Getting Started with Darts

[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.

[DonLisk]

Hiding the white GS is a great idea. Especially for a viv that will be viewable from the three sides.

I don't do this and often wonder how I'm going to hide that odd looking white sides.

[bshmerlie]

It all depends on what you're going be able to see visually. I did my very first one without the silicone and it looked unfinished. Some people also paint the exterior glass or use black contact paper to cover it up. These are just some of the ways to cover it up. Its just a matter of preference. It also gave Stanton the opportunity to mess around with the silicone before we really get into it.

[guppygal]

There are so many ways to do the background and this should be interesting. I'm curious to see how it turns out.

We've done a big tank with large pieces of cork bark pressed into freshly applied Great Stuff and it's holding up well.

I have another tank where I'm trying the clay method, of sorts. I slathered clay onto a sheet of eggcrate, then pressed cork bark into it. I have to be careful not to let it dry too fast - we'll see how it holds up.

The first tank is always the hardest, IMO, but it looks like you're doing super, Stanton.

kristi

[MeTree]

Well, I am ready to start the live chat building session. Just as soon as Cheri has some time to help, we can start. I don't want to work on it until Cheri can help out (since she is paying for it LOL).

See you all soon!

[MikeM670]

Hiding the white GS is a great idea. Especially for a viv that will be viewable from the three sides.

I don't do this and often wonder how I'm going to hide that odd looking white sides.

Your just gonna have to put another tank right next to that ugly white side.

[DonLisk]

Your just gonna have to put another tank right next to that ugly white side.

I knew there had to be a perfectly good reason for not hiding the white side.

[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)

[MeTree]

Hey guys! Just got back from my long week of camp. Now things will slow down for the rest of the day...actually, not really. I am going to leave for an even longer camp in Oklahoma tomorrow at 6 in the morning. I am *so* tired. Oh well. Glad to be back.

Nothing arrived while I was gone. I can work on what I need to when I get back from the next camp. Other than the dirt and lights, I think it is at a functional level, although I certainly wouldn't mind afew more plants (thank you Cheri! ).

The water level in the LECA has dropped almost all the way. Do I need to refill it before I leave again?

I will be pretty busy putting together fish food baggies with labeled instructions for my mom or sister. I also have to run to the LFS to get crickets because while I was gone there was a colony crash. But I will definately try to be on here afew more times today. It is nice to be back for a little while.


p.s. my personal favorite BIG snake is an albino burmese python LOL. My father wont let me get a snake, though, even a small corn.

p.s.s. congrats Leefrogs on finding a Cobalt T (assuming you did)! I love those Ts. Taranchulas are another pet my parents won't let me keep.

[MikeM670]

The water level in the LECA has dropped almost all the way. Do I need to refill it before I leave again?

I would give your tank a very good watering before you leave. You don't want it drying out. Depending how long your gone you might want to get someone to water at least once while you are gone. Do you have the tank cover well to minimize the loss of water due to evaporation?

[kRiBBiTd]

The viv is looking great! Hope you enjoy your visit to my state

[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.