first BIG build!

[chrisTOPHERR]

I'm starting my first big build I'm using a 40gallon (I believe) and I'm gonna make a vertical conversion so I need to know how to make that. Any help or ideas would really be awesome . Ways to make the conversions, better lighting, tricks and tips, basically any advice would be amazing I'll keep updated!

[jdr]

I would do it the same way as they do the 10 gallon vertical tank the instructions are on this forum. For lighting that's going to be tricky maybe try to do vertical t8 lights down the sides to get the lighting close to plants at the bottom or strip led lights they would be more compact and can be placed in the black rim that used to be the top they make led strip lights that are waterproof and have a sticky back they will be easier to hide.

[chrisTOPHERR]

I would do it the same way as they do the 10 gallon vertical tank the instructions are on this forum. For lighting that's going to be tricky maybe try to do vertical t8 lights down the sides to get the lighting close to plants at the bottom or strip led lights they would be more compact and can be placed in the black rim that used to be the top they make led strip lights that are waterproof and have a sticky back they will be easier to hide.

Thank you and as for the lighting I was thinking about doing the vertical lighting and do the led strips give off UV for the plants and what about the the heat bulb where will I have to put it because there's no way at least I don't think the heat will go through the glass to heat the tank from the bulb

[Mentat]

This article is one JDR mentioned: Frog Forum - Building Dart Frog Terrariums / Tropical Terrarium Construction .

[Eric and Stitch]

Anyone can tell me to bugger off if they don't like my advice, but as I've done a 55 gal Vertical conversion as my first build, and a 90 gallon vertical from scratch as my current project, I'll pass on what I've learned, please correct me if wrong.

As far as heating, it depends on what you're planning to house in there and what kind of layout you're planning(water feature?)
I believe most frogs can get by with just ambient temperatures and don't really need to bask. If I'm wrong(especially with regard to Red-Eyed Leaf Frog), please someone correct me, I'll need to fix my current tanks.

If all you need is a controlled ambient temp and you have a water feature, you can heat the water with an aquarium heater and solve two things, heat and humidity. the largest thermal mass in your tank is the water and the glass of the tank, the glass acts as a heat sink though, so if you can, cover it. Place the tank on a thin sheet of Styrofoam 1/4 inch(thicker the better) pink board used in construction works great, place it on the back too if it is hidden. It will help save electricity.
Trial and error may be needed to get the water heater right to get the target air temp. and the more water running the more humidity pumped into the air.
I would and do still mist the terrarium to get water droplets on everything (distilled water to prevent glass spots)

I did a 55 gallon vertical conversion that was more so "I bought the tank because it was cheaper than buying the individual sheets of glass" If you want to cut the silicone and remove sides, build doors, place a screen top...
look here http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...m-project.html
the missing pictures are in my 'grandfather clock' album. I'll warn you, the tank warranty was voided as soon as I looked at it in Petco.

Lighting something that tall depends on your critters being kept in there. RETFs like to sleep near the top, so your jungle uv bulb doesnt need to reach far to be useful during day light, a single 18inch would probably work. plants need light at all levels and LED gets in there deep. I tried using gangs of 2-4 18inch florescents at the top and they get about half way down before too many shadows and dark spots.

LED Aquarium Lighting for Aquatic Plants | Marineland
I have the 24-36 model of this and it gets to the bottom of the tank Like mad. Plants are growing wicked fast now. It lights up my whole living room brighter than my lamps can. I have the one with the built in timer which makes it super handy, just annoying that youll need to reprogram it everytime it looses power. save some money by shopping craigslist or ebay if you choose this route.

when you start building the insides, http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...aludarium.html
Thats a great place to learn.

please tell us what you plan on housing as some advice may change.

[deranged chipmunk]

Anyone can tell me to bugger off if they don't like my advice, but as I've done a 55 gal Vertical conversion as my first build, and a 90 gallon vertical from scratch as my current project, I'll pass on what I've learned, please correct me if wrong.

As far as heating, it depends on what you're planning to house in there and what kind of layout you're planning(water feature?)
I believe most frogs can get by with just ambient temperatures and don't really need to bask. If I'm wrong(especially with regard to Red-Eyed Leaf Frog), please someone correct me, I'll need to fix my current tanks.

If all you need is a controlled ambient temp and you have a water feature, you can heat the water with an aquarium heater and solve two things, heat and humidity. the largest thermal mass in your tank is the water and the glass of the tank, the glass acts as a heat sink though, so if you can, cover it. Place the tank on a thin sheet of Styrofoam 1/4 inch(thicker the better) pink board used in construction works great, place it on the back too if it is hidden. It will help save electricity.
Trial and error may be needed to get the water heater right to get the target air temp. and the more water running the more humidity pumped into the air.
I would and do still mist the terrarium to get water droplets on everything (distilled water to prevent glass spots)

I did a 55 gallon vertical conversion that was more so "I bought the tank because it was cheaper than buying the individual sheets of glass" If you want to cut the silicone and remove sides, build doors, place a screen top...
look here http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...m-project.html
the missing pictures are in my 'grandfather clock' album. I'll warn you, the tank warranty was voided as soon as I looked at it in Petco.

Lighting something that tall depends on your critters being kept in there. RETFs like to sleep near the top, so your jungle uv bulb doesnt need to reach far to be useful during day light, a single 18inch would probably work. plants need light at all levels and LED gets in there deep. I tried using gangs of 2-4 18inch florescents at the top and they get about half way down before too many shadows and dark spots.

LED Aquarium Lighting for Aquatic Plants | Marineland
I have the 24-36 model of this and it gets to the bottom of the tank Like mad. Plants are growing wicked fast now. It lights up my whole living room brighter than my lamps can. I have the one with the built in timer which makes it super handy, just annoying that youll need to reprogram it everytime it looses power. save some money by shopping craigslist or ebay if you choose this route.

when you start building the insides, http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...aludarium.html
Thats a great place to learn.

please tell us what you plan on housing as some advice may change.

Yes!! I have been preaching using false bottoms and aquarium heaters! Heat the water and you hear the air and created humidity. I won't build any other way.

[Eric and Stitch]

Yes!! I have been preaching using false bottoms and aquarium heaters! Heat the water and you hear the air and created humidity. I won't build any other way.

What kind of heater do you suggest Bill? My current setup uses something like this Aquarium Heaters: Zoo Med Laboratories Bettatherm Betta Bowl Heater but is starting to become inadequate now that it is finally starting to turn cold.

My new build I was looking at this TetraFauna Aquatic Reptile Heater at PETCO since it is protected and pre-set, I might be burying it in the large gravel of my Viquarium, plenty of water flow.

or would you suggest something that you need to manually adjust like this Fluval M Series 100 Watt Submersible Water Heater

[deranged chipmunk]

I prefer fluval or eheim filters. I stay away from the presets, I have seen them burn out for no reason and have also seen them cook tanks from failure.

I prefer adjustable heaters so I can set my temps where I want them.