FrogFevers 55g Display Tank Build...

[Pixidust]

Great job on the rock waterfall it looks AWESOME!

[Grrrit]

this is looking great! i really like the waterfall and the fireflies. i would be a little concerned about keeping tape on them though. you may be able to find dimmer shades of lights at a craftstore to get the look your after. big score on the light too! that halide id going to put off some heat though. and if those are actinic bulbs im not sure how the plants would do, i like using dual lights with a 6500k and 10000k. i think it gives off a bright, but warm shade to a viv. looking super good so far, cant wait to see it done!

[FrogFever]

Thanks for the comments everyone.
Grrrit, not sure if you saw but I decided not to use the green painters tape, and went with green acrylic paint instead. Much easier to apply on the lights and it looks great!
I have finally come to realize that I am not going to be able to use the metal halide setup with the display tank. I've looked for hours, days, and weeks trying to find out what model it is or even what company made it, but no one has a clue. Even major reef lighting companies are stumped. They called it an "anachronism of a light fixture". Therefore I am unable to find a stand for it, or any screws, latches, holders, hardware, or any other device to suspend it from the ceiling or otherwise. Big disappointment, so I'm just going to use it on a rack in my frog room and search for new light fixtures for the display tank.

[Grrrit]

Yikes, sorry to hear that. I mustve over looked the green paint. I use some low wattage t5's for all of my tanks and racks. Google "deep blue solarmax HE T5" mike novy from rainforest junkies got me started on them. Excellent fixtures and really affordable. A 48" single bulb runs about $50!!!! The dual bulb is about $80-$100 and comes with 8 purple LED night lights. but one of the bulbs is actinic and would need replaced. Check em out, ron at alphaprobreeders carries them.

[Pixidust]

Could you cover the top with a homemade screen top, or a "no see um" net, and then use something like frame out the top of the tank with wood, glass, acrylic, or whatever then rest the light on the frame, it is a beautiful light fixture it would be a shame not to use it.

[FrogFever]

Well I plan on getting 4 glass pieces cut for the top. Although I could set the light on top of the tank I wouldn't be able to open it without having to remove the whole fixture first. Plus, I think it would be really hot directly on top of glass.
And I'll be sure to check out that lighting system Grrrit. I will most likely just get one for a good deal on Craigslist.
Planted the tank today! Adding pictures soon!

[FrogFever]

Hydroton layer set up. Notice the black pvc pipe set in place for drainage. And I decided not to use the false bottom I made. Using solely leca balls instead.
I had to go to the store to add to what I had so I ended us spending $18 total on hydroton.
Black weed blocker will be cut to size to fit over this as to keep the layers separated.


I have a bad habit of buying plants far before I need them, but here is a shot of some that I've acquired in the last couple of months. And yes, I realize that all of these won't fit!
Got some bromeliads, and other sorted "tropicals".
Some of these I've used before and I know will work, and others I've never tried so we'll see if they stay alive.
Home depot and wal-mart just happened to be my main sources this time.


Some individuals think its lame to use plants bought from Home Depot, but I don't necessarily care all that much. Sure, it'd be nice to be able to afford all those crazy tropical plants, but hey, at least I don't have to pay for overnight shipping!
The plants that ended up with a permanent place in the (dry section of the) tank I estimate to cost about $50.


Picture of the abg soil mix and the wood pieces I have to choose from.
Wood cost: $17


I am so very tempted to post the planted tank picture, but I'm going to wait until the water section is planted as well.

[Kristen]

When I made my tank, I bought WAYY to much plants for it, but about half died anyway. haha
I cant wait to see the picture of the planted tank!