my method of building fake / faux rocks

[flamethis]

RudeReefer, I just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration on this project...I'm about to start my own and you've given me some great ideas.
And your reef, WOW! Almost enough to make me fall off the wagon. lol

I picked up my foam and great stuff today, going back for the leveling cement tomorrow. Can i ask how much space you left a the edges of your false bottom to hide the eggcrate? That's the first step for me I suppose.

[Herpetology101]

does the cement you are using have any affect on the plants or is like rinsed out throughly? sorry if this has already been asked big thread dont want to have to go through it all. Also EXCELLENT jobs on the backrounds...the first one looks bigger than a 10g i guess its my perception lol anyways thanks for the inspiration.

Michael

[drillman]

What is the red plant in the bottom of the vivarium and how large does it get?

[Epiphile]

Are you referring to the Cryptanthus, drillman? If so, it shouldn't get too much bigger than it is there.

[Marty]

great builds man.... I have to get me the hot knife, I like the striations that it makes as you slide it back and forth. When I have a bit more time I'll have to experiment with it.

[RudeReefer]

Hey everyone! I have been swamped with projects at work, and been trying to finish up my car, so the last build has been on hold for a bit. I'm hoping to show some progress soon. The waterfall is doing great, the frogs are happy! Thanks for the compliments!!

[Adam Kenny]

Hey Reefer!

This thread, for me, is a jackpot! I've recently just gotten back into keeping some herps, where as years ago I was keeping and breeding over 40 different species, I am now concentrating on just a few things. And because I'm concentrating on a few things, I planned on making some impressive set ups!


I started to plan on a very large set up which will eventually include a large waterfall, river bed, and pool. So I hadn't a clue where to start! I was throwing some ideas up in the air, many of them included foam, when I ran across this thread.

Your work is great! And thank you very much for sharing it. The project I'm going to be working on will be slightly different from what you've shown here, as firstly I'll be working with a wooden viv with sliding glass doors. However I've never worked with so much water in a set up, and I was wondering if you could advise me on a few things?

Like lining the wood? I was going to line it with some ABS thermoplastic sheets, silocone it in and seal it. Then work on a small frame to build the riverbed and pool (I'll throw together a quick diagram in mspaint to give you an idea). I'll be filtering the water and creating a waterfall, much like your second project you posted here. However I'm not sure if I should keep the water contained to the pool/river, or like yourself, use a fake floor grid?

I'll draw you a diagram, and maybe you can advise me on it? Like how many pumps/filters will I need? Also I won't be able to remove the water feature as it is a large viv (6 foot in length), can you advise a way to clean out the water monthly/weekly?

Oh, also, I'll be keeping water dragons and basilisks in the enclosure. And I'm not sure about live plants... If it's easier to make this setup where I won't be able to plant live plants, I don't mind one bit! However, if it's easier to make a fake floor I don't see why not....


Here's a diagram:


Hope you can understand this... So you can see here, the real question is, do I try and make the river/pools completely water tight? Or do I create a fake floor with drainage and let it the water drain? The viv is entirely made from wood safe the front glass sliding doors.. So I'm slightly worried about rot/etc.

And which option would be the easiest to clean?

Thanks for any help!

I'm so glad I stumbled across this forum.

-A

[RudeReefer]

Originally Posted by Adam Kenny

Hey Epi,

Yeah I defo will. I just thought I'd post it here as I'm going to try and use Reefer's technique.

-A

Hey man, awesome idea! Have you thought of a acrylic enclosure instead of wood? Then here would be no worries on rotting, and possible leaks maybe. In my opinion, the more water, the better water quality you will have with less problems. Remember I am a reefer, and the more water the better.. my reef system is 450g... I am a novice when it comes to herps, but we're talking water now. It deosn't take much water depth if you have a small pump. My pump was overkill, and is turned down quite a bit, cause I get some splashing that eventually makes a lot of ground pretty wet in spots,,which in turn will start killing some plants. I had to add more soil, and drop the water level about a half an inch, cause it was effecting my bonsia tree's health. I am currently out of the country right now for a few weeks and will b online here and there,, let me know if you have more questions, !

Rudy

[RudeReefer]

plus, if you look into a 6 foot acrylic tank, you can plumb the water lines and or drains into a sump and have easier access underneath to do water changes,,, my reef tank is ten feet long, 26 inches high, 30 deep, then I have two 55 gallon sumps linked under that to hold my pumps and circulate the water up and down. Maybe you could find a used acrylic tank?? Wood scares me I guess.. BUT i've seen guys make fish tanks using wood.. so who knows??

[ducktales2006]

I really wish I could create rocks that look like that.... what i have come up with thus far has looked like crap.... that is amazing!