Getting Started with Darts

[MeTree]

Hey guys. I got back from PETCO with the 29g tank and lid. There was some questions about costs that are still being looked into. Hopefully we can get that cleared up.

Anyway, I have the tank and lid. Pictures tomorrow. Now I am going to need step-by-step instructions on what to add in what order.

I know that we have been talking about different background methods. I didn't know which one we were going to go with. I don't have a problem with clay, as long as it wont take much longer than foam. I am just wondering if we would be using cat litter or that benitite stuff (I know I spelled that wrong). My mom has agreed to run me to Lowe's tomorrow, so we can get started on all that tomorrow. I will get my camera ready. I guess after we get the substrate in, I can take pictures of how the wood can go in there.

The packages with the soil mix and culture items didn't arrive today. I am sure it will come tomorrow, though. I will definately post when that comes in.

Today was reall nice, it actually rained for the the first time in 33 days. We were in a really bad drought. It was actually under 90*F during parts of today. I love good weather.

Anyway, tomorrow is hopefully going to be a very exciting day! I really look foward to it!!

[LilyPad]

Woohoo!!! Very exciting, I can't wait to see how your build goes!

[bshmerlie]

Glad you got the tank. Let's put in the Leca and get an idea of how the wood is going to look in that size tank. How much background you have left above the hill will tell us which way to go...clay or greatstuff. Clay is actually quicker as it requires no dry time. Frogs can go in immediately. But if there is a lot of room above the wood then lets use the GS. You should get two more boxes tomorrow. Wet your brick of coco fiber....its going going to need to dry before we can use it on the background. Put that Texas heat to good use. So get those pictures of the wood in the tank so we can see where to go from here. Hopefully everyone gives us input.

[MeTree]

Hey guys. Like I said earlier, I got the tank and lid last night.

Here are some pictures of the tank with the wood and LECA. I am going to be busy for the next, at least hour. Maybe this is enough to determine what kind of background we will be using? My mom is going to run me to Lowe's to get the supplies this morning.




This right here is progress! I can't wait to see this tank become a beautiful vivarium!!

Thanks guys!

[MeTree]

Progress! Last night I started on the background for the tank. All I did was silicone it with GE silicone II Black Window and Doors. I stopped there last night because I needed to let it dry overnight. Here are some pictures of the backglass siliconed.

Just Starting


Spreading with Card

(you can see I was chatting on Frog Forum at the time LOL!)

Finished



Today hopefully I can put on the GS. Can't wait! More pictures later!

[dtfleming]

Not really sure what you are doing with the background. You can put the GS on first, let that dry, carve it if you want. Then add the silicone onto the gs and add coco fiber to that. Also you can put some wood pieces into the gs before it dries.

[bshmerlie]

It was my suggestion that he put the silicone on the back glass simply to hide the white GS. I also paid for the silicone so he's following my direction on this. This is his first background. I understand many people simply put the GS directly on the glass but this is the way I'm use to doing it and I know it looks good and will last. I'm sure there are many ways to skin the cat this is just one of them. Other suggestions are welcome as we go through this project. Later today in chat we will be discussing the GS procedures as he is working on the project. Please feel free to join us during that step of the project. Any and all are welcome.

[Firebelly love]

This is a really cool project!! Can't wait for even more updates!!

[Leefrogs]

Where have I been! Congratulations!! Building is fun and messy. The dartside, I've got FF going, and on the brink myself. Maybe some tinks on monday, and Brazilian yellow head and some bicolor (maybe next month)

But I have a total of 9 tanks going now. One might be for a blue cobalt tarrantula. (maybe today)

[bshmerlie]

"Once you cross over to the Dart side forever will it dominate your destiny".

YODA (well sort of)

[Grrrit]

Where have I been! Congratulations!! Building is fun and messy. The dartside, I've got FF going, and on the brink myself. Maybe some tinks on monday, and Brazilian yellow head and some bicolor (maybe next month)

But I have a total of 9 tanks going now. One might be for a blue cobalt tarrantula. (maybe today)

Tincs monday!? What kind?

I dig those yellowhead's. And I really like the mini bicolors, p. vaillanti. They look jusy like then but more slender bodied and 1/2 - 3/4 the size.