New viv construction

[bshmerlie]

I can't really help with the fan issue because I've never used them before but I'm sure someone will pipe in. As far as the silicone...just make sure it is 100% silicone. If you're using it for your background get the black or brown. If you are using expanding foam for a background just remove your Exo Terra background and start on the glass. I spread a thin layer of silicone on the glass before I did the foam just to black it out. Once the foam has completely cured then cover with silicone and mash on your choice of substrate. Just remember with silicone the substrate has to be dry to stick. Then vacuum off the excess and your done. Check out Johns article on how to build a Viv and he talks about this. With this you can carve out places for your plants on your background.

[bogalog]

I bought black silicone and made sure it had no fungicides or mould resistance, so I'm pretty sure it is plain silicone. Everything else seemed to have fungicides etc. in it, I was lucky to get suitable silicone in black

I am using a coconut based substrate, and from what i've seen it is sticking ok (have covered my pvc drainage pipe in it). I expect I will use the same for the background once that is made.

I have bought a big can of expanding foam, supoosedly covers up to 40l, so should be more than enough for the background. I was planning on leaving the sides more or less clear anyway, and using plants to cover them.

I am following John's viv tutorial, it is very helpful. I've decided not to go for a pond area, since leucs arent good swimmers.

I do have one more question, the hollow log of cork I have - I am worried that it will mold in the middle, should I try and use the foam to block off access to the middle? should i purposefully let the frogs into the log as a hidey hole? It's certainly big enough for them not to get stuck inside it.

Thanks for your help

[bogalog]

OK, seeing as I cant seem to edit my post...

I bought some new wood - mopani wood which is much more interesting, so i may not use the cork at all. I have also decided seeing as it is my first tank, to use the exo-terra backdrop with some modifications to reduce the risk of failure :|

I've already siliconed the polystyrene in place in the back of the tank to prevent the fruit flies from getting behind, and to help hide the back I've bought a weeping fig and a prayer plant, both fairly large.

Will update with photos when I get some better light.