12x12x12 Mini Viv Build

[DonLisk]

Exo-Terra 12x12x12 Mini Viv Build
Start Date: 3/11/2011

To begin, I started with the vision to create a mini viv that would give the apearence of a small island found down inside a cavern. I want to give the viv the appearance of a water feature without using water and filter system.

The basic design begins with foam:
I utilized Great Stuff to close in the top three sides while incorperating a few places to put vines or plants to hang down into the cavern. Jiffy pots were used for plant locations by applying a small amount of Great Stuff on the glass, and then setting the pots into the foam.
I then apply more foam around the pots to enclose them.

Follow the instructions on the can and shake the can for 30 seconds or more. While using the spray, if the can sits for a long period of time you will need to cut off about 1 inch of the nozzle tip since the foamwill harden inside the tube.

I do only one side at a time as pictured below and wait out about 2 hours of set time to ensure the foam does not slide or move since it does expand dramaticly and takes some time to set.

Apply sparingly. The can states it will expand over 50 percent. If you apply too much it can be cut away and shaped once completely dried.

Note: If using accents such as branches, bark, or wood in the above areas of the background, the items should be siliconed into place prior to adding the Great Stuff.

[Kisa]

Wow Don this looks like a very interesting project! Great concept, by the way, I can't wait to see how it turns out! What are you putting in there...? >>

[DonLisk]

[DonLisk]

Wow Don this looks like a very interesting project! Great concept, by the way, I can't wait to see how it turns out! What are you putting in there...? >>

Thanks Kisa. It is only going to be a planted tank so far.

My fault here..... I'll wait til I'm done and post it as one continuous read.
I was creating a build journal but now I can't edit it after a comment is made. ****.

This is actually a Zoo Med 12x12x12. The pictures above are of the foamed top three sides prior to my next step.

[bshmerlie]

Come on Don...I like seeing in progress.

[Kisa]

Thanks Kisa. It is only going to be a planted tank so far.

My fault here..... I'll wait til I'm done and post it as one continuous read.
I was creating a build journal but now I can't edit it after a comment is made. ****.

This is actually a Zoo Med 12x12x12. The pictures above are of the foamed top three sides prior to my next step.

Oh my gosh.....D: I'm so sorry I Don I should have realized what you were doing! I don't even know what to say...I'm sorry I ruined it I wasn't thinking when I posted.....if I could delete my comment I would. I'm so sorry. >< It was a complete accident I really didn't realize..........sorry. TTATT

[DonLisk]

OK, we'll keep going since I'm probably going to get hit with rotten fruit and veggies if I don't

Correction: ZOO MED 12x12x12 Viv Build


Sculpting creates detail:
After the Great Stuff has been applied and allowed to completely dry for about 8 hours, my next step is to sculpt the foam. I create cracks, flat areas, and a sharper edge to some of the smooth and somewhat round foam.

Using razorblades and a good sharp knife, I cut in some cracks, making them more dramatic than what I want for a final look. This is done since the silicone and substrate will fill in much of the cracks and crevases when applied.

I create flat surfaces randomly in the top foam, allowing vines and plants to have a holding point when initally planted. This will also provide areas for the inhabitants to perch up high.

Note: I have found that the serated blade on my Leatherman has made the cleanist cuts.










Once I am satisfied with the look and shaping of the foam, I put on rubber gloves and begin applying GE Silicone II to the foam. Applying it to the foam in sections and then pressing in the cover materials. Put the silicone on thick and press in the cover materials firmly.

My cover materials are Zilla Jungle Mix,some Coco Fiber, and Peat.

I replace my gloves often so have plenty on hand.
You can never put too much cover materials into the silicone.






I allow this to dry a full day before shaking off anything loose.

