GRIMM's Vivarium Build #2

[Grimm]

Hey all! Back again with a smaller viv exactly 1/2 the size of my first. I'm actually building this viv for a "customer" unless I fall in love with it once it is completed. Time will tell haha.

This build is fairly similar to my current completed build, however working with a smaller tank will focus my attention on space saving while still having land and water areas. My plans are to have a slow trickelling "stream" running from the front right corner of the tank (about 1/3 up), around the back and down into the main water area. Having this stream will be a good way to grow a lot of moss without the risk of it drying out (as there will not be an automatic misting system). There will be a small cave in the bottom right corner to hide the pump and/or filter depending how much space I have. And in addition to the foam/silicone background I will have a few larger branches running across the top to give the critter more climbing space.

I'll try and keep everyone updated with current pics. Here is my work as of yesterday morning.

[Herpetology101]

looking good. planning a waterfeature for this one too?

[TheHamr]

Sounds like the water feature will be quite interesting in this one, I look forward to seeing it progress.

[Epiphile]

Looks great- how about an updated shot of the first one while you've got the camera out?

[Grimm]

Yeah hopefully it turns out...There will be a lot of testing to make sure I get water to many different areas along the "cliff wall", aswell as making sure it doesnt run down into the smaller land area (back left corner). I think I'm going to put a small pond near the lower piece of driftwood. I want the wood fingers dropping down into the water so I can have moss grow vertically up it.

Its hard to understand what it will look like with my terrible descriptions haha... I have a little more work done on it from yesterday so I will post another quick pic later once I work on it some more tonight. Hopefully it will clear up the design a little better. The problem is having to build-up the foam in small enough layer to allow it to fully cure...I hate waiting! haha

[Grimm]

Originally Posted by Epiphile

Looks great- how about an updated shot of the first one while you've got the camera out?

I could do that for you tonight if you like....It hasnt changed much, it actually has less plants in it then before.

Once I finish the main construction of this new viv, I will be taking out most of the plants from my larger viv and temporarily keeping them inside for humidity. Im doing this so I can fix the land/water barrier in my large viv, aswell as replace all my substrate, and adding leaf littre and new moss to replace my dead sphagnum. I will also drill holes in the bottom of each plant pot near the waterfall as the waters capilary action through the co-co fiber has filled the pots with water.

[Epiphile]

Well, whenever you're ready, I guess. At least you're able to fix up the first one and the problems don't necessitate a complete teardown.

Looking forward to seeing everything come along.

[RecycledAgain]

Those water features can be a pain in the rear, I have stopped adding them completely.

Dan

[Grimm]

To each their own I guess. IMO some of the nicest looking vivs have water features running through the tank...Just look at Marty's 90 Galon.

With enough testing I dont think I will have many problems. That was my downfall on my 1st viv. I didnt test with the maximum water capacity and it turns out their was a leak near the top of the barrier.

I'm thinking of doing the top using silicone and co-co fiber...And on the lower half, (anywhere in constant contact with water) using the grout technique. I just have to do more research on what types of product to get.

[RecycledAgain]

It wasn't the design that frustrated me .. the frogs over time would track stuff in the drain area and it would start to back up.

Dan