels. They just say tropical variety. I will post pictures to be sure they are safe prior to putting them in. Waterfall has an oval backing for the pump and will have a lid so-to-speak. I hope it makes it easier.

I'll draw some more sketches for the background before I start it. Then see what you think. I'm hoping by going step by step I'll get it right the first time.

Thanks so much!