Ultimate Vivarium

[clownonfire]

Isn't that amazing.... heres a recent pic of it.
http://rd.sohosted.com/fotos/terrarium/300111.jpg

Esthetically speaking, this one really gets me. But the fact that it's made of such a harmful material such as PVC kills it a bit for me.

[MikeM670]

Eric,

Your right about the non natural materials but you gotta admit it sure looks fantastic. I might just research this a bit more. I love the root/vine look.

[clownonfire]

Eric,

Your right about the non natural materials but you gotta admit it sure looks fantastic. I might just research this a bit more. I love the root/vine look.

It's probably my favorite look. The vivs we construct with plants are beautiful. But this has something so true and natural. If there was a way to create it without all the ****, i would try it out.

[Leefrogs]

Because all the plastic is covered with silicone or mortar isn't it safe?

[Tropicok]

I guess if you like the "droopy" look but not the loveliest one I've seen.

[JSG]

Hi guys, yes both these vivs are gorgeous and I also don't understand the poisonous thing?????
Them Eric, instead of using the plastic / pvc ropes and pipes, can't the same look be obtained by using various thickness of sisal rope? Sisal as far as I know is a natural product. Ok admittedly, the sisal would most probably rot away if it is exposed to dampness all the time, but then surely with it being covered with the concrete mix this would be minimalized, no?
Looking forward in hearing the experts take on this.

[MikeM670]

I think Eric's comment was more about using natural products if possible vs the petroleum based plastics and such. I also like the look of the terrarium and do have to admit the way he constructed it with various man made products was interesting and produced a fantastic looking tank.

I just purchased a bunch of sisal based rope of various sizes to create vines. Yes the rope itself will be natural but it will be covered with brown silicone and peat/coco fibers so it won't be all natural. I guess since it will be fully covered with the silicone the natural rope fibers should last for many years. The rope I could find will not make the bigger root/vine or tree trunk look the builder might be looking for. I know you can get it much larger as the stuff used in tying up ships but that would be too heavy and I have no idea on cost. I also doubt you could purchase it in the lengths we would need. So that leaves PVC piping as one simple and relatively cheap option.

[clownonfire]

Hi guys, yes both these vivs are gorgeous and I also don't understand the poisonous thing?????
Them Eric, instead of using the plastic / pvc ropes and pipes, can't the same look be obtained by using various thickness of sisal rope? Sisal as far as I know is a natural product. Ok admittedly, the sisal would most probably rot away if it is exposed to dampness all the time, but then surely with it being covered with the concrete mix this would be minimalized, no?
Looking forward in hearing the experts take on this.

Mike is right. It's just that PVC is probably one of the worst product/material for our planet... Yes, we use silicone and expanding foam, but personally, I am trying to limit using such materials. This is why I tried to do a whole clay/natural products in my last viv.