New vertical vivarium build log with pics

Adventure King · #1 07-13-2010, 02:00 PM

Hey I'm going to build a new vertical vivarium! It's a 12x18x24 and I think it's a 25 gallon. I got it used for $20 at my local petstore and it was in really bad shape. The silicone was really old and dirty and there was bad hard water deposits. Not to mention they had drilled a hole in the bottom (which will be the back) to hook it up to their system. So I got to work.....

Here is the tank after I resiliconed it.

Here is what it will be like normally

And these are the nasties, currently soaking in vinegar

This thread might take a really long time because I'm struggling to get enough money to buy the stuff needed.

little98dime · #2 07-13-2010, 02:45 PM

Actually that is a 20 high. A 25 would be 24x12x20. If you need any ideas or help, I have a 20 high that I converted for my cresty.

froggsong · #3 07-13-2010, 02:48 PM

Nice dimensions on that tank. Sometimes you've got to scrub and scrub, but it's worth it in the end! You should have seen the 55g I'm using for a QT tank for my CWD...

I'm VERY good at finding deals and figuring out ways to get things on the cheap. If you'll outline what you plan to do and what supplies you are planning to buy, I might be able to help you figure out how to cut costs. I've been spending money on the hobby alot more lately, but it wasn't long ago when buying feeders was a stretch.

beckdg · #4 07-13-2010, 06:32 PM

How to make the glass nice n shiny?

Adventure King · #5 07-14-2010, 12:50 PM

Ahh, a new morning and a bunch of progress! I got the plexiglass siliconed into the bottom and the false bottom made! plus the pump that I ordered came yesterday. All this happened simply because of super cheap prices at HD!

New and improved tank

False bottom

The only support, made of scrap PVC

And Pedro, eying the competition

I've got landscape fabric, but I don't know how I'm going to attach it to the false bottom because zip ties seem like they'd rip the fabric and silicone doesn't seem very efficient. Any feedback would be apprieciated.

froggsong · #6 07-14-2010, 02:10 PM

Hey, instead of copying the thumbnail link, copy the BBCode for the image (the IMG code). That way it doesn't show a super tiny pic that no one can see, and I don't have to fix the code.

Lookin' good, btw.

I'm not sure the best way to do the landscape fabric, but I think zip ties will be ok. Just cut a small slit where you need to feed a zip tie through and zip away. I always use fiberglass window screen, it's easy to zip tie on or sew on with fishing line.

Adventure King · #7 07-19-2010, 09:48 PM

So I got the pump all working and I bought some LECA too. As for the landscape fabric it turned out that it would rot in days if it was soaked in water for a period of time and the cheapest thing turned out to be heater vents with mesh on the back for about a buck. I ripped out the mesh and zip tied it on.

I am going to be gone for the next two weeks so I won't get any progress done, but I have some questions for you to answer while I'm gone.
1. I'm looking for a good tropical pillow moss but can't find any for a price I'm willing to pay. Any suggestions?
2. What's all the big deal about RO water? Is it essential for the frogs? Could I just let the water sit and let the chlorines and chloramines evaporate out?
3. Is there a possibility that there would be a local breeder in the Salt Lake City area? Or is it just too hot and dry?

little98dime · #8 07-20-2010, 08:03 PM

Froggsong can get you some nice mosses that will do well in your viv. I'll be ordering some from her myself soon.

Adventure King · #9 08-01-2010, 11:00 PM

Another question since I'm new to vivarium building and the world, What are computer fans? are they needed for ventilation? if so, how would I install one?

Froggsong, what sorts of mosses do you have? I know you usually keep java moss.

And I'm sorry to say that Pedro, my GTF, passed away the other night. He was a Nutta Butta Gangsta and will always be in my heart.

froggsong · #10 08-02-2010, 12:31 AM

I keep java in my aquariums. I have a plethora of terrestrial mosses growing right outside my door, as I live in the Pacific Northwest. You can look at my gallery album that is titled "Mosses and Ferns" or something of the like to see just a few of the varieties I have available. More pictures won't be coming till the fall.

Computer fans are just that, fans from computers. There are a couple of real good threads that tell how to wire them up, do a quick search and if you can't find it, I'll see if I can. They are used to move the air around so that it doesn't stagnate in environs that need to stay very humid. Ventilation can be done, but unless you need it very dry, it's best to install it in such a way that it just blows the air in the tank around to keep it fresher.

I'm really sorry about Pedro. I lost my big girl Joe not long ago myself.

There's a thread about her, where Grimm and I were sharing photos of our lost babies, if you'd like to go post pics of Pedro. It's in the Tree Frogs section, I believe.