New to dart frogs, first vivarium!

[deranged chipmunk]

I always include up to 8000k because in my experience of growing plants indoors for the past decade, that some marginals like the higher color spectrums due to their utilizing algae in the photosynthesis process, much like coral does. That being said, the point is rather moot due to the fact that most people are not going to be running to a specialty (reef shop) for 8000k bulbs.

And as an aside, the lower color spectrums of something like a high pressure sodium bulb (around 3500k) are very beneficial to plants you want to force into flowering. So there are pluses and minuses to all.

[deranged chipmunk]

I forgot to add, yes, i know corals are a completely different thing, but i was using them as an example because the algae living in them process light, he same as freshwater and terrestrials. They just have the extra job of feeding the coral.

[Keister]

What is the best way to mount bromeliads to logs? I got my first order in today and this is what I think I am going to do with the lay out. I am going to do a water feature from the left log so it drips into the jungle pod and then from there drains down into the false bottom and back around. It is not going to be anything flowing really just a trickle or drip at most. The left log will have java moss covering is since the log will be really wet all the time. P.s. nothing is foamed in just sitting in place.

[deranged chipmunk]

Easiest would be zip ties. You could also use coated florist wire. You can get it at most craft stores that sell silk plants

[Keister]

Easiest would be zip ties. You could also use coated florist wire. You can get it at most craft stores that sell silk plants

Do I have to drill a hole for the plant to sit in then wire it in? I have a ton of the florist wire and could I take the wire off after a period of time?

[deranged chipmunk]

No need to drill holes. Wrapping it is fine. And once the roots attach themselves, you can remove the wire for a more natural look

[Keister]

Awesome thankyou! About how long should I leave the wire on? I got an email saying my Josh's frogs order was delivered this morning so I should have some updated pics later tonight after I get home from work!

[deranged chipmunk]

There are too many variables to give an.answer to that. I would check them at 6 months.

[Keister]

Well I foamed everything last night and shaped it today but a few holes opened up when I wash shaping so I had to refoam a few little spots but I will be sealing and covering the back wall tomorrow. I decided to scrap the water feature because I just keep hearing stories of how they don't work very well and I also forgot to run tubing up the back for it when I set the background in hahaha. This is what it looks like so far and I am pretty happ with the way it is turning out myself! What's everyone think?

[DartEd]

It is shaping up nicely. I'm debating scrapping the pond I was going to put in as well but it means I would need more ABG. Oy veigh

[Keister]

Hahaha I ordered and received 8 gallons so I could be sure I had enough hahaha.

[Keister]

Well I got the whole background sealed and covered today and I made a huge mess in the process! I got silicon all over the glass but I will just use a razor blade and get it all off tomorrow when it is dry. Here are a couple update pics.

[DartEd]

Coming along nicely. Don't forget to poke 2-3 small drain holes through the foam under the planters to keep plants from drowning. I was warned of this by another member.

[Keister]

Well I finished the whole thing now and I have stayed up till midnight to do it! I still need a glass top and the mistking is not hooked up yet because I need to be able to get up for school in the morning but I think it looks alright for my first Viv? I just cant wait for it to grow in! What's everyone else think?

[exasperatus2002]

Looks good.

[helm96]

Nice job, that looks really nice!

[Heatheranne]

Pretty . Very nice!

[Keister]

Thanks everyone! I am glad everyone likes it I wasn't sure what everyone would think of it considering you see those huge beautiful vivs! I just wanted to make it as pretty as I could with what I have to work with and I just wanted to make one of those beautiful vivs just on a smaller scale... I really want it to grow in I think that will make it look even better. I left the left log pretty bare, except the brom on the end, so I can put another type of brom on there to grow in to give it even more color!

[J Teezy]

The big brom in the middle looks out of place. If it were me i would move it to one of the ends of the tanl in the back corner or take it out completely. Just my opinion. Its the first thing that catches my eye and having it in the middle and upfront like that just seems out of balance to me

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[Keister]

The big brom in the middle looks out of place. If it were me i would move it to one of the ends of the tanl in the back corner or take it out completely. Just my opinion. Its the first thing that catches my eye and having it in the middle and upfront like that just seems out of balance to me

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Ok I can do that! I can move it to the right side on the background. Thanks for the advise! Well I just hooked up my mistking and the whole thing is defective the pump leaks from a fitting and the zipdrip valve doesn't prevent the mist heads from dripping at all and the wiring is all messed up. The pump doesn't turn on unless you hold the connector from the zipdrip valve to the pump connector and you have to jiggle the wires and the pump just cuts in and out. Even when you by pass the zipdrip valve you have to do the same thing with the connectors only to receive the same result. I emailed mistking and hope they will correct this problem and I have faith that they will. It is a really nice pump and set up but I think this one may just be a lemon at least I hope so anyway! I will give and update on what I hear back from them! Anyone else ever have anything like this happen?