Question

[Savannah]

So im wanting to put rocks on my background for Jewls new tank, however the rocks are to heavy... so i think i might have to use pebbles or smaller rocks instead. i was wondering if though i used the big rocks...took of some to make it light...what else should i put on there?? I can't think of anything. I ant rocks b/c im wanting a water piece, but im unsure what else i could put up there with the rock path.. any ideas??
Also had question for my water piece i have a water pump and a tube...idk the actual name for it... But i want to run the tube across the top of this way <-> it will go down on one side where the pump will be but i want it to go up one side and across the top. What i can't figure out how to do is i would like the whole background which will be rock to have water coming down it..so should i poke some holes evenly throughout the tubing at the top?? or would all the water come out only the first few holes?? or will it depend on the pressure the pump gives?? im sorry if this is confusing...but ill reword it if it confuses anyone. just let me know.

[deranged chipmunk]

you can make rocks out of insulating construction foam, or you can carve them out of great stuff and the attach them to the glass using silicone. alternatively, if you ant to spend a few bucks and don't want to get your hands dirty, you could buy rocks here: Vivarium Works
as far as the water all, you would want smaller holes at the beginning of the run, with slightly larger holes at the end. that will keep enough pressure to have water trickle down the background. now, you are probably asking yourself out loud "what size holes?" well, short of it is going to take experimentation. start with heating the head of a pin, then poking the tubing. then test. if the holes are too small, go with a nail, and so on and so on.
hope that helps.

[Heatheranne]

Great advice deranged chipmunk, as always .

I am doing the same in my next vivarium, yet mine will not be a drip wall. Mine will be a cascading plant wall. I am making mine out of foam, as d.c. ^ has mentioned. I have started a small waterfall too. Foam is easy to use. I glue it with Loctite glue in a caulk gun. I learned most of my ideas from a web site I love. I'll link it below in case you'd like some ideas. This method uses styrofoam and grout, and silicone.

The GS foam (great stuff foam) is sold in a spray can. You can spray it onto foam or the glass and then cut and shape the foam after it dries. Most people then apply silicone and then put substrate onto the silicone while it is wet. Donlisk is a member here who has some great step-by-step guides on how to do this. Other members here have build posts too.

Here are a few pictures. If you need more I'll be happy to look some up for you.



The waterfall is just layers glued and then the rocks are made by breaking off the edges to round them.

This is my favorite web site...
http://www.lizard-landscapes.com/how...waterfall.html

Here is how to make a rock wall. Of course, you can change how you want your rocks and colors, but it gives you an idea of how to create it...
http://www.lizard-landscapes.com/reptile-terrarium.html

I hope you'll keep us updated on your build. It's so fun to see everyone's different ideas and styles .

Have fun!