New Custom Viv journal

icytea_thunder · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2007, 05:24 PM

Well this has been a work in progress. A while back I decided I would like to make a vivarium out of some plexiglass (3/8") that I had gotten for free from my work. The problem was that i had to make something that used this and had to work with the pre-manufactured sheets that were not exactly square. I did all of the cutting on a table saw, and siliconed the pieces together. The design is original, having the filtration system in the back, which will make it easy to maintain without having to even open the viv door. The tank is originally desgined for RETFs, but who knows what may end up in there when it is complete.

Here is the original shape, with the filtration system in the back. The pipe is the intake and the water will flow thru the compartments, with bio balls, filter fiber, and maybe some activated carbon. It will then be pumped up and out the water fall through the back wall.

I painted the areas where the foam would be, so I'm bascially following instructions on Black Jungle.

These rocks will be the divider between a pond in the front and land behind them, the intake will be underground in gravel, allowing water to flow.

Next came the foam and wood. The part to the right will be where the water fall will be, directly above the pump in the filter system in the back.

Had some trouble making the waterfall but this is it.

The coconut bedding was added with black silicon. The tube on the right is the output for the waterfall, and will be cut back shortly.

Test of the waterfall.

My custom hood is on now, with a florescent light fixture mounted in it. On the back of this hood some small computer fans will be mounted. I'll have more details of the hood later.

So yea, that is as far as I've gotten so far. There will be some trim on the bottom, but you will be able to see the shallow pool of water in the front, hopefully with some dwarf platys or something. It is about 25" tall, 18"wide, and 15" deep. The door will be done next so I will keep posting. I can't wait to get planting.

Studdlygoof · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2007, 05:52 PM

Awesome design...Love the idea of incorperating the filter into the design...working in a shop that deals with plexiglass myself you have given me inspiration for my next viv...keep us updated

icytea_thunder · #3 (**permalink**) 03-17-2007, 12:08 AM

Ok so now I have completed the top and bottom pieces, with fans, lights, the whole nine yards. I am going to begin planting tomorrow, which will probably be the best part of the whole thing. Cant wait to get started.

Here is the inside back of the top, where most of the electronics are. The light is at the end of the white cord...and I might install a few blue LEDs since RETFs are nocturnal, which will allow better viewing.

Here is a better picture of whats going on in the filter. The closest compartment will have Bioballs, next is filter fiber, then some carbon, then to the pump. A heater can be added next to the pump in case the temp should drop.

Here is an overall picture, with water, hood, bottom, and dirt.

Ill keep it updated.

icytea_thunder · #4 (**permalink**) 03-18-2007, 08:54 PM

The planting is now finished and I am going to let it run for some time before placing the animals in. The one fan seems to be loud, but i think it just needs to be remounted. Other than that it is completely silent. The door is held shut by a magnet. The plants are 2 bromeliads, 1 philodendron(Emerald Gem I think), a violet, he vine I'm unsure about, and two air plants.

Thats it. If you have any questions please reply.

nomadofthehills · #5 (**permalink**) 03-18-2007, 09:02 PM

Nice.

pilo0024 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-31-2007, 01:58 AM

the construction of that tank is impeccable. very nicely done. are you considering planting it any thicker?

Tindomul1of9 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-05-2007, 07:29 PM

That tank looks fantasitic! Great journal!

icytea_thunder · #8 (**permalink**) 05-22-2007, 09:42 PM

Well it has been some time since i last posted and i replaced the hosing with a bigger gauge, giving me more water flow. I also added some moss to cover up spots. Plants were added in the water area and it houses a beta, pretty fancy for one lil fish at the moment. lol. Hope to purchase some RETFs in three weeks at the Hamburg Reptile show. Here's some pics.

Rainfrog · #9 (**permalink**) 05-23-2007, 05:18 AM

Nice. Very nice.

tomatogirl · #10 (**permalink**) 05-30-2007, 10:59 AM

Lovely setup. If you've considered planting some aquatics in the water, I bet some smaller anubias or wendtii crypts would look great and give your betta a place to hide (admittedly from nothing, but fish love places to hide).