HeavyW 18x18x24 FIRST build

[HeavyW]

Hey guys..

Im just getting into this, and pretty stoked to do it. I have seen a bunch of threads with builds, which have helped me so far, and gotten me interested in this.

I figured I would make a build thread with my progress.

I went and picked up my terrarium yesterday. Its a 18x18x24 Exo-Terra...

Today I cleaned it all out and just beginning my build. I have never done this before. My original plan was to go with pdfs, but, I have my mind closed now on getting a crested gecko.

Here is a quick picture of what I got so far. I am definitely learning as I go.

I put some eggcrate and a fb. I havent got a pump or anything so I really need to think of how I am going to run it. I was thinkin about putting some water in the bottom and pumping it into a waterfall feature. I thought it would do 2 thing, obviosuly give me a nice feature, and at the same time, gives somewhere for the extra water in the viv to go, and then be circulated back.

Any tips will help. Heres what I got done so far




The fake bottom is raised on 3 1/4" pvc. Is this high enough?

I also picked up 2 cans of great stuff, 3 tubes of black silicone.

Tomorrow I need to go get some small planters,driftwood,and coco husks.

I liked Demonics Idea, and will probably put some egg crate on the sides a little as well .

The main unknown for me right now is what I am doing for a filter/pump.


Anyways, stay tuned for updates...and ANY help you can give , feel free.

[beckdg]

you'll want a pump box and v-notches at the bottoms of your vertical supports.

[HeavyW]

Originally Posted by beckdg

you'll want a pump box and v-notches at the bottoms of your vertical supports.

Can you elaborate on that , Im a total noob here. V notches like pcv piping V shaped?

Pump box?

[beckdg]

just cut a notch where it touches the glass. when you water the viv the water won't pool in there and stagnate. drainage...

a box... out of eggcrate... where you can pull the top off and access your pump for maintenance.

[HeavyW]

Okay. Im on it.

As far as the pump goes. Could I not just use a external pump and run the tubing behind the background? Or even a 45 turn made of eggcrate from back to side wall, leaving a spot for tubing?

Im probably not going to jump to far ahead until i find out what im doing for the pump so I dont limit myself.

[beckdg]

you could.

modifications may be necessary depending on your design.

[HeavyW]

Just want to make sure Im doing this proper but here is mine plan

False bottom with 4-5" of water underneath with submersible pump & filter...The pump will pump the water to my water feature, and back into the water reserve again. Im thinking this will do 2 things, give me a water feature solution, as well as keep the water from becoming stagnant. I didn't want to figure out drainage so I figured this would work.

Im going to leave access to the submersible, and once in awhile switch out old water for new.

[mkorolev]

Hey, quick question for you...

How deep is the sealed off bottom part of the 18x18x24? The one that is before the upper door opening? I haven't bought my tank yet and I'm going back and forth between 18x18x24 and 24x18x24, but since the height is the same, I'm guessing the door positioning would be the same.
I'm just trying to figure out the maximum water depth and I can't seem to find any specs on that part of the vivarium. I'm guessing it's at least 3.5" given your false bottom height.

Thanks

[beckdg]

Originally Posted by HeavyW

Just want to make sure Im doing this proper but here is mine plan

False bottom with 4-5" of water underneath with submersible pump & filter...The pump will pump the water to my water feature, and back into the water reserve again. Im thinking this will do 2 things, give me a water feature solution, as well as keep the water from becoming stagnant. I didn't want to figure out drainage so I figured this would work.

Im going to leave access to the submersible, and once in awhile switch out old water for new.

sounds like a plan.

[HeavyW]

Originally Posted by mkorolev

Hey, quick question for you...

How deep is the sealed off bottom part of the 18x18x24? The one that is before the upper door opening? I haven't bought my tank yet and I'm going back and forth between 18x18x24 and 24x18x24, but since the height is the same, I'm guessing the door positioning would be the same.
I'm just trying to figure out the maximum water depth and I can't seem to find any specs on that part of the vivarium. I'm guessing it's at least 3.5" given your false bottom height.

Thanks

My water is about 3.5" high. There is room in the terrarium for about 7" of water...but I dont think that much is needed for what Im doing. I thought about going maybe 5" but after a little bit of thought, I think my 3.5" will do just fine.

As far as tank goes, I just went with whatever budget I had to work with. If you got the money, might as well get the 24x24x18 , but at the same time, I didnt want to buy too big because I knew I would wanted to upgrade once I finished my first viv, lol..


Beck. I might just end up going external pump/filter. All I need to get to really get my build going is some DRIFTWOOD!!

Ive been scoring the lakes with no luck, I will keep the hunt going and might have to order some off eBay or something.