[DonLisk]

Oh my gosh.....D: I'm so sorry I Don I should have realized what you were doing! I don't even know what to say...I'm sorry I ruined it I wasn't thinking when I posted.....if I could delete my comment I would. I'm so sorry. >< It was a complete accident I really didn't realize..........sorry. TTATT

LOL, Nothing you did hun. I delayed in getting back to it, coffee, picture taking, more coffee.

It was late, quiet house, I had control of the TV remote.... alls good.
I did make some mistakes in the initial post (brand of enclosure) and should have made the corrections right off the bat.

[Leefrogs]

I have some 2 year old eggs I've been savn' for a special occasion.

Keep going, I wana see your waterless concept! Or ya get the eggs!! Lol

[Kisa]

LOL, Nothing you did hun. I delayed in getting back to it, coffee, picture taking, more coffee.

It was late, quiet house, I had control of the TV remote.... alls good.
I did make some mistakes in the initial post (brand of enclosure) and should have made the corrections right off the bat.

I still feel really bad....D:

Just make sure you post that you don't want comments for the future! D< I'm so glad you're not angry I would have DIED. >< I don't wanna mess up again so put some instructions down when you post your next project or I'll comment all over it and mess it all up!

It does really look like it's coming along great though...I'll shut up now.

[bshmerlie]

Just an addition for anyone reading this and trying the GS option. The soil you pack on must be completely dry. If the soil is damp it does not sick to the silicone very well.

[DonLisk]

LOL, eggs, I just had them for breakfast :-)

Comments are fine, I just wish I can go back to my edit posts or add to them.
This should come out pretty cool if I can find the right center piece and figure out the bottom.

[DonLisk]

Just an addition for anyone reading this and trying the GS option. The soil you pack on must be completely dry. If the soil is damp it does not sick to the silicone very well.

Very true...... but it will stick to you rubber gloves and make it impossible to pick more up :-)

[bshmerlie]

Don this is a great thread and your project looks fantastic.

[Ebony]

I agree with Cheri..A great thread Don.

[DonLisk]

Thanks Everyone :-)

I got out to the greenhouse today to decide on the plants. Ended up picking out two different Baby Tears and a volcano plant.

The volcano plant can be trimmed back to keep as a bonsai and since it is already set rooted to the lava,, I can put that directly in. It also has some moss in the lava but not sure if that will grow or is more ornamental.

Updates soon.

[lraulston]

I am enjoying this thread, keep us updated!

[MikeM670]

Alright Don,

I think I have your idea visualized in my head! Really cool idea for the smaller variety of tree frogs. I just finished the mossy and you have me eying that 40 gallon breeder now!

I like your background mix. I just used plain peat moss for the last build but yours give a nicer texture and adds character to it. Plus with all the larger pieces I can see where vines can get a better grip on the backgrounds and provide better support for the frogs.

[DonLisk]

What to do with outer walls:
I wanted this to seem as though it was enclosed, so I had to come up with a way to fill in around the lower back and two sides.

Well, Great Stuff comes to the rescue here. Great Stuff is designed to fill cracks, waterproof, and adhere to anything its in contact with. I sprayed some foam on the glass and placed stones in top of the foam and then pressed into the foam.

Great Stuff will expand and create an uneven texture. You can check the expansion now and then (at the beginning of the process) and push in more stone as the foam works its way around the stones while curing.

Once one side has set firmly, approximately 2 hours, you can move on to another side.

You don't have to go crazy with the stones since the foam will blend in.



Below are the plants I plan on using.

Volcano Plant


Two Different Varieties of Baby's Tears

[Leefrogs]

Thats not a volcano, but an umbrella plant. , up to u but I'd google info on that. It's a shefferella, sap is poisonus, break a leaf and wipe it on your lips, it will numb your mouth for days. It will be strong like a citronella, but stronger, it'll smell like a noxious gas. I've seen them used in vivs, but it almost killed my frog. Eventaully the whole viv will fill with the smell. I would only suggest larger varieties in a huge viv.

It's pretty though. Darts may not have same reaction whites do. But do be carefull,