Starting my very first Dart frog tank.

[deranged chipmunk]

that all depends on how you plan on adding it in with the waterfall. i always preach test, test, test, and when you are done testing, test some more...lol it's amazing how many people throw a tank together, then find out about technical errors after everything is done. i think i took several days of testing before i got the water feature in my mantella tank where i wanted it. and then i had some tweaking to do after all was said and done.

[DartEd]

If the piece of wood is stable and won't move, you can just place it. Mopani is very heavy so I doubt any dart could move it. I have a hard time lifting the piece I have. You can always silicone it in place if you decide you'd rather have it affixed.

[chellabella]

So I went out and bought the titebond III today to use instead of the silicone for applying the coco What is the best way to apply it? I know some say mixing it with water and coco to paint it on works well, if so what is the ratio on that? or what other methods do you guys use? Also how long do I have to wait to apply a second coat if needed? I really appreciate everyone's help. I love being able to come to this forum for help and feed back.

[deranged chipmunk]

i mix my coco with the glue until it is a nice, thick slurry. if i feel it is too thick, i cut it with more glue. i paint it on with acid brushes Oatey Acid Brushes (3-Pack)-3071020 at The Home Depot i find they are small enough to reach all the nooks and crannies and are inexpensive enough to be disosable. i wait 48 hours or more before applying more. on my final coat i sprinkle a "secret mix" on the wet stuff. you can dust it with coco, peat moss, whatever you like to achieve your desired effect. my mantella tank took 3 coats i believe. take your time, and the result will be well worth it. oh, and i let the final coat "cure" for 3 days or more.

[chellabella]

i mix my coco with the glue until it is a nice, thick slurry. if i feel it is too thick, i cut it with more glue. i paint it on with acid brushes Oatey Acid Brushes (3-Pack)-3071020 at The Home Depot i find they are small enough to reach all the nooks and crannies and are inexpensive enough to be disosable. i wait 48 hours or more before applying more. on my final coat i sprinkle a "secret mix" on the wet stuff. you can dust it with coco, peat moss, whatever you like to achieve your desired effect. my mantella tank took 3 coats i believe. take your time, and the result will be well worth it. oh, and i let the final coat "cure" for 3 days or more.

Here it so far! So excited.

next question.. Can want to silicone moss in random places.The moss I have you soak in water for 20-30 minutes before putting in terrarium, so my question is do I have to let it completely dry out before using silicone to put in the different places or will it stick being slightly damp? Also is it true I can silicone dried shelf mushrooms onto my tree trunk as long as I bake them first?

[deranged chipmunk]

that moss won't stick if it is damp. to get the effect you are looking for, i just tear up a piece of sheet moss into smaller pieces and either place them in spots, or i use an opened up paper clip to attach them. the moss will even grow and spread that way.

i'm not 100% sure about the mushrooms, but i would think they need to be dried first, then baked at a lower temp than you would bake wood at so they don't get crispy. that would be if you are collecting your own. you may be able to find already prepared ones online though.

[chellabella]

I collected the mushrooms from a tree in my back yard and they are already dried out As far as the moss goes I bought zoo med terrarium moss(sphagnum moss) will that moss start growing? I didn't think it would. I knew frog moss would but not that one. paper clipping it is a great idea for most of what I am doing however I am covering one side of my water feature tube to hide it. would silicone be the best for doing that?