Fire belly toads abode (new look)

[s6t6nic6l]

UPDATE:LIGHT BOX. the lighting above the abode has been by the way of using an exo terra compact light(x3)canopy. the width of this is wasted due to the meshed sides of the lid but the main issue is not been able to control each of the bulbs incorporated into the canopy as there is only the one mains lead built in, so you either have all bulbs going by way of a timer or it's up to you to keep switching on/off each day. simple wooden box made to rectify my needs for the lighting regime i want to give the abode.

black painted, diamond reflector sheet used, ceramic bulb holders screwed in place, holes drilled for the wiring and a vent hole used to dissipate any excess heat given off. now all the lighting can be spread around the abode by using a small window area in the lid. all the lights are used independently by way of timers and can be set at any intervals needed. through the day we use little to bright lighting(1 to 3 bulbs), all U.V. used A + B, then it is a reverse role.

IN SITU: light box connected to said timers with all lights glowing. now the sides and all the back of the abode gets a good dose of light at one stage or another for the plants, moss and algae to benefit from.

FTS update#2: the ferns seem to be liking the new lighting regime.

FTS#2:

TOADS:








Thanks for looking

nic

[miguelanaconda]

Hi!
For the first part, Marvellous.
For the second part, incedible.
For the third part, awesome.
I would like to have some fbt, but im having some problems deciding the way i biuld the tank.
I would like it to look like yours, and have you got a filter?
How did you make the rocks?
Is it a ten gallon?
Thank you.

[s6t6nic6l]

Hi!
For the first part, Marvellous.
For the second part, incedible.
For the third part, awesome.
I would like to have some fbt, but im having some problems deciding the way i biuld the tank.
I would like it to look like yours, and have you got a filter?
How did you make the rocks?
Is it a ten gallon?
Thank you.

thanks for the praise.

by all means use the setup look for your project thoughts. i don't use a filter with the toads as it serves no purpose due to the toads toxins released. the filter i use has just sponges for debris and used only for the water feature. i replenish the pool section with a weekly/fortnightly 100% water change(use dependant).
the rocks/background was made from 4" celotex. carve to ones liking, paint/spray/airbrush colour then seal with varnish. the pool section coated with G4 pond sealant(clear).
23 gallon!! 30 x 12 x 15
your welcome
nic

[s6t6nic6l]

TOAD ALBUM: for anyone interest in the toads from bambino's in the nursery and throughout their trials and tribulations then final enjoyment (maybe) of the abode setup.

fire belly toads pictures by s6t6nic6l - Photobucket

please be aware, there are many pics here.

nic

[IrishRonin]

I know everyone has said so but it looks really good! I love the "rock", so even the pool was done in celotex then covered in pond sealant? What about your water drop off? where is the pump located at? I love that the algae has laid a coat over the "rock" in the water feature it makes it look authentic. P.S. you ivy is growing fast as I have had mine for like 6 months and it hasn't spread that far. I am definitely gonna steal a few ideas for my next viv, again great job

[s6t6nic6l]

I know everyone has said so but it looks really good! I love the "rock", so even the pool was done in celotex then covered in pond sealant? What about your water drop off? where is the pump located at? I love that the algae has laid a coat over the "rock" in the water feature it makes it look authentic. P.S. you ivy is growing fast as I have had mine for like 6 months and it hasn't spread that far. I am definitely gonna steal a few ideas for my next viv, again great job

the background is celotex with the left wall submerged and the pool wall/ramp/floor is expanding foam which was cured, cut to shape and grouted. yes then all the pool area coated in the pond sealant inc the cascade area. the rest of the background is just the paint job. only water loss is from evaporation only so not really noticable here. the filter(zoomed 501) is on a little ledge behind the curtain placed at mid height of the tank as seen in the "IN-SITU PIC". i have had this ivy a long time in the setup so i would not worry too much about yours taking it's time growing. again, take any inspiration you want from this project.

thanks for the praise

nic

[s6t6nic6l]

MICRO-FAUNA: as stated in earlier posts about collecting native moss for the abode and recommending for other peoples setups here are some videos of said subject that MAY be of interest to some. the benefits of this natural scenario is that the critters perform a clean up duty from the toads waste and dead livefood, some become food for the toads and, for me anyway, another interesting feature of the abode. I have here now a well established mini-ecosystem . the following videos are not exactly professional but they are only short and you may catch a glimpse of a few different mini critters in there when the camera decides to focus. Micro-fauna in FBT's abode#1 - YouTube Micro-fauna in FBT's abode#2 - YouTube Micro-fauna in FBT's abode#3 - YouTube Micro-fauna in FBT's abode#4 - YouTube