First Viv with GS background for fire belly toads. With waterfall and plants.

bronzie8 · #1 07-01-2010, 01:03 AM

This forum is awesome, I have learned so much in the past few weeks. I actually took on my first build and am looking forward to the next all ready.
I used a 44 Hex tank and made the background with GS foam.
I used the GS in the blue can and found it worked very well. I did it in two layers, 1 thin and the second put in pots and driftwood. I carved out some cliffs and caves for plants.

beckdg · #2 07-01-2010, 01:24 AM

sweet, welcome to the site.

oh, and... pics or it never happened... site motto, sorry...

bronzie8 · #3 07-01-2010, 01:29 AM

Hey, I am trying to add pics, how do I do that?
Thanks in advance

beckdg · #4 07-01-2010, 01:30 AM

there's a sticky in the introductions section.

if you're hosting them on another site i believe it's as easy as clicking on the little mountain and attaching them with a link provided... copy and paste...

bronzie8 · #5 07-01-2010, 01:56 PM

Ok, finally got my pics uploaded. I put on one thin layer of GS foam and let it dry for 24 hours. In the second coat I added the pots and driftwood. I decided to use an Exo waterfall, it has the filter inside with very easy access and an adjustable pump. I covered it with saran wrap to protect it from the silicone. I marked the tank where the waterline will be with a marker, I don't want the foam to be in the water. Oh yeah, this is a 44 Hex and will be housing 2 or 3 Fire Belly Toads and some guppies.

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bronzie8 · #6 07-01-2010, 02:06 PM

I decided to carve some ledges and caves, it actually worked out well, I have more places to plant some Broms and Ferns. I also carved down the top edge so the cover will fit tight in the back. I made sure that the foam was carved very close to the waterfall to keep froggies from going behind.

I didn't get any pics of the silicone process, sorry. I used GE II black silicone, it took 4 tubes to cover the foam. Not necessary to cover the inside of the pots. Make sure you put it on pretty thick, otherwise you will have bare spots. It is easiest to use your fingers to spread the silicone, be sure and wear gloves, it is a very messy process. I forgot in the first post, it took 3 cans of GS to cover the sides of the tank. I mixed Coco husk and sphagnum moss, I like the tone of colors, light and dark. It keeps the Viv from looking too dark. I also let this dry for 24 hours and I used a small vacuum with a "blow" feature to gently blow off the excess mosses.

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froggsong · #7 07-01-2010, 02:13 PM

That's looking great so far! I really admire your ability to lay perfectly straight lines of GS.

I normally don't like the exoterra waterfalls, but it looks like they are making those much more realistic. I think it makes a nice addition to the tank. I can't wait to see more progress.

bronzie8 · #8 07-01-2010, 02:20 PM

Now comes the puzzle part..LOL Making the rock wall balanced and thin enough so there is enough room for lava rock, Hydro balls and soil. I graduated it as much as I could so the froggies could get out of the water easily. Next, behind the wall on the soil side, I added 3/4 lava rock and 1/4 Hydro Balls. The lava and Hydro Balls need a thorough washing, the HB are VERY dirty, if you have an old colander to use that will save a lot of time and mess trying to get all of the dirt. Next I used some screen to cover the HB, to keep the soil out of the water. You want to make sure that the soil level will be well about the water level and if you are planting, make sure it is deep enough for the root ball.

I used Jungle Bed for the soil. I planted moss so it would flow over the edge to the water and a Brom in the soil bed. 2 spider plants and 4 ivy in the back wall. Next I will get some air plants and maybe a small orchid to finish off the background. The water fall has a minimum of 4" of water to work properly, so the background is up 6" off the water level to make sure it doesn't come in contact with the water. I planted a few aquarium plants, the gravel is mixed with flourite substrate. Next comes a small computer fan to provide circulation. I am going to replace the glass top with plexiglass so I can drill a hole big enough to mount the fan directly in the top. That way the froggies can't come in contact with the blades. Next comes a fogger, some Fire Belly Toads and guppies and it will be complete.
Sorry about the pics, I couldn't use the flash, so they are a bit dark.

bronzie8 · #9 07-01-2010, 02:38 PM

Thanks, I am very happy with my first try! All Thanks to this forum and all of the knowledge gained from everyone here.

bronzie8 · #10 07-01-2010, 03:07 PM

I thought I would share a pic of my newly planted 55 gal. aquarium. I have 2 large Plecos, angels, clown loach, neons, gouarmi and a few others.