12x12x12 Mini Viv Build

[DonLisk]

Exo-Terra 12x12x12 Mini Viv Build
Start Date: 3/11/2011

To begin, I started with the vision to create a mini viv that would give the apearence of a small island found down inside a cavern. I want to give the viv the appearance of a water feature without using water and filter system.

The basic design begins with foam:
I utilized Great Stuff to close in the top three sides while incorperating a few places to put vines or plants to hang down into the cavern. Jiffy pots were used for plant locations by applying a small amount of Great Stuff on the glass, and then setting the pots into the foam.
I then apply more foam around the pots to enclose them.

Follow the instructions on the can and shake the can for 30 seconds or more. While using the spray, if the can sits for a long period of time you will need to cut off about 1 inch of the nozzle tip since the foamwill harden inside the tube.

I do only one side at a time as pictured below and wait out about 2 hours of set time to ensure the foam does not slide or move since it does expand dramaticly and takes some time to set.

Apply sparingly. The can states it will expand over 50 percent. If you apply too much it can be cut away and shaped once completely dried.

Note: If using accents such as branches, bark, or wood in the above areas of the background, the items should be siliconed into place prior to adding the Great Stuff.

[Kisa]

Wow Don this looks like a very interesting project! Great concept, by the way, I can't wait to see how it turns out! What are you putting in there...? >>

[DonLisk]

[DonLisk]

Wow Don this looks like a very interesting project! Great concept, by the way, I can't wait to see how it turns out! What are you putting in there...? >>

Thanks Kisa. It is only going to be a planted tank so far.

My fault here..... I'll wait til I'm done and post it as one continuous read.
I was creating a build journal but now I can't edit it after a comment is made. ****.

This is actually a Zoo Med 12x12x12. The pictures above are of the foamed top three sides prior to my next step.

[bshmerlie]

Come on Don...I like seeing in progress.

[DonLisk]

OK, we'll keep going since I'm probably going to get hit with rotten fruit and veggies if I don't

Correction: ZOO MED 12x12x12 Viv Build


Sculpting creates detail:
After the Great Stuff has been applied and allowed to completely dry for about 8 hours, my next step is to sculpt the foam. I create cracks, flat areas, and a sharper edge to some of the smooth and somewhat round foam.

Using razorblades and a good sharp knife, I cut in some cracks, making them more dramatic than what I want for a final look. This is done since the silicone and substrate will fill in much of the cracks and crevases when applied.

I create flat surfaces randomly in the top foam, allowing vines and plants to have a holding point when initally planted. This will also provide areas for the inhabitants to perch up high.

Note: I have found that the serated blade on my Leatherman has made the cleanist cuts.










Once I am satisfied with the look and shaping of the foam, I put on rubber gloves and begin applying GE Silicone II to the foam. Applying it to the foam in sections and then pressing in the cover materials. Put the silicone on thick and press in the cover materials firmly.

My cover materials are Zilla Jungle Mix,some Coco Fiber, and Peat.

I replace my gloves often so have plenty on hand.
You can never put too much cover materials into the silicone.






I allow this to dry a full day before shaking off anything loose.

[Leefrogs]

I have some 2 year old eggs I've been savn' for a special occasion.

Keep going, I wana see your waterless concept! Or ya get the eggs!! Lol

[Kisa]

Thanks Kisa. It is only going to be a planted tank so far.

My fault here..... I'll wait til I'm done and post it as one continuous read.
I was creating a build journal but now I can't edit it after a comment is made. ****.

This is actually a Zoo Med 12x12x12. The pictures above are of the foamed top three sides prior to my next step.

Oh my gosh.....D: I'm so sorry I Don I should have realized what you were doing! I don't even know what to say...I'm sorry I ruined it I wasn't thinking when I posted.....if I could delete my comment I would. I'm so sorry. >< It was a complete accident I really didn't realize..........sorry. TTATT

[DonLisk]

Oh my gosh.....D: I'm so sorry I Don I should have realized what you were doing! I don't even know what to say...I'm sorry I ruined it I wasn't thinking when I posted.....if I could delete my comment I would. I'm so sorry. >< It was a complete accident I really didn't realize..........sorry. TTATT

LOL, Nothing you did hun. I delayed in getting back to it, coffee, picture taking, more coffee.

It was late, quiet house, I had control of the TV remote.... alls good.
I did make some mistakes in the initial post (brand of enclosure) and should have made the corrections right off the bat.

[Kisa]

LOL, Nothing you did hun. I delayed in getting back to it, coffee, picture taking, more coffee.

It was late, quiet house, I had control of the TV remote.... alls good.
I did make some mistakes in the initial post (brand of enclosure) and should have made the corrections right off the bat.

I still feel really bad....D:

Just make sure you post that you don't want comments for the future! D< I'm so glad you're not angry I would have DIED. >< I don't wanna mess up again so put some instructions down when you post your next project or I'll comment all over it and mess it all up!

It does really look like it's coming along great though...I'll shut up now.