131 Gallon Viv Build

[Kisa]

So more progress on my tank. I know it's really slow going...I just noticed it's been more than a month since I started this thing and I'm not even halfway done yet! I gotta start working faster or all of you will think I don't love my frogs.

Nah, just kidding.

So this is just a minor update, made some cuts in the foam. I'm going to be working on the silicone tomorrow since I waited too long to start it up today.


Right side.


Middle/Right. I tried to carve out a bit of a cave here, and a ledge next door.


Middle/Left. Here you can barely see the cut because it's between the two pots, but it's there I swear it!


Left side. And here I tried to make a sort of ledge for them to chill out on. And sorry this picture is so bad, the light is really weird here.

I wanted to correct myself, I just remembered. I kept saying I had four pots in there I actually only have three. XD; My bad.

I wanted to try and create some natural looking grooves, but when I started I realized I didn't have to make as many cuts as I originally thought to make it look the way I wanted. I did exaggerate them like Don suggested though, thanks again for that tip.

I'll update again when I've started to silicone this bad boy.

Thanks for watching!

[Jon K]

the tank is looking really good

[Kisa]

the tank is looking really good

Thanks!

[Kisa]

So I threw some dirt on the right side! Here's the finished product! Well...1/4 finished...



Quick question. Is it alright if there's a little of the foam showing from underneath or does it ALL need to be covered, 100%?

Thanks! More to come tomorrow!

[Kisa]

Sooo attempt 3 on trying to cover up all the spots that were left on my background, I'll be lifting up tomorrow and checking out what coverage I got. Keep your fingers crossed I got some of it fixed up.

Sorry I haven't been updating as frequently as I said I would, it's been really hot out here in California during the last few days and when it's 80 outside it's really hard to get down and dirty on your tank build. XD Well maybe not for some people...>>

More to come tomorrow!

[Grrrit]

Looking good! I'm excited to see you making some progress. And I know how its difficult to work in the heat. We've had a heat wave the past few weeks in the upper 90's. So getting home at 9am from work and trying to get motivated after being in a 125°f plant all night lol. Let's say I've been taking it easy.

But kisa, take your time and have fun with it. Go over and make sure you have it all covered, and just how you want it. Once its done with lights on it, plants and frogs moved in, its kindof tough to go back and make corrections.

[Kisa]

I definitely see what you mean Garret. Thanks for the reply.

I definitely don't have it as bad as you when it comes to building. During summer break I have all day every day to work on my tank, I think I'm a bit lazy. >>; Shh, it's a secret.

It is quite discouraging though when you go to cover one side of your tank, leave it for almost two days to dry and then when you set the tank up...it all. falls. off. :/ How do you guys do this? It'll be the fourth time I've had to touch up my tank today...

I'll post a picture if all goes well.

[DonLisk]

Press the substrate down firmly into the wet silicone so it is stuck right into it. Plenty is going to fall off but whats left on will be stuck pretyy good.

[Grrrit]

Try small patches at a time too. If the silicon dries the slightest bit it doesn't take as much dirt, fibers as it can.

[Kisa]

Thanks for all the tips guys. I guess I didn't anticipate that it wouldn't work the way I thought. XD; I will say I did it wrong the first time, but I think I've gotten the hang of it now...as long as the stuff sticks.

Once I get this one wall done hopefully I'll have leanred from my mistake and use a lot more dirt. I don't think I piled it on enough the first time.

I have been doing small patches. Now there are just little pieces of the foam showing through, a bit below that ledge in the picture up there and some spots that are covered with dirt and silicone but you can still see the yellow a bit underneath.,

I've got this! It'll get done, just gotta give me some time to recuperate from my failures.

Hopefully I'll be posting pictures of the finished product soon.

[Grrrit]

By no means did you fail brit. Your just learning the same way we all did

you'll get it!

[bshmerlie]

That's part of the learning process. We've all done it. That's why we have so many funny stories to share. My very first tank I didn't put the screen between the Leca and the soil. Not until I had the tank completely done did I realize there would be a problem.

[BG]

I can't wait to see it finished maybe il do my 150 tall custom made all glass 5x3x18

[Kisa]

Awe you guys are all so nice. Thanks for your kind words...I'm staying positive! Gotta keep it up for my babies!

And BG, I cannot WAIT until you start that monster. XD;

[Kisa]

Ok....so FINALLY I got the right side of the tank almost completely covered with dirt! There are a few spots that need very small touchups, but I think I'll move on for now and go back once I'm finished and cover all the tiny spots. So here's the right side after my fourth and almost final touchups attempt. I know it's hard to tell the difference...but i put in a lot of effort.

[DonLisk]

Coming along nice Brit.
Takes time and you have to have fun with it.

[Kisa]

Week by week I'm doing a bit more.

Just finished the rest of the left side using the method Cheri showed me at the Pomona show and I gotta tell you, it worked out just right.

I only need to touch up one spot that I can see! Here's a picture of it.



Also, I won't be doing any work on the tank this week because I'll be on vacation, but as soon as I get back I'm getting right back to it! Gotta get this done before the end of the month.

[IrishRonin]

Well unfortunately I was unable to make the Pamona show, could you give a brief description of that method? You tank is coming along very nice, keep up the good work.