Cork/Epiphytes on Three Sides in stead of One?

[safari77]

I am in the process of constructing a couple of 12 x 12 x 18 Exo-Terra tanks for Dendrobates imitator and D. lamasi. Usually I "seed' the background foam with epiphytes before installing in the tank (and subsequent construction of the false bottom/substrate) but am considering also covering the two side panels using cork (such as Zoo Med Forest tile siliconed to affix) into which I will also seed mosses, etc. Does anyone have any advice on the pros/cons of creating a three-sided enclosure as opposed to the more common backside only?

[Mentat]

Hello and welcome to FF! Since you are starting with a smaller 12x12 footprint enclosure, recommend not build into the sides, since that will take more floor space away. With a larger enclosure you could do sides too. If you desire to cover sides, there are static cling backgrounds that look pretty nice. Please feel free to start your build thread in here: Vivarium, Terrarium & Enclosure Discussion. Good luck !

[safari77]

Thank you Carlos, good advice, although I am actually keen to provide more vegetation as opposed to "the look"- as I do with the back, I will also be adding "shelves" made of wood or cork that will substitute for loss of floor space by providing the same area that is lost, so perhaps that might suffice. Thanks again!

[Mentat]

Here is a build thread were member is covering 3 sides: http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...-welcomed.html .

[deranged chipmunk]

Cork would work just fine. I have even seen the thin cork used. To really save space, you can use the thin cork and attach hygrolon or epiweb to it.

[safari77]

ahh, epiweb, great idea! Thank you Bill!

[deranged chipmunk]

No prob. This guys carries hygrolon and epiweb and offers excellent service. Www.folius.net his moss mix kicks butt as well.

[flybyferns]

Actually you really don't need any background in an 18".
Once the sub and soil is in....... there will be aprox 12 " left.
You could use the cork pcs and go 1/2 way up the back and create a ledge. (This makes more floor space)
The moss grows nicely against the cork and the glass.
Leaning cork pcs or wood against the corner(s) / get the vines growing on it , will create a nice breaks.

[safari77]

already on my favs menu, thanks! (hopefully moss mix will be restocked soon- as per Folius' Jan 19th Facebook post)

[deranged chipmunk]

I know the owner very well. I will try contacting him to see if he has an estimated date.