Almost ready to begin construction

[mh32]

Well I have now built two what I call practice vivs. The're not the best but I am enjoying them.

Over the last couple of months I have been collecting glass and other supplies from thrift stores and from work. I think I have most of the supplies that I need. But before I start I was hoping for some ideas.

My thought was to make it about 30 x 24 x 18 inches. I would use a plywood back and have a false bottom. From what I've been reading I probably want a door that opens down and maybe some computer fans for circulation. I will use a bulkhead for drainage and use a filter and pump below the tank. I will want some type of water feature and maybe even a few different ones. Now the pump and filter are things I would love suggestions for since I don't have those yet.

For filtration though I was wondering if this setup or similar would work. It looks great to me and fairly low maintenence.
New Custom Viv journal

I will definitely be trying a fake rock technique similar to this one.
http://www.dendroboard.com/parts-con...c22606-15.html

So that's what I'm thinking. I'm very open to suggestions. I want this thing to be nice and am willing to take a long time and be very patient.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[mh32]

Nobody has any comments, suggestions, or ideas?

[Pavel]

Fraid I can't be of any help with the filtration & water system (I've never done water features) but the thread you linked to was very cool!

[mh32]

Yeah, if I could pull something off half as good as that I would be pleased.

I have got my pump, but still wondering if anyone has used that type of filtration.

Another question is if I use plywood for the back of my viv does it need to be waterproofed with silicone or epoxy or would the GS be good enough?

[Pavel]

I seem to recall someone in the past (perhaps on another forum? ) mention using a sealant on the plywood -- might have been the same stuff used to seal wood on boats.

[mh32]

I guess I should mention that the plywood won't be submerged. I will make an all glass bottom tank and then start the plywood above the water line. So there should be no direct water or soaking.

[Pavel]

Sealing might still be advisable as I'm assuming the tank will be very humid and that could still encourage mold/mildew growth in the plywood.

[Sharkdude]

the link to the custom viv is very cool.
the incorporated filter section is ingenious and very similar to a simple sump/wet dry filtration system found in fresh and saltwater aquaria. It should work very well for keeping the water biologically active and filtering fish and amphib waste.

[mh32]

Thanks

It looked like it should work pretty well. Just wanted to make sure.

I just got a pump that should probably do the trick. But now I am wondering if I need to use bio balls or what for the filtration. I really have no experience with a filter of this type. Any more thoughts would be appreciated.

[Sharkdude]

do a search for freshwater aquarium filtration.
there are basically 3 types of filtration: mechanical, biological, and chemical.
First is Mechanical will be something like filter floss to trap particulates, etc.
it will need to be rinsed periodically. Next is Biological. The bioballs will provide surface area for beneficial bacteria to process dissolved waste. search for info on Nitrogen Cycle. last is Chemical which can be granulated carbon or some type of adsorption media, etc. This will help 'polish' the water and removed other dissolved organics.

I have experience with aquaria, but not application to a vivarium, but I can't imagine it being too different in concept.

same concept in the in-tank self contained filter pumps, just on smaller scale.