47g tall simple build log

[wyatt003]

I finally got all the stuff I need to start construction of my tokay's tank. I just wanted to share a few pictures of what I'm currently doing.

Here's the empty tank before anything



and here's the baby beast, Eenor, that will live here





Here's the background. I cut eggcrate to the size of the back wall and placed two pieces of soaked and baked cypress driftwood. I have applied greatstuff and am now waiting for it to dry so i can cut away the extra and tomorrow apply silicone and coco fiber.



I also built a screen for the top using a window screen kit from home depot. We'll have to see how that works out.



Also, thanks to froggsong and beckdg for answering all my questions I had before I got started.

And if anyone has plant suggestions(that aren't very expensive) that would be good for planting in the bottom substrate and also to plant in holes I will carve into the gs wall?

[jpstod]

looking good so far..

Cute Tokay

[wyatt003]

thanks! I will post some more pics when i get back to work on it tomorrow morning

[froggsong]

I LOVE that first pic of your gecko. That is such a great pose!

Your best bet for plants that are inexpensive is to start with the little ones. Go for the ones in 2" pots, they are usually about a buck a piece. Peperomia comes in a HUGE variety of colors and shapes, and is very easy to grow. It also grows quickly, so it will fill in fast. It is very commonly sold in 2" pots, in both Home Depot and Wal-mart. You can also check local nurseries for good deals. If you go to buy some little peperomia plants, don't be discouraged if the leaves are damaged, it will bounce back very quickly. You can also get bigger plants, but I actually prefer to buy these little because they grow so quickly and fill in the space more naturally that way.

Also, look for plants that you can get clippings of. Sometimes a pinch of a leaf is all it takes. I occasionally take pinches off of healthy plants at Home Depot. They told me that it was ok to take a leaf or two. I do believe that Home Depot has a guarantee on all of their plants too, I'll have to find out more info on it; I saw that on a plant tag at the store yesterday. Also, check craigslist and freecycle to see if anyone is giving away plants or clippings, and also post a wanted ad.

[wyatt003]

thanks! It's one of my favorites.

i think im going to go check out walmart and home depot. which both are good because i over bought in gs and silicone from both those places. so returns and store credit will go straight to plants. i know hardl;y anything about plants. your saying that i can grow full plants from just clippings? do i need any roots or will they just grow if i put them in the soil? Also do you know if home depot sells epiphytes plants. the kind that you can attach to wood and gs walls?

Also, i finished the background i just havnt had time to upload the pictures, but tonight i will.

[wyatt003]

Here's an update of more work done on the background

My brother helped me with the silicone and coco fiber so it would be a little easier and didn't allow anytime for the silicone to dry.



here is the background drying before being shaken out and placed into the tank.


And after being wedged into the tank. To my surprise it was a perfect fit. the great stuff gave a little while i was pushing it in and made it a very very tight fit.


I'm waiting on a shipment of leca balls, so i can't really go any further until those come.

[jpstod]

Keep us update..great job so far

[froggsong]

Great job on the BG. You'll be able to take it out easily if you need to, too. That wood is nice.

[wyatt003]

Here's an update for everyone on my tanks building. I ran into a few problems so far in the process. First the long vine like fern almost died, but a lot of the top leaves turned black and are all falling off, but the other leaves are green and fully alive. Does any one know if it will make a full recovery? You can see in the pictures.

Another problem was white mold. i came to the conclusion that this is Ok from what I've read on the forums. Any one have any other ideas about mold? I put a 12v pc fan on the top that blows air downward. I thought this might provide more air circulation and might help with mold. It sure helps keep the glass more clear from water.

here are the plants that i bought to put in.


Here is the planted fern


and how it looks now...


Here is a full shot of the tank


Also thought id share this- (my 1st viv)- i have a new unexpected surprise. are these bad? I hope not, i like em, I hope they spread.

[Austin]

Looks great. Yeh the mold is fine, just let it cycle through. The "fern" looks like a creeping jenny, which is not a fern. Might the soil be to wet?Or to much light? Those Could be the problem, good luck fixing it