55 Gallon Vivarium Build

[llmoe]

All I can say is "AWESOME" The time and planning is awesome.. GREAT looking!!!

[clownonfire]

Frog valley productions! Love it!! Good job man!

[MikeM670]

I have received the moss I ordered from Josh Frogs and put some into the vivarium. Here are some quick shots of the moss I put down.



This is Mood Moss or Frog Moss.



This is Sheet Moss.

All the moss arrived in gallon baggies and once put in and watered seem to perk right up, I have a ton more for my next ongoing build.

[LauraCox]

Michael (and co.)

Your tank is inspiring! Absolutely beautiful and as I enter into my own dart frog adventures and begin to build my first tank I have a quick question:

Did the peat-pots in the foam inhibit root growth of the plant? I notice some people use the hydoponic mesh or plastic-net pots too, does anyone or yourself have experience with one or the other?

Thanks so much!
Laura

[MikeM670]

Michael (and co.)

Your tank is inspiring! Absolutely beautiful and as I enter into my own dart frog adventures and begin to build my first tank I have a quick question:

Did the peat-pots in the foam inhibit root growth of the plant? I notice some people use the hydoponic mesh or plastic-net pots too, does anyone or yourself have experience with one or the other?

Thanks so much!
Laura

Thanks Laura for you kind comments on my build. The peat pots won't inhibit the root growth as eventually the pots would deteriorate enough to allow roots to pass through. In this case since the pots were embedded in the Great Foam the roots won't pass through the pots and into the foam as it becomes a barrier. I have seen roots develop and grown outside the pots and onto/into the shallow peat covering the foam.

I wish the plants looked as good now as before but some have gotten out of hand, some really didn't take but the frogs are thriving so I'm leaving pretty much alone. A few weeks ago I did a major trim job and things looked a bit better. I really wish I had added more creeping fig varieties as I like the smaller leaves and they don't tend to overpower all the other plants.

These days I'm building tanks with either all clay, (Smaller ones) or a combination of foam covered with silicone and peat and clay packed in to the open areas. Mainly I just foam enough to cover and hole the peat pots in place and any areas I want to add support for the clay. I like the fact the clay readily starts growing moss and stuff.

Good luck with your build and post lots of pictures and don't hesitate to ask questions!!

[BufoTheMiniToad]

I do this all the time with my crabs! I love making custom backgrounds from my 55. I'm going to make one for my little toad's 20 gallon.

[Eric and Stitch]

So I'm a new member and didnt look around a whole lot before posting my own 55 Gallon idea
http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...tml#post146871

I have a couple questions since you have tackled something this size already. how do you control temperature or just rely on room temperature? And with mine being stood on end with a very tall back ground, do I need to worry about great stuff pealing off and falling forward against the front glass, if so, how do I prevent it? strategic bracing 'branches' or silicone the back wall first? I like the idea of clay since it is rootable but fear it would be too heavy for this size project.

This looks awesome and gave me a lot of answers to my my build questions.