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Thread: My first vertical conversion attempt

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Sunshine My first vertical conversion... January 31st, 2012, 07:31 PM
Guest Re: My first vertical... January 31st, 2012, 07:35 PM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... January 31st, 2012, 11:08 PM
Guest Re: My first vertical... April 18th, 2012, 01:07 AM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... October 6th, 2012, 01:29 AM
Heatheranne Looking good. You could... October 16th, 2012, 06:21 AM
deranged chipmunk Re: My first vertical... October 16th, 2012, 07:32 AM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... October 16th, 2012, 12:12 PM
deranged chipmunk Re: My first vertical... October 16th, 2012, 01:37 PM
Heatheranne That should be fine :). October 16th, 2012, 02:32 PM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... October 16th, 2012, 06:08 PM
deranged chipmunk Re: My first vertical... October 16th, 2012, 07:46 PM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... October 16th, 2012, 08:08 PM
Guest Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 08:55 AM
Guest Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 09:11 AM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 03:39 PM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 03:43 PM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 05:31 PM
deranged chipmunk Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 06:12 PM
Heatheranne My first vertical conversion... November 15th, 2012, 03:10 PM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 03:27 PM
Guest Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 06:17 PM
Guest Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 06:24 PM
Sunshine Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 06:27 PM
deranged chipmunk Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 06:38 PM
deranged chipmunk Re: My first vertical... November 15th, 2012, 06:42 PM
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  1. #1
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    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. #2
    S13
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    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

  3. #3
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Name:  vert3.jpg
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    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?

  4. #4
    J Teezy
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    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

  5. #5
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    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.

  6. #6
    Super Moderator flybyferns's Avatar
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    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
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  7. #7
    Super Moderator Heatheranne's Avatar
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    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

  8. #8

    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

  9. #9
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    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


  10. #10

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Coolio! I know you probably thought of this, but a dry brush layer of black paint in spots first will really add depth. So would some white as the last layer.
    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

  11. #11
    Super Moderator Heatheranne's Avatar
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    That should be fine .
    https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203589094112277&id=1363241107&set =a.1434844115446.2055312.1363241107&source=11&ref= bookmark

  12. #12
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Sweet! Thank you Heather. @ Bill-That is actually how the guy did his rock wall! Black paint in between the rocks for depth, then a little bit of white on top for a 'weathered' look. I used 'Nutmeg' colored (not nutmeg flavored by the way) grout just like he did in the video because I like how it shows just a little bit through the paint. It looks awesome!
    Here is the Krylon sealer I am planning on using to seal the waterfall. I heard that it is safe but I just want to double check.>Name:  Krylon.jpg
Views: 258
Size:  90.5 KB I just finished adding a second coat of grout to the rock wall. I cant wait to see how it turns out!


  13. #13

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    yup....that should work. since mine was built "in tank", i can't use a spray. had to use an alternative way to seal the grout. and wouldn't it be cool if they could flavor the grout?? it would be like willy wonka's edible wallpaper, it would be bloody brilliant!!!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

  14. #14
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Quote Originally Posted by deranged chipmunk View Post
    yup....that should work. since mine was built "in tank", i can't use a spray. had to use an alternative way to seal the grout. and wouldn't it be cool if they could flavor the grout?? it would be like willy wonka's edible wallpaper, it would be bloody brilliant!!!LOL
    LMAO!!! The snozberries taste like snozberries! So what did you use to seal your tank?


  15. #15

    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    ahhhh.......that would be an ancient chipmunk recipe that has been handed down for hundreds of generations. way back to when my ancestral chipmunks showed robin hood how to water proof his bow in sherwood forest .......LOL seriously though, titebond III wood glue. it's also what i used to hold about 90% of the coco fiber to this tank.
    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. #16
    steampunk
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    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Looks awesome, did you end up doing the waterfall?

    Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2

  17. This member thanks steampunk for this post:


  18. #17
    Pluke
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    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Just curious Sherry, How much time do you think you've put into this?

  19. #18
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Quote Originally Posted by Pluke View Post
    Just curious Sherry, How much time do you think you've put into this?
    Well I started this build in Jan. of this year but all I did was silicone the bottom piece of glass to hold in the water and add the egg crate and window screen barrier. I stopped working on it for a long time and just started again back in August. If I could just sit still and work on the tank and get stuff done, it should have only taken a week with curing and everything. I have no concept of time though so I could be wrong...


  20. #19
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Quote Originally Posted by steampunk View Post
    Looks awesome, did you end up doing the waterfall?

    Sent from my LT26i using Tapatalk 2
    I did do a waterfall, but there was not enough room to do the cool one that you made I guess it's more like a dripwall/waterfall. It is in the lower left corner. Didn't turn out as well as I would have liked, but it was my first time.


  21. #20
    100+ Post Member Sunshine's Avatar
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    Default Re: My first vertical conversion attempt

    Hey Bill... Do you think I should make another vent for the bottom or will the one at the top be enough?


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