My 18 x 18 x 18 Cube Build

[maxQ]

Heres my build for my 4 new baby Dumpies to arrive on Saturday. I started with a 18 x 18 x18 Zoo Labs Cube. I have stolen a few ideas from many of you here including a lot from Josh.

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Heres my backing structure made of Styrofoam, I placed it 4 inches from the back glass to provide room for my Pump and filter. I cut a notch in the bottom to allow for water flow.

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Heres my first few layers to include what I am hoping will be a cave area.

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As I construct I have planned for a few recessed areas and platforms for my babies to chill out.

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Im using white bathroom caulk to hold my Styrofoam together.

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Heres a side and top view

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I put a foundation layer of waterproof beige bathroom tile grout down, then you'll see my Styrofoam cup plant placements

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I then used Good Stuff Foaming material to cover my cups and then grouted

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Heres where the issues came in, I guess I didn't wait long enough for the foam to dry before I grouted, the foam contracted and all of the grout flaked off of the foam I placed on my cupsAlso note my cloudy water on my first water test. You will see the arrows which represent my water flow which worked perfectly, all my plants are getting wet at one time.

[maxQ]

So, after 6 water changes running 24/7 for 5 days and I continued to have cloudy water which I believe was due to using incorrect type of adhiesive, I decided to go with my Plan B and scrub the water project, I removed my foam and all sealant, I moved my backing to the back glass and converted to a dirt base with pants, I pick up my mister this afternoon along with a water containment device for the bottom of the tank for my guys to drink or swim. Heres my finished enclosure.

[DartEd]

The design looks amazing Gary. Nicely done. The cloudy water is probably the bathroom caulk. Most folks use either 100% silicone or titebond for holding things together. Try sealing the styrofoam if you're able to. That may cure the cloudy water problem. Keep us posted as you complete it and move the frogs in.

[maxQ]

Thanks Ed, I have already just converted this to a dirt base, I figured that the silicone I used is my issue. I will pick up a new enclosure and just do another with my same ideas but this time I will use the correct material...thanks for your input.

[maxQ]

Im excited as heck, I picked up my new babies today for which I built this enclosure for. Here's one of them.

[deranged chipmunk]

when you say "white bathroom caulk", i hope you don't mean the version with mildew inhibitors. they leech toxins into the water. windows and doors is ok, but normally, the bathrooms version is a no no.

btw, the tank looks great, and the frogs are cute as heck

[maxQ]

when you say "white bathroom caulk", i hope you don't mean the version with mildew inhibitors. they leech toxins into the water. windows and doors is ok, but normally, the bathrooms version is a no no.

btw, the tank looks great, and the frogs are cute as heck

Yes, I picked up the wrong kind of caulk, that's why I started over, cleaned all surfaces and decided to go with my plan B, Ill do another Aquatic at another time. Thanks and Thanks.

[deranged chipmunk]

but you used the same background you built? the one that used the wrong silicone to hold it together?

[maxQ]

but you used the same background you built? the one that used the wrong silicone to hold it together?

no..its all been redone

[deranged chipmunk]

ok. sorry for the confusion. you wrote that you moved the background to the back glass, not that you removed it completely.

[maxQ]

Well here is my "Final Rebuild" complete with 3 Dumpies. I ended up totally re-doing the set-up due to my stupidity, I used the wrong sealant and it contaminated my water so....heres what I have now, I have some Bamboo, Basic Terrarium Vegetation but a lot of Creeping Fichus which works wonderfully with tree frogs. I have a under glass heater and plenty of water in the bottom for them. My next build will be for Milk Frogs. I hope to do another one soon which will be aquatic, I am currently working on my plans now, this next one will be bigger and better. The one in the picture was a blast to do, I love making them.