Page 1 of 7 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 20 of 139

Thread: My first vertical conversion attempt

  1. #1
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default My first vertical conversion attempt

    So I went to Goodwill yesterday and picked up a fish tank for 25 bucks. It has been loved quite a bit! The top and bottom rims are no longer attached, and the top rim is cracked pretty bad, there are scratches all over, and what appears to be black spray paint on one of the sides. Ghetto background? Me thinks so. I am going to be recording the entire process on here, with lots of pics. The measurements of the tank are (or will be when it is converted) 30"h 12"w 18"d or roughly 28 gallons. I am going to be doing an egg crate false bottom so that I can add a water feature. The tank came with a bunch of other stuff too. Not sure what some of it is but hopefully someone on here will know... Pics are going to be added later tonight.

  2. # ADS
    Circuit advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many
     

  3. #2
    S13
    Guest

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Awesome-sauce. I'll be tuned in.

    (so I can steal your ideas for when I start my 20 gal vertical build) lol jk

  4. #3
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Name:  vert3.jpg
Views: 471
Size:  36.4 KBName:  vert2.jpg
Views: 551
Size:  36.6 KBName:  vert1.jpg
Views: 632
Size:  45.5 KB

    Here are some pictures of the tank. I am wondering if I will need to remove the blue silicone? I didn't even know it came in blue? And does anyone know what these things are that came with the tank?

  5. #4
    J Teezy
    Guest

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    just fyi craigslist is a great place to find tanks people are always trying to get rid of them

  6. #5
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    It has been a while but I finally got some work done on this tank. Here is a picture of what I have done so far Name:  vert.#1.jpg
Views: 835
Size:  97.8 KB I had to glue the trim back on the top and bottom of the tank because it was cracked in several places and falling off. I also painted it with black acrylic paint because for some reason there was white and yellow paint on it. For the drainage layer I got a pvc pipe and cut it into 4" sections to hold up the false bottom. I notched the bottoms of the pvc so stagnant water wouldn't build up in them. Then I measured and cut the egg crate to fit the bottom and left a space for a pool at the front of the tank. I used window screen as a substrate barrier and zip tied it to the egg crate. I am hoping to put in a waterfall, but from what I have read, unless you really know what you are doing it usually fails. I am hoping I am intelligent enough to pull it off. Then I had a piece of glass cut and siliconed it on the bottom to hold in water/substrate. I made a vent for the top using window framing and window screen and siliconed it to the top. I am wondering if I should make another small one for the bottom since the tank is so big...
    Last edited by Sunshine; October 6th, 2012 at 02:40 AM.

  7. #6
    Super Moderator flybyferns's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    Huntington .. New York
    Posts
    4,975
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Quote Originally Posted by Sunshine View Post
    It has been a while but I finally got some work done on this tank. Here is a picture of what I have done so far Name:  vert.#1.jpg
Views: 835
Size:  97.8 KB I had to glue the trim back on the top and bottom of the tank because it was cracked in several places and falling off. I also painted it with black acrylic paint because for some reason there was white and yellow paint on it. For the drainage layer I got a pvc pipe and cut it into 4" sections to hold up the false bottom. I notched the bottoms of the pvc so stagnant water wouldn't build up in them. Then I measured and cut the egg crate to fit the bottom and left a space for a pool at the front of the tank. I used window screen as a substrate barrier and zip tied it to the egg crate. I am hoping to put in a waterfall, but from what I have read, unless you really know what you are doing it usually fails. I am hoping I am intelligent enough to pull it off. Then I had a piece of glass cut and siliconed it on the bottom to hold in water/substrate. I made a vent for the top using window framing and window screen and siliconed it to the top. I am wondering if I should make another small one for the bottom since the tank is so big...

    Hi Sherry,
    It looks great.
    What frog species is going in ?
    A hole in the top ( ie back corner) would come in very handy to get the electrical cods in and out.
    I did a similar viv and had a hole drilled large enough to fit the plugs through.
    I was also able to pass the wires for the temp and humidity gauges through as well.
    Have fun !

    http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...ree-frogs.html
    see post #1
    Lynn
    Current Collection
    Dendrobates leucomelas - standard morph
    Dendrobates auratus “Costa Rican Green Black"
    Dendrobates auratus "Pena Blanca"
    Dendrobates tinctorius “New River”
    Dendrobates tinctorius "Green Sipaliwini"
    Dendrobates tinctorius “Powder Blue"
    Dendrobates tinctorius "French Guiana Dwarf Cobalt"

    Phyllobates terribilis “Mint”
    Phyllobates terribilis "Orange"
    Phyllobates bicolor "Uraba"

    Oophaga pumilio "Black Jeans"
    Oophaga pumilio "Isla Popa"
    Oophaga pumilio "Bastimentos"
    Oophaga pumilio “Mimbitimbi”
    Oophaga pumilio "Rio Colubre"
    Oophaga pumilio "Red Frog Beach”
    Oophaga pumilio "Rio Branco"
    Oophaga pumilio “Valle del Rey”
    Oophaga pumilio "BriBri"
    Oophaga pumilio "El Dorado"
    Oophaga pumilio "Cristobal"
    Oophaga pumilio "Rambala"

    Oophaga “Vicentei” (blue)

    Oophaga sylvatica "Paru"
    Oophaga sylvatica "Pata Blanca"
    Oophaga histrionica “Redhead”
    Oophaga histrionica "Blue"
    Oophaga lehmanni "Red"
    Oophaga histrionica "Tado"

