1st Viv Build

[Grrrit]

Looking good! when you put the false bottom in make sure you foam around the gap against the glass and eggcrate. Frogs like to "hide" and get trapped. I wrapped my false bottom in screen to keep then from getting underneath.

[FrogWag]

I was definitely planning on wrapping the entire structure in screen, not only to prevent stuff from getting in, but also as a medium for which to apply silicone.

As for the outside edges, I was going to push it against the back right wall so there was no gap. Then I was thinking of filling the gap of the front 2 open sides with aquarium rocks, topped with larger rocks. My thought was that the rocks would be a great filter, and would be easy to remove for complete cleaning.

Is this a bad idea because they will get stuck in there? Also, if I foam it in, is it permanent?

=rk

[FrogWag]

Made big progress on the structure in upper back right; the flower pots attached with foam. Covered them in silicone today then a layer of coconut husk. It looks fantastic, and I think it is going to work just perfect. I can't wait to see what that it looks like when it is humid and damp.

Still wondering about aquarium rocks for a couple inches around the outside of the false bottom and the outside of the tank.

[FrogWag]

3 pictures attached. One is of the feature from the post above, just rotated the picture correctly. The other is a test of covering the foam with silicone, then aquarium rocks. Looks like that will work perfect. Third picture is of the water fall / pool structure. We decided to cover the whole thing in foam. It is a great combination that worked well in our other feature.

[FrogWag]

We had a few days off, but we are back at it. We finished shaping the filter/waterfall/pool assembly. We trial fitted it in this picture. We also put the plants and logs in for trial fit. It looks really cool.

We are wondering.....Should we put in a little less stuff? Do they like tons of cover, or just a few hiding spots??

[bshmerlie]

We are wondering.....Should we put in a little less stuff? Do they like tons of cover, or just a few hiding spots??

Funny you should ask....we have a thread going on right now about that very thing.
Http://www.frogforum.net/vivarium-te...look-like.html

[FrogWag]

Thanks for the point out. I already went through that thread. I must admit that I'm REALLY enjoying this whole process. I took the girl (its her viv) to the pet store and we both held crickets and frogs to make sure it was cool. We both loved it. Too much fun.

I did a test run with silicone and aquarium rock for the waterfall (see attached pic). However, the rocks will come out with some diligence. Should they be completely fixed and not removable, or just reasonably planted?? I don't want the frog going for some water and getting a rock!@##($(#%(%$

[jonah]

i am using the same tank on my first build for retf and i was woundering about how much to put in also, i like the water fall, i had a nightmare with mine just cudnt get the bottom pool right so ended up scrappping it. but im struggling what plants to put in my tank, size and species wise.