R. Ventrimaculatus - 18x18x24 Build Journal

[deranged chipmunk]

Very cool!


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

[DigitalPunk]

The first coat of slurry is still drying in a few spots so I decided to test out the waterfall while I wanted for the preverbial paint to dry. I snapped a few pictures of it in the first test. I plan on doing a few changes to it, but here it is in phase one.

[DigitalPunk]

Bill your forum inbox is full

[deranged chipmunk]

Bill your forum inbox is full

i know. i fixed it. downside to being a mod is a lot of pm's and no more inbox space than a regular user. LOL

[DigitalPunk]

lol I figured you knew just wanted to give you a heads up

[deranged chipmunk]

That is such awesome news about the vent! I am so happy for you. It just goes to show how tough they are, despite their diminutive size.

Oh, and the build looks good lol


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

[DigitalPunk]

Here's to hoping that this is vent #3 returned home and not Vent #2.

[DigitalPunk]

I am now leaning towards this being a 3rd escape. I found a hole in the back of the tank top just big enough for them to squeeze through. I plugged it up tonight. At least 2 of them are safe!

[DigitalPunk]

It's been a busy 5th of July for the new Vent tank.

I spent the first bit of the morning siliconing in some stones around the pond opening. I did this to help prevent some of the soil from falling down into the water and to add a little more color to the tank.



I then set out to add some more detail to the back ground. It is hard to tell in these pictures, but I thought I would share it anyways.






I then took the tank out to the garage and painted the sides, back, and a part of the front black. I only took a picture of the front because... well the other sides are just black (except of the side with the pump in it. I left a small spot to see the pump and filter.



I think that wraps this up till the order arrives the coming week.

[DigitalPunk]

Few more update photos.

I cut some Manzanita branches and placed them in the tank to mimic small trees.








I cut a filter and wrapped it around the pump. The pump will supply water to the waterfall and filter the water. I did not get a picture of this.

Aquatic soil and Water added to the tank.



And Leaves added to the water.



Top temp put in place to check for escape routes for the Vents. I will have to use some sphagnum to fill in game along the top to keep them from getting in behind the walls. Using the exo terra to will help prevent them from escaping through the lid hopefully.

[TeenyToad]

Wow, it's looking so great! I absolutely love the waterfall idea--so creative!

Good thing you didn't squish the "cricket"! What a cute little guys he is, and so tiny!


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[DigitalPunk]

Thanks Teeny! That vent is nearly full grown if not at it's adult size already. They are a very shy frog. Hoping this new tank will get them out in the open a bit more.

[TeenyToad]

Really?! Wow, I thought the little guy was just a baby! I'm sure this new environment will help them break out of their shell Especially with that awesome waterfall! I can't wait to see a planted update!


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[DigitalPunk]

Let the waterfall run over night. I love it. Was worried about the waterfall disturbing the aquatic soil, but it is not causing any issues at all. Enter the water fairly gently... I think this may actually work lol.

[LilyPad]

Awesome, Paul! It's always good to have success with a water feature LOL

[DigitalPunk]

Yeah it is. I have the worst luck with them lol

[LilyPad]

Yeah it is. I have the worst luck with them lol

I do also. I have tried waterfall features many times now, and they always end up failing. Too much flow, too little flow, clogged pumps, water diverted incorrectly leading to soggy substrate, etc etc etc. The last one I tried failed the first try, I didn't even bother trying to fix and correct it, I just gave up! Both of my tanks have a pond with a submersible filter now. Maybe I'll try again someday.

[deranged chipmunk]

Glad to see he recovered well and is doing nicely!


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

[DigitalPunk]

And it is done. Well Mostly. I need to move the LED lights over to this tank, but that won't happen till tomorrow, but here it is

Full Tank Shot:



Neoregelia ampullacea



Center of Tank:



Little Brooms



Tillandsia ionantha 'Fuego':



Pellionia repens:



Pup on the right broom:



Moss on Waterfall:

[LilyPad]

It looks fantastic, Paul! Great job!!