My 40L build

[2ofEverything]

This will be a different take on the 40 gallon long build I had deleted earlier. This tank will be used to either permanently or temporarily house P. Sauvagii. The reason I say temporarily is because I am aware of the height issue, however, if the frogs seem happy then I may permanently house them until I have the funds to purchase a taller tank and move them. The tank will have a water feature as well.

Tank dimensions: 48"L x 13"W x 18"H

A few of the photos from the last build will be reused since they are very similar. Let's get started.



The first thing to do was the platform, the egg crate was cut to approx. 32.5" in length and two 13" x 13" squares were cut. They are 3 squares high and under the platform making it approximately 3" high. The platform is held together with zip ties (Nylon cable ties) which were trimmed after being applied.



A square approximately 6 3/4" x 6 3/4" was then cut to place in the open space, as there will be a water feature.



This is after I placed both platforms in the tank. The substrate barrier was purchased at home depot under the name WeedBlock.



A triangular platform was cut (inspired by Paul's 40b vertical build) because I plan on placing a water dish on top. The reason for the additional water dish is that I understand P. Sauvagii defecate in the water, an alternate dish will allow the frogs an alternate option if one of the sources have been "used".

More coming soon.

[DigitalPunk]

Looking good!

I just had a thought looking at your tank dimensions. If you stood it on end for a vertical tank you could build it so the side of the tank (18in) was the front so it would be 18L x 13D x 48h and have the door on the side of the tank. Just a thought

Either way you go I'm excited to watch as your vision comes together!

[Lija]

Mmmm, this is not gonna work for waxy permanently or temporarily. They need ventilation like chameleons along with very low humidity ( 40 being very max, 20 being the best). You live in TO where humidity is more then they can tolerate, so you will be battling too high humidity as it is without waterfalls and false bottoms. If i were you i would go for all screen cage hoping heat lamps will suck some humidity out.

[2ofEverything]

Sounds good, screen cages are pretty cheap anyways. I was thinking about the humidity issue myself . I guess I'll hold out for waxy for a while until I get some more experience and maybe get some Dendrabates. Thanks.

Edit: Lija, I was wondering if you've seen this article before: http://www.chameleonnews.com/10JulAndersonGlass.html
When I was thinking of purchasing a chameleon I came across this and found it intriguing.

[Lija]

Nice article! Yes the guy is right, same goes for waxy, exo terras provide enough airflow, i kept mine in those, big cage, big screen top is sufficient in low humidity climate, but in yours you will need to figure out the better way. Im not saying it is impossible, but you will need to play around. Waxys are pretty sturdy frogs, provided conditions are right. Stagnant air will kill them.

[2ofEverything]

I was thinking of ditching the waterfall and using 2 computer fans to pump air out and in of the tank, creating a sort of ventilation. However, this poses me with the humidity issue once again. I've already learned by heating the tank up to 25 degrees I can get the humidity down to the 30's but the fan idea will be pumping humid air back into the tank and pushing the dry air out. But I'll probably hold out on the Sauvagii's though.

[deranged chipmunk]

Don't worry about the hardscape, you're going to need to pull that substrate out anyway and add some orchid bark and/or charcoal to it for drainage. Soil and fiber just won't drain well and it will compact way too easy. There's also not enough. You need about 4" of substrate.

You are gaining experience though, and that is the most important part


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

[2ofEverything]

Yeah the reason there's not enough is because I was going to add the orchid bark + charcoal. Thanks though, I just got done modifying a small rubber hose I had to make a waterfall, so now all I need is the 3d background and the waterfall aspect will be done

[DigitalPunk]

Also I'll add some caution. Building a 3d background outside the tank very rarely works out. Best to do that before any substrate is added.

Then I'll echo bill, but add this. You really should break down and order ABG mix. The stuff is amazing! Don't try to reinvent the wheel on you first handful of builds

[2ofEverything]

I was planning on using ABG, I even put up a thread on it. My local hardware stores don't sell tree fern fibre. Like I said, I'll get to it. Since the background will only be a very small part of the tank (13" x 18") I'm not going to bother making look super amazing with Great Stuff. I plan on purchasing a background and just sticking it in there. Thanks for the help.

[DigitalPunk]

Yeah I was referring to buying it pre mixed online, but just realized you're in CA.


What kind of background you looking at?

[Lija]

Disclaimer Everything that im gonna say is only for the best interests everyone here. Im not intending ti offend anyone.... Or yell

Well may be yell.... A bit.... Not not intensionally.
so once again, no offence intended


Maxim! You are doing almost everything wrong. You have two choices, one is read a lot, including builds threads and information and to listen to what pros like Paul and Bill have to say and correct your mistakes or your build is gonna be a big mess..... Ups,im not yelling.... Yet!


So to summarize what nice guys here were sayn
1. You gotta do background in a tank
2. False bottom
3. Mix your soil outside the tank
4. Everything else.

and no you wont be able to order abg mix or get tree fern in Canada or ship it over or legally bring it to Canada.

[2ofEverything]

I found something almost identical on this website. It's bigger than I need it but basically the same thing, only the ones at my local pet shop are smaller and about $15.

Link: Underwater Treasures 3D Background - Cave Wall - 24"

Edit: The waterfall is going to be more of a drip wall kind of thing. The stream is pretty meh since it's only 75gph but I'll make do. The only reason for this is because I don't want the water to be stagnant.

Double edit: Very encouraging Lija Can I ask why mixing soil outside of the tank is so important? And what's wrong with the false bottom? I did everything I though I should have? I tested it under some weight and it seemed fine. Thanks for the constructive criticism

Triple edit: You made it sound like I'm not listening to Paul or Bill. I'm very offended. I'm actually crying myself to sleep right now Nah just kidding, thanks again.

[Lija]

Yeah! Im always encouraging!

Look ive learned long ago that the best way to avoid disappointment is to not question people who know what they are talking and willing to help.just sayn.
so just do what Bill and Paul are saying and you are gonna be all right.

Soil you are mixing outside, so proportions are right, ingredients are evenly mixed and the tank itself not messy, yes Paul? Or Bill?

[Lija]

Hey Maxim.... Why do you think i started with disclaimer? Lol now i feel bad.... Or i would if i could.... I think lol

[DigitalPunk]

The background is pretty cool looking!

Charcoal 1-2 parts,
orchid bark+mulch 2 parts
Orange bag of organic potting soil from home depot
Sphagnum moss 1 part
Peat moss 1 part
And coconut husk

Mix and match as needed. You are looking for loos soil that will drain good or it will turn into a bacteria laden bog.

Sorry I can't be more help. I know you have to get creative in Canada :/

[DigitalPunk]

The reason Lija suggested mixing soil out of the tank is so you can get a good consistent mixture before you add it over the false bottom.

It's just easier to mix it then add it. Mixing it in the tank isn't "wrong" it's just not as easy.