Ultimate Vivarium

[JSG]

I'm working on some new 10 gallon vivariums using the clay/kitty litter backgrounds. I want to see how well this works, how well it will stand up and how much maintenance it really needs.

The one thing I do suspect is that the clay backgrounds probably can't be used for higher backgrounds without having a very thick base. Just like in building construction that was based on stone the bases were very thick in order to achieve great hight. Just look at all those old Cathedrals and you will see what I mean.

Now maybe one could glue horizontal bracing onto the glass at various heights to support each layer above it thus achieving a thinner background that won't sag downward.

When I talk about a thinner background I don't mean really thin but the right balance of clay to support both the clay above it, plant growth and moister retention.

Currently I am gathering components for a vertical 40 Gallon Breeder tank and I suspect it might be a combination of foam and clay to obtain the look I want.

Please forgive me if I sound ignorant, but I have more questions regarding this poisonous / unnatural products used.
1. In most of the viv building threads thus far I have seen people using foam etc to construct their backgrounds, why now is it a problem?
2. Yes, natural products, such as clay, would most probably be more pleasing to us, maybe even to the frogs in some way, but would it be practical?
3. If we can mimic nature so well, by using these synthetic products, that our animals are breeding (a sign of them being happy), shouldn't we then rather compliment ourselves. As we would never be Mother Nature, we can always strive to get as close as possible - but is the truth not that we will never be as perfect?
4. Aesthetically our vivs should be pleasing as that sparks the interest to keep one going, but as we are trying to help Mother Nature along, our vivs should also be practical, no?

Forgive me if I stepped on toes...I'm forever the devil's advocate as I believe in asking questions in order to learn.

You, the experts out there, will know best...?

[MikeM670]

Please forgive me if I sound ignorant, but I have more questions regarding this poisonous / unnatural products used.
1. In most of the viv building threads thus far I have seen people using foam etc to construct their backgrounds, why now is it a problem?
2. Yes, natural products, such as clay, would most probably be more pleasing to us, maybe even to the frogs in some way, but would it be practical?
3. If we can mimic nature so well, by using these synthetic products, that our animals are breeding (a sign of them being happy), shouldn't we then rather compliment ourselves. As we would never be Mother Nature, we can always strive to get as close as possible - but is the truth not that we will never be as perfect?
4. Aesthetically our vivs should be pleasing as that sparks the interest to keep one going, but as we are trying to help Mother Nature along, our vivs should also be practical, no?

Forgive me if I stepped on toes...I'm forever the devil's advocate as I believe in asking questions in order to learn.

You, the experts out there, will know best...?

Well first of all I'm no expert! I've learned or stolen most techniques from others here and from the net. Also you never gonna step on mine or anyone else's toes by asking questions. Well maybe clownonfire's and that is because he has really big feet!

Its not that things like spray foam, building construction sheet foam, silicone is toxic for the frogs. If it was we would never use it. Once fully cured these materials are probably inert for all practical purposes. I will continue to use all those as options for vivarium builds. I think the talk sorta gravitated to more natural products to try or use. I can tell you right now that the 10 gallon tank I am working on has a clay background and it sure is heavy. I doubt one could use it for really large builds unless you planned on never moving it to a new location. So in that case the use of foam is a better choice as it really is much lighter.

I'm all for mimicking the look of nature. Part of the enjoyment I receive from this is watching the frogs in a natural looking environment. It is very pleasing and IMHO shows off the frogs in a much better light!

[clownonfire]

As I said, yes, I have used foam and silicone in the past. But I am learning. And there are different ways in building vivs. Clay is not that bad, I read lots of great clay viv builds on different boards. I haven't mastered the art. Now it's not because I have used these materials that I need to use them again. I am trying to reduce my footprint. Now I have a few cans of foam and tubes of silicone that are lying around. I will used them. But for me, that's it. I have talked about using cork boards naturally pressed and that will be my next move. Now my philosophy is to each is own. Personally, I'd like to try a greener approach.

[JSG]

LOL, Mike, Eric as I said forgive me if I stepped on anyone's toes! ROFL hmmm didn't know Eric had big feet, had I known I would have most probably said some more

But to both of you, thanks, I'm learning! And by the way Mike, in comparison to me, you to are EXPERTS! LOL