PCF build completeish

[AbranV]

Finally in the final steps of my PCF build. I'll try to add some better pics with a camera soon.

Any oooh's, aaahhhh's or constructive criticism is always welcome

[deranged chipmunk]

That looks pretty darn good Abran, nice job!


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

[AbranV]

Thanks, I couldn't have done it without your help. More like "done it right" without your help!

Its almost there, just a few more tweaks then I can add the girls. They'll be happy to move to a bigger enclosure.

There's a little leak in the ball valve that I have to fix, and make sure the plants take hold. I'll get some better pics up once I get it fixed. It looks so much nicer with the water flowing.

Next I get to take what I've learned and apply it to a dart tank, then redo my bullfrog's enclosure.

[deranged chipmunk]

oh yes you could have. all i did was answer a question or two. but you did the work man, and quite well from the looks of it. be proud of yourself. now you get to step up and run with the big dogs with a dart tank

[AbranV]

There is one little bit of information that hasn't been covered in the building posts.........

What to put the freaking tank on when your done building freaking thing!

I've been so concerned with all of the vivarium specs, I completely forgot to have a place to put it. To make it worse, I installed a bottom drain "to make things easier" so I can't just put it anyplace.

[deranged chipmunk]

2x4 frame stand man. Open in the middle for the drain, and then you can clad it with your favorite plywood.


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

[AbranV]

Finally finished it, added the creatures, and they LOVE their new home!

[deranged chipmunk]

Very cool! Excellent job


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

[AbranV]

Thank you! And right back at you. I've been keeping up on your recent vivarium post....just awesome

[deranged chipmunk]

Why, thank you I try


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

[Frogger00]

I love your background! How did you do it?


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[AbranV]

Frogger00... Just the usual, Great Stuff, grout, wood and acrylic paint. Lots of carving and shaping the foam to get a pile-of-rocks look. I laid the foam down pretty thick so I could have enough to play with. It changed shape quite a bit, so I'm glad I had a good amount of foam. Once I was satisfied, I started with the grout. I don't know how many layers I put on but it was a ton, and still ended up with cracks allover. This actually was a nice problem to have because some of the cracks gave it character. I sealed them with wood glue so they would not chip, but still look cracked.

I used a ton of acrylic craft paint, and mixed my own color base. I then used an air brush for shading and accents. Finally I finished it off with a layer of glue and coca fiber between the "rocks"

My wife and I have always liked the look of the dark grey "beach rocks" that you find on the Oregon coast. We always bring a pocketful home after a trip to the beach, and had a good pile at one point. After a while we had moss growing in-between the stones...... Bright green moss against a smooth dark surface, a match made in heaven.

I'm hoping that over time I can get the same look with some green growing over the coca fiber I stuck on the background . We shall see.

It was fairly easy and a lot of fun. The most difficultly I had was telling myself when to stop carving or to quit painting and be happy with it.

I love my frogs and I'm glad they'll have a nicer home, but..... I learned where the REAL frog addiction lies. Its not the frogs themselves, but moving on to the next tank to apply what you've learned or add a piece that you didn't get to with the first tank. The frogs are just a bonus

[Frogger00]

Frogger00... Just the usual, Great Stuff, grout, wood and acrylic paint. Lots of carving and shaping the foam to get a pile-of-rocks look. I laid the foam down pretty thick so I could have enough to play with. It changed shape quite a bit, so I'm glad I had a good amount of foam. Once I was satisfied, I started with the grout. I don't know how many layers I put on but it was a ton, and still ended up with cracks allover. This actually was a nice problem to have because some of the cracks gave it character. I sealed them with wood glue so they would not chip, but still look cracked.

I used a ton of acrylic craft paint, and mixed my own color base. I then used an air brush for shading and accents. Finally I finished it off with a layer of glue and coca fiber between the "rocks"

My wife and I have always liked the look of the dark grey "beach rocks" that you find on the Oregon coast. We always bring a pocketful home after a trip to the beach, and had a good pile at one point. After a while we had moss growing in-between the stones...... Bright green moss against a smooth dark surface, a match made in heaven.

I'm hoping that over time I can get the same look with some green growing over the coca fiber I stuck on the background . We shall see.

It was fairly easy and a lot of fun. The most difficultly I had was telling myself when to stop carving or to quit painting and be happy with it.

I love my frogs and I'm glad they'll have a nicer home, but..... I learned where the REAL frog addiction lies. Its not the frogs themselves, but moving on to the next tank to apply what you've learned or add a piece that you didn't get to with the first tank. The frogs are just a bonus

You did a really nice job. I also did a background(for my snake) and it turned out pretty good. I don't use the great stuff though, I just find sheets of foam on construction sites and start carving lol. To make grouting easier, mix in some glue. It stays on much better. I only did two coats.
The finished product!
I completely agree about the tanks being the real addiction! I already have plans to buy a big 2x2x4 tall for my whites lol.


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