75 Gallon Vivarium build

[Larry Wardog]

Most likely getting the Tank this week. The substrate will go as follows


Layers

Drainage Layer:
Large River Rock

Inner Substrate
Sand

Median Substrate
Topsoil, Sand

Outer Substrate
Leaf Litter, Moss, Eco Earth, Topsoil

I also ordered the ferns. After the tank I'm getting the lighting, Female Leopard Frog, and feeders. I would like to stalk this for them the best I can to make it as authentic as possible, so I'm going to get Earthworms, Wax Worms, Woodlice, Crickets, Some Mealworms, Silk Worms, Dubia Roaches, and allow them to feed like in the wild. I will put mallet spray in the tank if you have a bird it's seeds for birds but crickets seem to love it, they will also have water and plants to use if they choose. The Frogs and Toads would have to actually hunt their food because of the space and hiding places. The only sketchy idea is the crickets so I'll monitor that. But I think it's a great idea and think the animals will love it. Suggestions and advice for anything is welcome.


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[deranged chipmunk]

I would rethink the substrate. The topsoil/sand combo it going to compact and hinder drainage.


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[Larry Wardog]

I thought it would help out, good thing I put it on here before I bought the sand. I did purchase top of the line topsoil from where I work ( I get 20% off and get to bag it ) so I will be using that. Thanks for the feedback again. I'm so close to building all this!


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[deranged chipmunk]

Add some fir bark in it. (Reptibark). It will help with drainage. And EXPECT a lot of bugs. Especially worms, fungus gnats and nematodes.


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[Larry Wardog]

With the for bark? Would the fungus and nematodes bother the frogs or toads?


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[deranged chipmunk]

Mix the fir bark into the topsoil. It will help with drainage.

The nematodes won't hurt the frogs, but will snack on any microfauna in the tank.


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[Larry Wardog]

So that is like the Zilla Repti bark then, right? I have seen it in lots of videos but never used it before. So I will definitely look into bark. I was thinking of just getting a pond snail for the water portion. It would help with the clean up crew and the minnows would either be eaten or be kind of cramped for space because I'm only using a big bin as a water source (when I find the perfect size) and I don't think it would be fair.

[deranged chipmunk]

Yes, that's the stuff. It will keep your topsoil from compacting too quickly. A snail would be perfect if you are not going to use a permanent water feature. I definitely would not put fish in it.


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[Larry Wardog]

I got the Tank and started working on it tonight. I got the rocks laid out, the topsoil layered, the Eco Earth layered, and the mix of topsoil and Eco Earth on the top. I also put possibly all the moss in. I managed to take a few snapshots.

I'm hoping to get the leaf litter and possibly chips put in. Then I will slowly put some plants in and accessories.


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[Larry Wardog]

About finished with the build. I'm doing the water feature after I get everything else done. I am waiting on the light fixture and then I will finish up.

I will be making videos again when everything is finished.


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[Vivariums In The Mist]

Looking good

[Larry Wardog]

I introduced the Toads and Leopard Frog to it. I put some water and rocks for them to get out easily. They won't have many distractions now that the plants and hides and accessories are all in. The mister has to get hooked up and the lights are really all that's left. Also a new female Leopard Frog coming soon. Pictures coming soon


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[Larry Wardog]

The Frogs and Toads love their new home. Not 100%, the lighting, water, female frog, Ceramic Heat emitter, & Misting system still. I managed to get a short video today.

http://youtu.be/Au4oPWdL5iM

Hope you guys enjoyed, even with all that extra space Toto and Spot still stay close. King II was hiding but you can hear him make his distress call in the video for an unknown reason. Updates soon.


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[k5MOW]

The Frogs and Toads love their new home. Not 100%, the lighting, water, female frog, Ceramic Heat emitter, & Misting system still. I managed to get a short video today.

http://youtu.be/Au4oPWdL5iM

Hope you guys enjoyed, even with all that extra space Toto and Spot still stay close. King II was hiding but you can hear him make his distress call in the video for an unknown reason. Updates soon.


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Very nice video.

Roger

[deranged chipmunk]

Looking good!!


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[Larry Wardog]

Thanks guys. I have some good news and interesting news. The good news is King II the male Toad has come out of hiding and seems happy like the others. Spot the male Leopard Frog has surprised me because he has not ventured to the water while I've been watching. It may be possible he is late at night but he isn't by water for almost a whole day. Perhaps he is afraid because there is no cover? It's not moist enough in there for him to burrow down and be moist. Could it be that he prefers to be out and about more than by the water? Just something I found interesting. If anyone has some input on this feel free to comment.


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[Larry Wardog]

Some news on the progress, Toto & Spot are great and Spot is by the water more. King II is hiding again so not sure about him. He has only been out a total of 2 days since he has been released into the enclosure. He ate very well the last time but, it's been about a week. The plants are doing ok. The Myrtle, Ferns, & Moss are doing well. The water clover is not. When the light fixture gets here instead of using clamps I think will help trying to grow aquatics. The ribbon grass is doing better than the water clover but I will have to move it. More to come on that and more soon.


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[Larry Wardog]

These 2 are always by each other


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[Larry Wardog]

Got the T5 lights and Mister put together. Got a cool video of everyone. Toto is ok btw.
http://youtu.be/f79DsOlWTrg


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[Larry Wardog]

A little update
I'm switching to Blue Fescue grass because it will be better equipped for the part of the habitat I have available. It can tolerate a dryer climate then the ribbon grass. I think it looks more wild and it will be a great fit. I have put water lettuce in the water, so the crickets can get out and for the Leopard Frogs comfort. He seems happier. Toto is doing well, she is very active and is happy. King II is hiding again. The Myrtle ha sprouted little babies all over the tank which is awesome. The Dragon's Tail Ferns are doing well. Still little but green and perked up. Not too much to report on. The place I got Spot (Frog) is sold out of Leopard Frogs so i will have to wait for a female. I'll check back with the Blue Fescue grass when I update here soon. If anybody has advice or questions feel free to post them.


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