Colleen's Azureus Build

[ColleenT]

Well, it's not huge, but this 20H tank should be good enough for 2 Azureus. I have ordered a bunch of supplies and a lid and all of that is on the way. In the meantime, i decided to jump right in and try a build of my own. Something simple, but it is my first. i left a few inches at the bottom of the tank b/c i will have deep substrate. i added a plastic cup cave, and after the next layer, i hope to gently pull the plastic cup out. we will see. i plan to give it extra time to set up. i also placed two very small cup bottoms for air plants later. At Lowes today i got a pothos and a Cute little plant called a Fittonia Red Anne. Wish me Luck, i'm totally apprehensive about doing it myself.

20h build


Fittonia

[Fbt123]

Looks great so far, cant wait to see the rest of the build . Fittonias are great little plants, i have a fittinia 'red' as well, it definitely adds a nice but of colour to a viv

[Fbt123]

Im thinking that my first dartfrog will be an azureus (?) too, they look amazing. Maybe i could steal a few ideas from your build

[jarteta97]

Subscribed! Can't wait to see what you can do Colleen I wouldn't worry about the small cups, though, because it's much easier and better looking to just pin air plants to the background, hence the name air plants because they get all their nutrients and water from the air! It seems like you did you're research too, so nice job.

[ColleenT]

thanks. if i do one thing well, it's read. i can never get enough info. and i am sure i will have a thousand more Q's by the time i am done. the first layer has quickly expanded, and now i'n nervous about adding any more. i might use a popsicle stick to try to thin it when i put it on again. idk. i might pull the cups out instead of trying to make a cup-shaped form, since it is so thick, and air ferns don't need much. the cave is my next venture, tomorrow i will see when the GS has set up. Thanks, Eli i will. this is my thread for my progress..

[Fbt123]

I probably sound really stupid by asking this, but what is a "popsicle stick"?

[Frogman1031]

Looking very nice so far! Can't wait to see how it looks! Remember to keep us posted

[deranged chipmunk]

I think I watched the same video and used it when I did my first build. It was some woman who said she was from frog forum, lol. Cutting it out is a lot harder IMO than just simply sticking the net cup or whatever you want in the great stuff right after spraying it.

Balloons. Blow up a small balloon, place it where you want, foam over it, when the foam cures, pop the balloon and remove the remnants. Makes a nice little planter.

Looks good so far Colleen. As far as using the Popsicle stick, some advice, don't try to control the foam. It will turn into a goopy mess. Better to let it cure first and then carve it after it is cured


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

[ColleenT]

this stuff is so thick, i think i'm jut going to finish my cave, and start carving. i can easily make some small shelves and cup shaped spots for air ferns.

[Fbt123]

Bill, isnt your avatar one of the chipmunks from Alvin and the chipmunks lol?

[Frogman1031]

Thats because popsicle is a brand name that is way more popular in the US. I always just called them ice pops even though i never had one.

Im learning alot from your build that i didnt know. I didnt know that you were supposed to use silicone! Lucky i havent even started mine yet! I would have messed up so bad!

[deranged chipmunk]

Bill, isnt your avatar one of the chipmunks from Alvin and the chipmunks lol?

Hehe, yes. Theodore. Not my fav (Alvin is), but a customer gave it to me and i didn't have the heart to tell her it was the wrong one lol


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

[ColleenT]

Eli- read thru the vivarium threads and learn a lot. plus there is a sticky and a video, so it's sort of easy to figure out. i'm a big nerd with everything i am interested in, so i read whatever i can find.

[Fbt123]

Hehe, yes. Theodore. Not my fav (Alvin is), but a customer gave it to me and i didn't have the heart to tell her it was the wrong one lol


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

How did it get red eyes, or did you use photishop or something like that? I like Theodore the most because he doesnt really care lol

[DigitalPunk]

Colleen,

Looks good so far. As I am sure you have read already patience with spray foam will make the difference between a well cured well attached background and a nasty mess they you have to scrape off so you can try again.

As bill said the balloon trick is super easy and makes the placement of pots so much easier. If you want to just sprayfoam a pot into the background you can put a small balloon in the pot and blow it up. This will keep the foam from expanding into your pot

[ColleenT]

yes i am going to let it cure for a while. i am impatient, but i know i'll ruin it if i don't give it enough time. it's ok, i don't have frogs yet, so i have plenty of time.

[DigitalPunk]

Lol let it cure for at least 24 hours. It sucks and it will drive you crazy but it really is best. It will SEEM cured before then, but it's not. a little secret .... Spray foam is a liar!

[deranged chipmunk]

Edited. Now, focus,no more hijacking Colleen's thread please


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

[Fbt123]

I was just about to say that Bill...anyway lets get back to dartfrog business! Sorry about almost hijacking your thread Colleen :P

[ColleenT]

it's fine, i'm just waiting for the Great Stuff to cure..