55 Gallon Vivarium Build

[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.

[MikeM670]

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.

Temperature is controlled by the room conditions. My house is usually around 72 to 74. I'm in the planing stage of adding fans to all my tanks to help with circulation and some temp control. As far as GS pealing off the back glass I have not seen that happen yet. Trick is to make sure the glass is really clean. I used rubbing alcohol to clean the glass and let it dry completely before spraying the GS. Another trick is to apply silicone beads all around the glass for the GS to stick too.

I love clay for backgrounds but it can be very heavy and does shrink. My 40 breeder 40 vertical has this issue at the very top. The tank has about a inch or so gap at the top now. I will need to fill it in with more clay or some moss. The tank also does not have a automatic mister in it. That might of helped keep the clay more moist and reduced any shrinkage. One trick you can do with clay is only apply it in areas. I spray GS in areas where I put plants pot. Then carve it to shape. Add clay all around the open areas and have a nice surface for moss and other stuff. In any case using clay will make the tank really heavy and your gonna need help moving it around if you don't build in place.

[markzilla25]

could you give me some info in the quikrete that you use. Did you have to use a sealent on it after you applied it? How did you mix it, per the instructions or did you dilute it? Sorry for all the questions but I'm in the process of making my first foam wall and could use some help. thanks