90 Gallon Vivarium Construction Progress

[Marty]

This is a repost from another forum. I've redone my 90 galon diamond viv. After few years of service, the tree fern panels fell apart on me. I decided to build it to last forever. I used epiweb and mortar. Here are some pics of the process

I cant seem to find the early photos, so I'll start with the epiweb already glued to the glass with aquarium silicone. Some black foam is already on.







Haba Create from Deven at HerpInvert.










Future waterfall.


Installed an extra light in the canopy. From AH Supply.


Misting System connected directly to the RO supply. Never have to fill up a reservoir.


This tank is not drained. Prior to this setup I had to disconnect the filter and siphon off a bit of water when the level was getting too high. I decided to use a spare pump and tap into the canister filter and pump off the excess water directly into the house plumbing. Now when I need to get rid of some water I just flip a switch. Actually, I have it rigged on a timer, idea is to turn it on daily for say 20 sec to pump off the extra water automatically.


Canopy open, with the extra light in the lid


Acrylic Lid lifted with a fan to keep the condensation off.


I hate false bottoms. For this setup I used epiweb chunks as a substrate. It will also act as a filter. Landscaping fabric on top. YOu can see the water area forming.


Didn't want the front to show epiweb, so I jammed some aquarium gravel in the front of the tank.


Ready for planting


Part of the plants from Antone of Spring Valley Tropicals. All plants arrived in great shape. Anton was a pleasure to deal with!


Front Pannel with all the controls. Timers are visible when the cabinet door is open. These switches control the following: viv lights, cabinet light, waterfall (filter), heater, drain pump, air bubbles in the water, misting system and the fans... Timers are used for the drain pump, misting system and the lights. It was a pain to set up and organize the wire jungle, but it's a lot of fun operating the viv from the pannel.


Vivarium has been planted for about 1 week. Broms are dropping roots already.


I don't want to use and java moss nor any other moss for that matter. I'm going to experiment with riccia only. I got bunch of riccia from Brian of Brian's Tropicals. It arrived in perfect shape. Brian is very easy to deal with.


More riccia




The water area with a few plants.


Broms from Antone.




Waterfall and some riccia


Misting System is working overtime in this tank. I want to make sure that riccia takes over the tank.


This is the fresh tank after about 7-10 days. I still need to add few more plants and wait for everything to overgrow. I'm waiting for some miniature orchids. Right now there is a group of 8 leucs roaming around the viv.

Few pics of the occupants - Leucs

[iridebmx]

i love it! ive looked at it a few times this week.....and keep on stumbling across it .i just love the corner tank!

[Ari Gold]

Inspiration to us all - thanks for sharing this exquisite vision!

[JohnEDove]

Could someone make this a sticky on this thread please.
All that is missing on this one are specifics on the lighting types and distances.

[froggsong]

Wow, I missed this one... Great job, Marty... (Of course... )

[marilu]

Wonderful job...a huge inspiration to a newcomer! Thanks so much for posting this!

[JohnEDove]

My thanks to the Mod (Frogsong I believe) for sticking this one where it will be easy to find.
Now can someone identify the lighting?

[froggsong]

Come on Marty, don't forget about us over here! Some folks want to know more about your lighting...

And I want to know your address so I can come to your house and rob you of your vives, lol... jk, of course!

Wouldn't that be an odd robbery?

Officer: So, what did they take?
Marty: They stole all of my vivariums.
Officer: What's a vivarium?
Marty tells the officer and then...
Officer: How the heck did they get those out of the house?!?

lol, it's less corny when you are the one imagining it.

[wickerstone]

your tank is just incredible!!! AWESOME...AWESOME JOB! Thanks for the pics!!!

[Marty]

Originally Posted by wickerstone

your tank is just incredible!!! AWESOME...AWESOME JOB! Thanks for the pics!!!

Lights are from AH Supply. I got 3 55W compact fluorescent lights. you can get light kits from them here Compact Fluorescent Lighting Kits

Thanks, glad you guys like it... I've added a few orchids since then. Here's another pic