My first viv.....

[Scott C.]

Hello everyone,
Here is some pics of my first set-up. I've already learned a lot, and there are more than a few things I'll do differently with the next one. Please feel free to pull no punches as I would like to know of any serious mistakes I may have made. I still need to finish off a couple things:
Lids
Fans
Misters

Here's the pics:




I planted it on friday(pics are from friday too). I was very surprised at how well, and how fast the plants have responded. I will post some more recent photos asap.

[Landon]

could use a few more plants (or time for the current ones to grow in) on the background, but otherwise looks nice. also, make sure those tillis are getting plenty of ventilation. they are pretty notoroius for sudden deaths in vivs, mostly due to excessive humidity.

is it a false bottom set up?
the reason i ask is your soil looks pretty damp. if it stays soggy all the time youll run into root rot problems, and when the soil starts to rot, its pretty stinky.

[Scott C.]

Hey Landon,
I'm working on the ventilation thing. I'm hoping fans will help that out. As for the damp soil... It's a false bottom so I should not have a problem drying it out. I have to divert some water though because water trickles down the wood in a couple places that I did not expect. I think that is the main problem. I'm getting some more tills for the backround too so that should help the barren-backround-look. Thanks for the tips.
Cheers,
Scott
PS- How dry should the soil get between waterings on average? Obviously being able to squeeze water out is not good, but should it dry out to the point where the color lightens up a bit, or what? Thanks for the help.

[Landon]

the best way i can think to describe it is crumbly. you want it to be moist all the time, not so wet its muddy, but not so dry its dusty. if it sticks together a little when you rub it in your fingers (crumbly ) its about the right consistancy.

[Scott C.]

Cool. Thanks for the advice. I know exactly what you mean.
Scott

[rgriffin]

Hi, I'm planning a very similar construction as yours (looks great btw) and so was wondering what animal you are keeping in there? Would it be suitable for a corn snake?

[nevvie]

I recently bought two agamas and you've inspired me to do a better job on my vivarium, though in a desert way. Looks great to me

[ecofrog]

Im currently converting a horizontal fish tank into a vertical vivarium but im stuck on how to attach doors or how to even construct any. Ive had a look through the forum and other sites but im still stuck. I was wanting to use glass with nylon mesh at the top for ventilation and the door would need to be attached to a metal frame that the tank is enclosed in.

[nevvie]

Try this site, it might have what you need:
Caring for frogs
Is it OK for me to post links in here? Think I best go read the forum rules and check!

[Rainfrog]

Take a look at this thread by Tindomul1of9 "About to build my First Vertical tanks! Update on page 2"