A new build....the time machine

[DigitalPunk]

Looks great!

[deranged chipmunk]

Ran a test on my fogging system last night. I think it came out pretty freaking cool

http://youtu.be/IiGDTzQgWGM

[DigitalPunk]

Looks really cool Bill. Can we see where the fog machine enters the tank? I was wondering if you were going to be pumping fog through the pipes and it come out like steam from the pipes

[deranged chipmunk]

The fog comes in through the pipe that I drilled a hole for in the side of the tank. Then runs to the humidifier. When it is hooked up permanently, I'll get pics of it. I can't get that all done until the tank is done and in it's permanent position. This was just a temporary hook up.

[Mentat]

Test ran fine Bill ! I really like that there are no nozzles visible on this set-up !

[deranged chipmunk]

Thanks Carlos. I really wanted a nice, clean looking tank. I hate mister nozzles. A necessary evil, yes, but I hate them nonetheless.

Sunday, while I was waiting for the game to start, I got the opportunity to mix up my soil. When I opened one of my bags, I got a very pleasant surprise! Then I mixed my soil, loaded it with springtails and threw leaf litter on top for the springs. This will sit in it's nice, warm, moist bucket until the weekend, when I may be doing a preliminary planting.





[URL=http://s514.photobucket.com/user/derangedchipmunk1/media/steam%20punk%20tank/9F89C977-349D-4BB0-BC7E-D2DAF4CCE260_zpsvmanmepq.jpg.html]

I hope to get the tank into it's final position this week. This weekend, I'll modify the lid (replace the screen with lexan), and hopefully do the first round of planting.

[Heatheranne]

Updates?

[deranged chipmunk]

I'm gonna move the tank to it's permanent location tonight. It was "take your lid to work" day for me the other day, so I modified the lid to accept lexan, which I'll pick up tonight and install tomorrow. Then, depending on whether or not I get a certain plant off a buddy, I may start planting this weekend. I really want the plant he has. Well, I want it back, I have it to him a year or so ago, so he better cut me a good deal! Lol

[Mentat]

The mushrooms look so cute !

[deranged chipmunk]

Aren't they Carlos? I love fungi, I think they are beautiful!

I just got a pm from my buddy. The plant is mine!! Here's the plant in question


It's a cryptocoryne Nurii 'pahang mutated". When I gave him this plant a year or so ago, it had about 4 leaves on it. He did and awesome job with it!

[Heatheranne]

Aren't they Carlos? I love fungi, I think they are beautiful!

I just got a pm from my buddy. The plant is mine!! Here's the plant in question


It's a cryptocoryne Nurii 'pahang mutated". When I gave him this plant a year or so ago, it had about 4 leaves on it. He did and awesome job with it!

Awesome! Rumor has it there's some crocodile ferns at my greenhouse (I called them). I'll swing over this week and see how they look.

[deranged chipmunk]

Excellent!!

[deranged chipmunk]

Well, I got the tank in place and under proper lighting last night. I may or may not hook the fogger up since I'm going to be replacing the stand I am using with the over engineered stand I have for my 125g tank, which I sold. By the time I leave work today, I will have the plexiglass cut for my lid and I should be able to start planting as soon as tonight. I still am waiting for some plants from friends and i still need to place a plant order next weekend. Here's the tank under good lighting, 4 36" t5ho bulbs






I have a truly stunning crypt I am planting into this spot.

Took this shot for a friend, this is the back side of the pipes, the exit of the mist

For Paul, you asked where the most enters the tank? Here ya go buddy. Drilled a hole and shoved a pipe through it

[deranged chipmunk]

Got a lot accomplished yesterday. Siliconed the plexi into the lid. Built my barriers for my pond then started adding soil



Then I started adding some plants. These are basically just then plants from my mantella tank. I have other plants coming in from friends and I am placing a plant order next week.

[DigitalPunk]

I love it! Man I wish I could get some plants as healthy as yours looks lol. I need this harsh winter to come to an end so I can order some plants that actually arrive alive.

[deranged chipmunk]

it's all about nutrition for the plants. my soil mix is the key i start with a base similar to abg mix and improved on it (imho). my plants probably eat better than my frogs do..lol depending on who you order plants from, weather should not matter. i have had very delicate orchids delivered in the dead of winter and never had an issue, as long as they are packaged properly. that's why i primarily order plants from black jungle. that and the fact that they keep the more exotics that i prefer.

[Heatheranne]

Bill, what else do you add to your secret soil mix?

[DigitalPunk]

Yes what else do you add to your soil?

[deranged chipmunk]

i add stuff pm me for details

[Mentat]

Good you started planting Bill! Just did some research and saw couple pics of Cryptocoryne nurii "pahang mutated." Gorgeous plant with the green and yellow striations .