Exo-Terra Background Issue

[HerpDerp]

I've thought a lot about it and I'm just going to take the background out tonight. That will give me a good 2 inches of extra space anyways. And I'll stick the fake plants to the back wall for now and then possibly get the exo-terra tree fern background? Haven't decided yet. I don't really have a good secondary home for the frogs so I can do a foam background or anything so it has to be a quick thing. But if I made a drip wall it would keep the tree fern panels really damp so they would grow ferns and what not. I think it would look pretty nifty. And the left wall of the tank is well on its way to being covered by my pothos, not sure how well you can tell from the picture. It has roots that have pushed all the way through the false bottom seeking water! I've never seen pothos grow so well!

And Bill, It's so hard to resist smuggling when Maine's laws are so strict and NH is so close and so lenient with their exotic pets... My bamboo shrimp was the coolest addition to my aquarium! Really wish still had an aquarium!

[deranged chipmunk]

Tree fern panels and a drip wall will look cool i'm still a big fan of Don's method. What did you use to quarantine Lrrr in? Is it big enough to house them for a week?

I don't blame you at all. In my case, it's not laws, but availability. The only lfs around that has freshwater shrimp is across the bridge in jersey. Funny, we have some of the finest reef shops in the tri state area, but for planted folk? Pickin's are slim.

[HerpDerp]

I used a 10 gallon tank to quarantine Lrrr. I don't know if I would want to do that for a week. How long would the frogs need to stay in it if I used silicone to attach the tree fern panels? I'm also thinking I want to line the bottom of the tank with live moss too. I just love how it looks and it will help with humidity. I'm constantly battling with humidity. Thankfully I'm able to mist several times a a day.

My tank is a definite SLOW work in progress. When I'm ready for a rebuild I think I'll start a thread to get some good ideas. I already have a couple good ideas... but we'll see where it goes! I'm thinking I should get it totally planned out and figure out how I can do with as quickly as possible. Hopefully I can manage to only have my froggies in a separate tank for a few days!

[deranged chipmunk]

Well, you are looking at one day to set up your drip wall and silicone the panels, minimum 24 hours for that to cure, 48 would be better. Another day or two to make sure the tank is completely aired out. Either way, you are looking at a week.

Planning is definitely key. Have all supplies ready and waiting. Remember, i did my 40 in 2 weeks with proper planning, you can have a total revamp done in a week to 10 days. Less if you don't get elaborate with pumps and stuff.

[HerpDerp]

I'm not sure I want to go through the effort of a drip wall. I'm going to continue brainstorming. I've considered making a pond with a stream leading to it. I have a pump from a pet fountain that would work well for that and it seems like it would be easier? Like I said, I've been battling humidity so I'm thinking getting some running water would help. So many ideas! Lol.

[deranged chipmunk]

running water would most certainly help. drip walls can be a pain, but they are worth it in the end. that just being one person's opinion, of course. as far as idea, yeah, i know the problem. LOL so many ideas i have, that's why i just keep building tanks....lol maybe one of these days, i'll have to sell one off to make room for another....LOL

[HerpDerp]

Well, I removed the background and put fake plants on the back wall in its place. Can't say I'm a huge fan of it but it will have to do for now. Now I'm going to have a crazy itching to change it up sooner! I already have ideas floating around in my head about how I can rearrange the plants on the bottom to make it look better. I'm going to attempt to let it stay for a few days so I can wrap my head around what it is I want to do until I can re-do the tank! Easier said than done!

[DonLisk]

How big is he? He fills up that spot behind the foam and looks good and healthy in the pic.

I am guessing he feels secure back there. Is the Brom large enough for him to get down into and hide? Do the plants support him when he moves around the tank? I'm just trying to come up with ideas as to why he would go there vise a nice wet/moist plant.

I'm in Rochester, and was going to suggest I help with your setup but you really have done well with the tank. What lighting are you using?

[HerpDerp]

Well he's about 2.5 inches... and almost that around LOL. The brom isn't quite strong enough for him but the snake plant is strong enough. But he doesn't really "move around the tank". He mostly just goes to a select few spots he likes and leaves the rest alone lol. He usually just sits on the fake stump or on the glass near the heat lamp so I'm not sure what made him decide to climb back there. He actually didn't start doing it until I put paper towels in there to stop crickets from going back there... go figure! But Lrrr is new to the tank too so maybe he's intimidated... even though Lrrr isn't nearly as round as he is! LOL.

For lighting I have a plant bulb and a 100w equivalent CFL and I'm using a CHE for heat on a dimmer. I have a false bottom in place. Live moss is coming soon and hopefully some real wood in there. So hopefully it will look even better when I redo it!

[deranged chipmunk]

<smacking my head> i know it's too late, but filter floss would have worked there!! it was so simple, i over looked it. you could have just stuffed it full of floss and he wouldn't go back there.