My second build, a 55 gal. Viv for FBTs

[bronzie8]

I have found another tank, a 55 gal. This one will have a false bottom, waterfall, stream and for the background, no more GS and silicone, I will be using "kitty litter" clay. I want a lot of broms and air plants. I like the fact that I can stick them directly into the clay. I am using Quickcrete for the waterfall and stream, haven't decided if I am going to paint them or not, it looks pretty good the way it is, but it is only the first coat. I have a few pics of the false bottom, stream and waterfall. I am not going to rush this one, I have a pic in my mind of what I want, I hope I can come close to that!
I will take more pics when I can start on the build again..waiting for the cement to cure will seem a lifetime...LOL



I have two spaces for pumps...stream on the left and waterfall on the right. I had to make the FB a little offset for the waterfall, it will be sitting in the corner.



Sorry for the crappy photo, the sun was shining in. The FB with mesh, it took quite a while to get it right with all the angels.





I used the styrofoam used by florists, easy to carve. After several hours of carving and adding "rocks" they are ready to cement.





This is after 2 coats of Quickrete. It took quite awhile to get the thinned cement to cover this type of foam, the second coat was much quicker.

[red_goby]

It's really fun looking and I bet the quickrete won't need paint because the mosses will love it so much. Unless it's too alkaline for em.

[bronzie8]

I am having so much fun with this build, the creativity is endless. This forum is amazing, I learned so much reading these threads. I am going to get Kyoto moss spores to put on the concrete. I will be doing a vinegar soak to make sure it is ok for the FBTs. Looks like I'm going to have to get another humidifier too. I found a great one on Ebay for $1.99+$10 shipping, hope I can get another good deal like that.

[beckdg]

cure that very well before using it. spritz it very wet and let it dry 2-3 times, then run water over it to soak it through and let dry 2-3 times. make sure it's rock solid even when soaked before attempting a vinegar soak. if you don't it may fall apart very quickly.

[bronzie8]

Thanks beckdg, I appreciate your advice! I hate waiting for the cement to cure, but I want to make sure it is done right. One question, I would like to get moss to grow on the waterfall and along the stream. Do you think Kyoto moss spores are a good pick for that? I was going to try the rice water method and spread it on the cement.

[beckdg]

don't know much about kyoto moss, but i don't think constantly soaked is the greatest for it.

[bronzie8]

It has been almost 2 weeks now and they have been spritzed and dried several times and are very solid and hard. Do you think it's best to spray it with vinegar water several times, drying in between or do a full soak, changing the water every couple of days? I have a LOT of hours into these pieces and don't want to take any chances of falling apart. Thanks for all of your help!

[beckdg]

hose it down like you mean it and let it dry a couple times. if you have a reservoir of some sort it'll fit into you can fill that and drain it a couple times too. sitting soaking should not be necessary.

i just use pure vinegar in a spray bottle if/when i do a vinegar treatment. i soak it, let it dry (mostly) and hose it down and let it dry.

[bronzie8]

Thanks beckdg, for the quick reply, I appreciate it!!!

[beckdg]

beck is just fine. you're welcome.