55 Gal Vivarium build

[frostycold1]

After researching for quite awhile I decided to get started on this project
PDF's were my first choice but that soon changed after realizing some of the challenges in caring for them.
Since my viv now has two ponds , I decided on FBT's to start with. If everything turns out well I will try a small viv with PDF's.

So heres the beginning:

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The false bottom framework. Door on end to get to pump. Rocks have been siliconed in, only have a few more to go on 2 nd pond. Rocks were boiled and rinsed before use.

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Used a weed barrier that I'm not to sure about. I don't think water is going to drain. It will pour over the sides into tank which will work. The waterfall will flow into pond 1.
I have clay balls and screen to use with substrate.

I have much more done but could only download five pics... more to come.

[frostycold1]

Ok heres some more.
Had idea to make background onto two pieces of eggcrate. It worked ok until it dried and warped a little. I didn't want to silicone it to the glass so I could dismantle tank if I needed to. Looks like now I'm going to have to glue it down. Don't want any gaps.

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The rocks on the pond should be high enough to hold back substrate.
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Here you can see how waterfall will low into pond. Still need to do carving.
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1/2 of the background is done. Need 3 more cans of GS. Good thing it's only $ 3.70 a can.
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I have several more of the bottom and what everything looks like so far.

[frostycold1]

Heres what I got so far. Should do some more rockwork and background next week.

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[frostycold1]

Oh yeah, those are aquarium strip lights. I'll be putting on vented glass tops(hopefully) with a new hood of some kind. Not that far yet.

[Dragas]

Good Job, looks great !

Questions:

What pump will you be using ?

Did you already run the tubing for the waterfall ?

[frostycold1]

I had a power head laying around to use. It pumps enough water, I hope.
I'm going to run the hose into the second part of the background. Hopefully the water will flow in a stream towards the upper pool on the other background half that will overflow to create the waterfall.
Still have some carving to do to create that upper pool.

I may have to put in a filter, not sure how to do that yet.

[froggsong]

I really like it. I love the way you did your rocks for the shore of your ponds. I might steal that, lol...

[thriftyaaamom]

I love your rock background!

Where are you finding GS for $3.70 a can? I am paying close to $7 at HD or Lowes.

[froggsong]

Wal-Mart is around 5 bucks a can here, compared to about 7.50 at Home Depot... Not sure where the OP is getting theirs, but that's where I get mine... Lately they have had cans with more in them too (a bonus thing, hope they continue having them!). They also have all three varieties.

[Waterkeeper]

I really like how your pond turned out. looks like that latchhook stuff worked out well.