Tips and Tricks

[brp4e.]

For cutting egg crate I use these bad boys... http://www.globalgroupbuy.com/images...p/gm0490_p.jpg

It works really well from my experience and it is relatively accurate, only downside is that your palm may get a bit sore after a while, but it isn't too unbearable.

[Quack]

When using silicone, tape up the area around what you are siliconing with masking tape (or painters tape, whatever you want to call it) and dip your fingers in soapy water before smearing it so it won't stick to your fingers. You have to keep dipping your fingers in the soapy water to keep it off. As soon as you're done smearing, pull the tape up, it will leave a nice straight edge.

[rookcc11376]

okay, ive got one. G/S your plant containers into background and then when your ready to plant use another container. You will be able to remove plants easier if you have problems without disrupting the viv and if you want to rearrange the look its as simple as pulling the cups out and sliding into another location. I found this out after i had a few plants wilt and die. much easier to take out and replant.

[Bulb]

I got a tip regarding old terrariums:

If the bottom sheet of glass is cracked and silicone repair isn't an option, build a frame of wood in which you fasten pond liner or waterproff tarp cloth. Simple, cheap and effective way to waterproof your terrarium. Just make sure that the wooden planks used are pretty high, so that you can get in substrate of the required depth.

Another tip on substrates in terrariums is to have a layer of Ex-clay pellets in the bottom of the tank. Don't know if the material is popular in the US but here in Sweden it is commonplace, can be cheaply bought at a HD equivalent. What it does is prevent the substrate from sitting in water and rotting, something that you don't want to happen. If you are incorporating a falce bottom into your terrarium this isn't neccesary, but if you aren't i definetly reccomend it.