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Thread: Advice, tips and ideas please!

  1. #1
    Paul Murphy
    Guest

    Default Advice, tips and ideas please!

    I'll start by introducing myself. My name is Paul and I'm from the UK.
    Over the past 6 years I've kept a multitude of exotics. Geckos, chameleons, snakes, frogs, darts etc.

    I've had reasonable success with my terrariums in the past. Only ever bought stuff which is ready made though.
    I've recently purchased an Exo Terra Large X-Tall (90x45x90) and I am hoping to create a living rainforest for darts etc.

    Basically, I've done a lot of research online as to how to construct it. Everything from DIY backgrounds to various substrates, misting systems and plants.
    In spite of all my research, I'm finding it difficult to get any kind of definitive answers to my questions.

    I need to know your tips and advice please. Across the board from creating a suitable substrate, the best misting system to get and even the best places to obtain the necessary materials.
    Whilst I am keen to get the best I can, I am somewhat constrained financially.

    I also have questions regarding items such as expanding foam and other such things.

    If anyone can help me with any answers etc it would be much appreciated.

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  3. #2
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    Default Re: Advice, tips and ideas please!

    I would start with this thread - http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...ion-101-a.html - It will give you a good start.
    2.0.3 Hyla versicolor "Eastern Gray Tree Frogs"
    2.2.0 Agalychnis callidryas "Red Eyed Tree Frogs"

    0.0.3 Dendrobates auratus "Turquoise and Bronze"
    0.0.1 Anaxyrus fowleri "Fowler's Toad"



  4. #3

    Default Advice, tips and ideas please!

    Hey Paul. Amy is pointing you in a good direction. If you cannot find the answers you are looking for there, feel free to fire away with specific questions. We have a great team here that will be more than happy to help


    Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  5. #4
    Paul Murphy
    Guest

    Default Re: Advice, tips and ideas please!

    Thanks

  6. #5
    Paul Murphy
    Guest

    Default Re: Advice, tips and ideas please!

    The vivarium construction 101 thread was most helpful. Certainly taken on board a lot of what's said in it.

    My current project is basically my *Big One*. I've done extensive research and puzzled over many potential pitfalls for hours on end.

    I'm thinking external filtration, pumping etc. Main thing I'm wondering about atm though is heating the paludarium. I know the temperatures the tank and water need to be. The question is, hot to attain them.
    Lighting will provide some heat and a strategically placed heat mat will prove beneficial for certain plants and animals. My question is this - How do I go about heating the water portion or would the heat from lighting provide sufficient temp increase?

    The obvious answer is with a standard aquarium heater hidden away. With this method though, I worry about accessibility. If I need to replace it I don't want to have to dismantle portions of the tank. Would it be possible to heat the water externally?
    If the water reservoir, pump and filter are external, could I plonk it in the reservoir?
    I've had trouble with aquarium heaters in the past. I have also had problems having to remove backgrounds etc to access heaters/filters. This is why I ask.

    My brain just isn't on form today so I can't seem to think of a solution xD

  7. #6

    Default Advice, tips and ideas please!

    If you plan on doing a sump set up, then yes, you can heat the sump. If just using an external canister, you can always use an inline heater. Although, the best route is to just keep the room at the temps needed.

    If you choose to go with an aquarium heater under the false bottom, you just need to build in access areas where you can get to equipment. It can be as simple as a trap door under a section of substrate, or a tunnel of egg crate somewhere large enough that you can remove and install a new heater.


    Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world ~ Nelson Mandela
    1.0.0 Oophaga Pumilio 'Black Jeans'
    0.0.10 Phyllobates Vittatus
    0.0.3 Phyllobates Terribilis 'Mint'
    0.0.3 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Patricia'
    0.0.5 Dendrobates Leucomelas
    0.0.2 Dendrobates Tinctorius 'Powder Blue'
    0.0.2 Ranitomeya Variabilis 'southern'
    0.0.3 Epipedobates Anthonyi 'zarayunga'
    1.2.0 Phyllobates bicolor
    0.0.3 Dendrobates tinctorius 'azureus'
    0.0.1 Avicularia Avicularia
    0.0.1 Gramastola porteri
    0.2.0 Canines
    1.0.0 Tabby/Maine Coon Mix
    2.1.0 Genetics Experiments
    0.1.0 Bed Bully

  8. #7
    Paul Murphy
    Guest

    Default Re: Advice, tips and ideas please!

    Thanks, that's really helpful

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