First viv build-RETFs

[LDix]

This is my first build (with the help of my very experienced boyfriend). Its an 18x18x24 exo terra tank, it will eventually house some tree frogs RETFs most likely. I let my creativity get the best of me while planning so it has ended up being quite a bit more work then expected lol. The drift wood on the left is the waterfall and it will go into a small pool at the bottom that I am going to shave out of the spray foam on the bottom, the small pool will go into a small river which will end up in the front water part.
This is the tank after few days of work, so far we have:
-Drilled the overflow for the water, as well as a hole for the waterfall. 3/4'' bulk heads.
-Built the egg crate base and wrapped it in weed stopper
-Foamed the waterfall driftwood in, as well as a nice corner cork piece
-Foamed the background with a few planters in it
-Foamed a few drip lines in
(first time using spray foam, I hate it already haha)

Sorry for the bad iphone pictures... don't know why they uploaded sideways either...

Thoughts, opinions, tips, anything welcome

Will keep posting as I go.

[cruentusanima]

Looking good! I'm also building my viv for my FBT's and it has really taken some time. Initially when I started I thought I'd be done for sure in a week this is now my third week and I'm not even close to being done. As far as the spray foam goes I discovered an interesting tip I started placing the foam on cardboard to know how to maneuver it and then I started making shapes out of what I carved out.

[flybyferns]

This is my first build (with the help of my very experienced boyfriend). Its an 18x18x24 exo terra tank, it will eventually house some tree frogs RETFs most likely. I let my creativity get the best of me while planning so it has ended up being quite a bit more work then expected lol. The drift wood on the left is the waterfall and it will go into a small pool at the bottom that I am going to shave out of the spray foam on the bottom, the small pool will go into a small river which will end up in the front water part.
This is the tank after few days of work, so far we have:
-Drilled the overflow for the water, as well as a hole for the waterfall. 3/4'' bulk heads.
-Built the egg crate base and wrapped it in weed stopper
-Foamed the waterfall driftwood in, as well as a nice corner cork piece
-Foamed the background with a few planters in it
-Foamed a few drip lines in
(first time using spray foam, I hate it already haha)

Sorry for the bad iphone pictures... don't know why they uploaded sideways either...

Thoughts, opinions, tips, anything welcome

Will keep posting as I go.

Hi LDix,
It looks great! Keep these great photos coming !
If you take your iPhone pics with the camera in the 'lanscape' position , they will upload in the right direction.
Lynn

[Heatheranne]

Very nice . Can't wait to see more.

[LDix]

Okay I have started to silicone the floor and pond/river. i used a dark brown silicone with rocks for the pond and river, then coconut fiber substrate for the ground. After the substrate it got a little messy but the picture of just the pond and river done shows the shape and such.

Can't wait to do more! I wish everything dried instantly.

-Lauren

[skeet9924]

what are you using on the bottom for drainage? And where did you get it??

[NatureLady]

Looks great! I too will be starting my own build soon. Keep the pictures coming, I can't wait to see where your creative side takes you next!

[LDix]

Sorry Skeet, not sure what you mean. The white plastic egg crate? If so, Home Depot.

[J Teezy]

i have a couple questions for you.

Is your eggcrate floor just above the overflow hole?

Are you going to be recycling the water? What comes out the overflow hole goes back into the tank via the waterfall pump? If so when you first start the pump up for the first time I'd probably let some water run through the system for a few hours or a day or so, then change the water out because it's most likely going to get real dirty.

I also see that you ran your eggcrate all the way to the side of the tank. How are you planning on hiding it from being seen from the sides of the tank, or are you not worried about it being seen?

[skeet9924]

Sorry Skeet, not sure what you mean. The white plastic egg crate? If so, Home Depot.

Yup that is exactly what I meant!! Thank you

[Chaser]

Looks Good!