Step by step 55 Gal vert build!

[FIT BMX]

Now I am just waiting for it to dry.

I used a lot more grout on the bottom because that is where the water feature will run out. Now here are the pics!


Here is the background after a little carving.


The start of grouting.


I put in a piece of 1/2" CPVC pipe that runs out the back, that the water pump will hookup to.




I then cut up a straw and placed it along the front. then I put grout over them.






Once the grout was firm I removed the straws, which left a nice opening for the water to flow, and completely hiding the pipe.


Were it is with all the grout done, (it is still a little green) and the second one is for the other wall.



Should I seal the lower grout were the water runs, or is it okay?

[FIT BMX]

I got the larger of the two backgrounds done today!
I used the same silicone mix, but instead of 100% peat it is 3 parts ground sphagnum and 2 parts peat, this gives it a lighter color.


Here are the backgrounds in the viv for a test fit.




I have found the best thing to grind moss, charcoal and about anything else really fine is a grain mill, it works great!




Here it is half done.


This is the finished product!

[FIT BMX]

I got the background panels fished and installed, and if I may say so they look rather good!

[FIT BMX]

Sorry I haven't posted in a while I have been doing a lot of work on the background, and I think it is done!!!!!!!



The side view.


Front view.


I decided to use up the rest of the grout, and put a rock front on the ledge.


I get a very nice texture on the rock, do to misting it with water while it was still wet, so the water ran down the face giving a weathered look.

[FIT BMX]

Sorry, I have been working so much, I haven't had time to work on it.

I did get some work on the AC/heating done. For duct work I am using vinyl board, that is used for fence. It was just the right size for my heater core, which I got new on Ebay for $2.00+$6.00 for shipping, you can't beat that!
I will have a cooler under the viv stand, which I will fill with hot or cold water (depending on the time of year). Then more water will be run through a coil of tubing, that will sit in the hot/cold water, this water will then run through the heat exchange. Some fans will push air through the exchange and into the viv.
This should give the frogs a perfect temp all the time!