Canada Day Weekend Build! : Clay Background Method

[RecycledAgain]

Organic builds are the newest trend with Dendrobates, the idea of the clay is first, its organic and the theory is to allow the microfuana to absorb the organics mainly as calcium and trace minerals,in turn give the Dendrobates better nutrition. I gotta admit , I wish I had seen these ideas in a functional settings sooner.
It is very fast from start to finish (cat litter method) Some are a lengthy process involving many steps of mixing to slow the release and break down of the clay.
The thing that most people seem to have a problem understanding is that the idea is to Not Let The Clay Dry. Dry will flake and break down and defeat the idea. Many folks have been running drip walls for years on clay based backgrounds and substrates with good results.

I am on the edge of committing my gigantic exoterra to this same process, .. I would very much like to hear more from you on your experiences Grimm.

Dan

[claymore]

Dammit Grim you did it again!!! lol...

I was planning on incorporating the clay method on my 29 gallon... Now everybody is gonna think i'm copying you


But Seriously Great Job and I can't wait to see the End results!

[Grimm]

Originally Posted by froggsong

...You are a vive builder after my own heart. I love experimenting with new techniques. Now, I totally wish I had some cat litter that I could use here at the house. I don't think the hubby will let me go buy any... Anywho, I'd like to see some shots maybe with the flash on. Maybe a closeup from the front, too. It's definitely an interesting technique. Do you have any links to the threads that inspired you?

I appologize in advance..I have been drinking and am very tipsy at the moment....anyways...

Froggy go pick up a box, its only 5$. I only used about 4-5kgs on this tank! You will not regret it!

Here are a few pics from my progress today....I found the perfect piece of driftwood, installed it, then added a few details, and mixed my substrate. I used roughtly these quantities...
-2 cups eco earth
-1 cup peat moss
-1/2 cup charcoal
-1/2 cup orchid bark
-1/2 cup milled sphagnum

Wow I am F'ed up right now.... Here are the pics...If you have any further questions I will answer them in full force tomorrow

[Grimm]

Originally Posted by RecycledAgain

Organic builds are the newest trend with Dendrobates, the idea of the clay is first, its organic and the theory is to allow the microfuana to absorb the organics mainly as calcium and trace minerals,in turn give the Dendrobates better nutrition. I gotta admit , I wish I had seen these ideas in a functional settings sooner.
It is very fast from start to finish (cat litter method) Some are a lengthy process involving many steps of mixing to slow the release and break down of the clay.
The thing that most people seem to have a problem understanding is that the idea is to Not Let The Clay Dry. Dry will flake and break down and defeat the idea. Many folks have been running drip walls for years on clay based backgrounds and substrates with good results.

I am on the edge of committing my gigantic exoterra to this same process, .. I would very much like to hear more from you on your experiences Grimm.

Dan

Good point bud...The calcium is definately a selling point and one of the main reasons to use clay based substrates. My next build will use calcium bentonite instead of this kitty litter.

I would hold off until you start your large tank. Im still not entirely sure which clay method holds up to heavy moisture, but I'll let you know as soon as I find it. As of right now, I wouldnt use this kitty litter in constant contact with a water feature since it become slimy and begins to fall apart.

[Grimm]

Originally Posted by claymore

Dammit Grim you did it again!!! lol...

I was planning on incorporating the clay method on my 29 gallon... Now everybody is gonna think i'm copying you


But Seriously Great Job and I can't wait to see the End results!

Haha dont worry man, Im not the 1st person to try this method so you wont be copying me. Glad you are liking the build!

[beckdg]

Originally Posted by Grimm

As of right now, I wouldnt use this kitty litter in constant contact with a water feature since it become slimy and begins to fall apart.

that's what i was afraid of. it would have to stay wet to hold it's form, yet too wet and it might wash away. i'm sure it's a tank compared to g/s too. then again, seems it'd be an excellent b/g for plants. so, there's trade-offs.

either way, looks great so far... as usual. can't wait to see how it comes out.

[Reptiworld]

Great idea, sir.. i've got some kiddy clay laying around.. i think i'll expiriment a little with that :P gimmie some more detail of how u got the clay to stick mhhm?

sorry for the bad grammar, in sorta a rush, Great as always, grim, much love, jazz

(no homo)

[Grimm]

...I just stuck it to the glass...lol

Just make sure that the mixture isnt watery...If I wanted to, I could have made a sculpture out of my mixture it was so tough and hard to mix, just like normal clay.

[Reptiworld]

nice tank A. always grimm

[Reptiworld]

ima try this out, i have some clay..