viv building problem/question...

[FroggieLove]

A new story entry has been added:

viv building problem/question...

First off: Hello to everyone! I'm a new member, love the site, love the work I've seen here.

So... I have 2 White's Tree Frogs in a 29Gal Tall Aquarium. I want to make a background like some I've seen here, but I have just one problem. I can't put any silicone/GS on the glass, because the tank is technically my father's and he doesn't want anything perminant.

[theamish]

You could try telling him the silicone isn't really permanent. A simple knife and it could be removed. So what you could do (like I am doing now & many others have done) create the GS background on some eggcrate cut to fit the tank, insert the finished eggcrate and just run a bead of silicone around the edges to seal it up. Just an idea.... I guess it depends on how lenant your dad is!

Anyway... good luck!

[FroggieLove]

Thanks theamish, I didn't know you could put just a bead of silicone on the edges... I'll see how it goes over with him.

Thanks bunches!!

[froggsong]

I recommend that you get some of the eggcrate louvers and cut a piece to size, then construct your BG on top of the eggcrate, and then drop it in when it is ready. I am currently doing just that for my BP tank, because I wanted to liven it up a bit, but I don't have anything to put him in while I get it done. I actually started the GS an hour or so ago. Just make sure that when you measure the tank, you account for the thickness if the side panes of glass, so that you are getting an INSIDE measurement, and not an outside one. (just measure across the front, then measure the thickness of the side panes, then subtract from the original measurement. The glass is generally 1/4 inch thick) Then lay something on a table (wax paper, regular paper, whatever) and lay the eggcrate on top, then layer down the GS (let it cure between layers so there is no shrinking). After it has FULLY cured (24 hrs after the last layer is PLENTY of time, but I recommend waiting that long), do small sections with silicone, then cover with whatever you want.

Wow, I guess I forgot to post this last night! I've got mine finished now, all it has to do is cure. I can post a pic for you if you like.

[Athen]

remember you dont have to use egg crate for what theamish and froggsong are recommending you can even use a thin piece of particle board or MDF i actually bought a premade background for a 20G tank that was made with MDF and the GS and silicone features =)

[froggsong]

yup, you are totally right athen! you could probably make a less permanent BG with cardboard, GS, and something pressed on with silicone. It is all about experimentation. You could also buy some insulation foam and carve it an cover it either with silicone and whatever you want for a surface, or you could cover it with concrete/habacrete.

[FroggieLove]

Thanks so much for the ideas guys. Makes so much sense! Oh, and yes froggsong, a picture would be great! Thanks!

[froggsong]

Here you go, this is a pic of the BG, hides, and a fake branch (made of GS) that I made. I am putting a piece of the eggcrate in the bottom of the tank to keep the snake away from the glass so he doesn't potentially get burned. It is all sitting up like it will be in the tank, I just have to let it cure for a few more hours.



EDIT: oops, I broke my link... This is a NEW picture, with everything in the tank, and aspen bedding.

[FroggieLove]

Thanks froggsong, looks great! I learn better from visuals, so the pic helps me out a ton! I've got a good idea on how I'm going to do my BG now, thanks so much!!!

[froggsong]

NP, glad to help. If you have any more questions, just ask!