24x24x18 Exo build

[sp13126]

I build my first tank last year with help from the members of this site. Its so true that you can't just stop with one build. This is a picture of my first tank that is almost a year old and home to 2 Epipedobates anthonyi 'Santa Issbel' and 1 Dendobtes imitator 'Tarapota'.

I have decided to go a little bigger and I want to try to build a waterfall and a pond. After thinking and planning I picked up a Exo Terra 24x24x18 tank. I did a dry fitting and checked out a layout that I think will work out. For the waterfall pump I'm using a F150 filter pump which has a adjustable flow rate. I have a lot have slate title that I think would look good as the waterfall. What do you think about the layout?

Now for some questions
With living in NY and with so much water in the tank should I worry about heating the water?
In my first tank I use a fogger to keep my humidity up in the tank. With the new tank the waterfall and pond will add to the humidity but should I use a system like mist king to mist the tank or just use a fogger like the last?
With the slate title there are some sharp edges, should I be worried about that or should I try to sand them down? Don't want any harm coming to the frogs.

[deranged chipmunk]

The layout looks good. As far as heating the water, if your house gets cold in the winter, then you may opt to heat the water. Water will normally be a few degrees cooler than ambient temp. That should help you figure out if you need to heat it.

Indeed the waterfall and pond will help with humidity. A mister is still a good idea for water the plants, if nothing else.

The sharp edges you can try sanding down if you like, but realistically, they shouldn't bother the frogs.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Strider18]

If the edges on the tile aren't super sharp I wouldn't worry about it to much. But if they are super sharp and cut even you I would try to sand them down. Better safe then sorry!

[deranged chipmunk]

Sanding slate is easier than it sounds. It normally can only truly be done effectively using and angle grinder with masonry blade. That's why I wrote "try" lol


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Strider18]

Lol yea, most normal people don't have access to angle grinders with masonry blades. You could always try filing it down which could help make it look more natural.

[deranged chipmunk]

Hehehehe I don't charge much for tool rental lol


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[Strider18]

Lol. Unfortunately i don't think my dad would go for that

[sp13126]

Thank you for the information. Ill keep you updated of my progress with the build.

[Strider18]

No problem, have fun with the build!

[sp13126]

I have been working on the tank lately. Its a slow build but enjoyable. Building the waterfall out of slate is time consuming, lining up each of the stones to get the water the way you want it to flow, well at least try too . As you can see I changed the waterfall layout. I have to make the banks of the waterfall still to direct the flow where I want it to go, and that large hole in it is for a planter. I'm still not sure what I want for plants. I a spot in the waterfall and the back left corner. Any ideas for plants? To solve that problem about sharp edges on the slate, I used a hammer to round the edges, tons faster then sanding. Will keep you updated as I continue the build.

[TeenyToad]

Love love love the waterfall! It flows so nicely!


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[sp13126]

Waterfall almost done, started to work on the background. Getting closer to what I pictured. Still thinking of what I want for plants

[DigitalPunk]

Looking great. My current build is the first time i used the Pond and stone version of the Great Stuff. I loved using it. So much easier to cover.

[LilyPad]

It is looking really nice! Great job!

[sp13126]

So this weekend I should be working on the background. Got to pick up titebond. Is there a way to get moss to grow on the background? I would like to have a nice green wall of moss but not really sure how to do that.

[deranged chipmunk]

The best way to get a moss background is to use a moss mix. Folius has some of the best around. You make a slurry with it and paint it on. A little moisture, a touch of humidity and a lot of patience and you'll have a wonderful moss wall. You can get it at www.folius.net or see Paul at vivariums in the mist. Paul is based on Long Island, so shipping would be pretty quick for you, I would imagine.


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[deranged chipmunk]

You know what I like most about this build? The time frame. You didn't rush anything. You took you time and that definitely is showing in the long run.

Many people can learn a thing or two from this build. Excellent job!!!!


Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela

[DigitalPunk]

My personal experience and failure with moss mix leads me to say the following to you if you do go that route. Let the moss mix grow in the tank without frogs for 30 - 60 days. We did not and our Moss wall payed the price... I swear these little Azureus are intentionally climbing up and knocking the bits of moss off as they start to turn green! Oh well lesson learned. I will be giving the moss mix another shot on a future build for sure!

I agree with Bill, so many times the mistakes made on a tank build is the rush to finish it. I have said it before and I will keep saying it. Building a tank is a journey where you take your time and enjoy the sights and the process. Rushing will lead to mistakes and more money and time.... every time.

Paul

[sp13126]

Well first coat dried. Doesn't look to bad but I want it to be browner. So another coat and see where it sands.

While the titebond mixture was still I covered it with loose peat moss.

Let see what the outcome is.

[TeenyToad]

It's looking so great!


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