Due to the recent escapes and subsequent deaths of 2 of my R. Vents I am setting up a new home for them and relocating the remaining 2. I will then tear their current home down and attempt to repair the spot they escaped from.

I already had a rough idea what I wanted to do in this tank and have tweaked it a bit for the vents. The main focal point will be a water fall. I am hoping this attempt at a waterfall actually works lol.


Without further Adieu -

First I cut the top of the false bottom. It is hard to tell in the photo, but I marked a line down the center of the X and Y axis. I traced out a pond section and marked off the back corners to be cut out.



I then cut off the back corners.



Then the Pond



Next it's time to add the supports to the False Bottom.



I set it on the table and applied some pressure to check for weaknesses.



The edges around the pond were weak. Some supports were added to strengthen it.



Next I did a rough test fit of the Deadfall wood I am going to use as the focal point for this tank. It will be setup roughly as shown in this picture and will have water running down into it the pond.



Added in some driftwood just to see how things could look.




Next I cut out the pieces for the back corners. A front view and a almost top down view.






I cut about 3 inches off the end of the sod piece to get it to fit the way I wanted it. I then cut a hole in the wall it will be on to allow it to lay through the wall a bit and achieve the angle I am aiming for.



I made a temp brace for the bottom to hold the wood at the right angle while it is on it's back for the next part.




Next is the spray foam. I am using Great Stuff: Pond and Stone. I like that it is designed to be around water and that it is Black. It being black will make it easier to cover up later.



I intentionally left the bottom under the wood clear of foam for now. The supports are temporary so I will remove them before I foam the bottom. This will all take place once the top foam has had time to cure.

More updates to follow as progress continues.