    Ranitomeya variabilis "Southern"
    Ranitomeya imitator "Varadero"
    Ranitomeya sirensis "Lower Ucayali"
    Ranitomeya vanzolinii

    http://www.fernsfrogs.com
    https://www.facebook.com/ferns.frogs

  8. #7

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Hey sherry, it looks good so far. Like lynn said, drilling a hole for the cords is definitely an option, in fact, they make waterproof bulkheads just for that. I'll post a link for you after i am done work. Some of them are really trick stuff.
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  9. #8
    HerpDerp
    Guest

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Just a thought, but if that came with a filter with a pump in it you can take the pump out of it and use that for your water feature. I got a free 5 gallon tank with the intention of doing that but ended up setting it up instead LOL

  10. #9
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Lynn- I have wanted whites for a long time so I was planning on putting a couple in there. Do you think there is enough room for two to be comfortable?

    Bill- I am scared to try to drill a hole in the tank because I don't want to crack the glass. Is there an easy way to do it?

    Michelle- The tank didn't come with a pump but i have one I am going to use. I just hope it is strong enough

  11. #10

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    sherry, the only correct way to cut a big enough hole is to drill it. i have never done it (i just can't bring myself to "ruin" a glass cage..lol), but i know many, MANY people who have done it, and they all tell me the same things, go slow, use very light pressure and keep it cool with water and you will have no problems. if you play the "helpless woman" at a glass shop, they may cut it for you, but won't guarantee it. we men are always a sucker for the damsel in distress
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  12. #11
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Name:  Background2.jpg
Views: 437
Size:  119.6 KBName:  Background1.jpg
Views: 2414
Size:  130.6 KB Here is part of the background. (Sorry it's sideways) It is supposed to be a rock background...I hope it will end up looking like rocks! I am going to put a few coats of un-sanded tile grout and then paint it with acrylic paint. I got the idea from here: reptile terrarium rock wall background. I am planning on sealing it with Krylon clear coat sealer.

    Name:  Whites branch.jpg
Views: 1232
Size:  138.5 KB This is the branch i want to use for the whites to climb on. I am afraid that they will stab themselves on the little branches though when they jump. I removed a ton of little twig pieces already. Do I need to trim more? It is about an inch across at the thickest part just to give an idea of the size.


  13. #12

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Looking good sherry. I like that rock wall. Should look cool after it's painted and sealed. I have a branch in my retf tank (used to house my white's) that is thinner than that, and had no problems with them impaling themselves
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  14. #13
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Ok good. Thank you for putting my worries to rest! I am going to Home depot later to get some more supplies. I am anxious to get the waterfall started!!! Hopefully more pics tonight


  15. #14

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    yay! pics!! i have to take some of my palu tonight (if my clear ever dries), so i'll make ya a deal, i'll show ya mine if you show me yours.....LOL
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  16. #15
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    It's a deal! Giggity giggity...


  17. #16
    FriedrichsFrogs
    Guest

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    haha nice. I like it so far it really sounds like your showing that thing some well-deserved love, im lookn forward to seeing the end result

  18. #17
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Name:  Grout.jpg
Views: 412
Size:  89.8 KB< This is the grout I am using to coat the rock wall. Name:  A 1st coat.jpg
Views: 352
Size:  99.9 KBName:  B 1st coat.jpg
Views: 364
Size:  82.3 KB< Here are the two pieces with their first coat of grout. (I figured out how to turn the pics so they aren't sideways!)
    Name:  Great Stuff!.jpg
Views: 439
Size:  86.7 KBHere is the Great Stuff I will be using for part of the background so I can put plants in the background and to seal any gaps if I need to.
    Name:  Dew!.jpg
Views: 408
Size:  70.1 KBOne of my most important supplies...I have to do the Dew!


  19. #18
    Super Moderator Heatheranne's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2011
    Nationality
    [United States]
    Location
    Erie, Pa
    Posts
    8,236
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default

    Looking good. You could always coat the branch in clear coat or silicone to make it smooth.

    Love the 'dew, haha!
    https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203589094112277&id=1363241107&set =a.1434844115446.2055312.1363241107&source=11&ref= bookmark

  20. #19

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    That's looking good sherry. Gonna paint it a bit after it dries to give it some depth? And i love that grout, very easy to work with and you gotta have something to get ya through the build. You use dew, mine is coffee and techno music.....my wife HATES when i do a build......lol
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  21. #20
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Nationality
    [Canada]
    Location
    NB
    Posts
    915
    Picture Albums: Member Photo Albums

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Heather- I smoothed it out with a Dremel so there are no sharp points. Is that good enough, or should I still coat it?
    Bill- Yes, I am going to paint it dark gray and give it some depth. I am hoping it will look like this when done>Name:  1reptile-habitat-lizard.jpg
Views: 441
Size:  11.6 KB


Page 1 of 7 123 ... LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads

  1. Anyone tried a JungleBox Vertical Conversion kit?
    By CrazyAirborne in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 20
    Last Post: October 8th, 2014, 07:56 AM
  2. Vertical Conversion of “Zilla Critter Keeper” for tree frogs
    By flybyferns in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 140
    Last Post: June 19th, 2012, 04:02 PM
  3. Conversion kit from Jungle Box
    By J Teezy in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: February 1st, 2012, 04:53 PM
  4. Aquarium conversion for dartfrogs
    By superdartfrog in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: October 12th, 2011, 02:47 PM
  5. 10G Vert Viv Conversion - Gray Treefrog
    By Yahmez in forum Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: November 21st, 2010, 06:51 PM

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •