Ma77hew7's 2nd Build - Zoo Med NT-4

[Ma77hew7]

So when I got back from watching my friends place last weekend... I was welcomed home w/ this


Falling out of mount dead

My water features were not running all weekend, but the filter was. The humidity gets up-to 99% in areas. I knew it was coming, for a couple of the Brom hybrid pups. The root base was just not able to recover,(from the saturated mounting spots), even after moving a couple of them. So it was not a surprise, still sad though. I would set up the drip manifold 1/4" lines much differently. My novice status has reared its ugly head I'm learning a lot that's for sure.


Top half dead on the wood below


I Don't believe that I had a shot of the top... So Here it is.



I built this small egg crate area for some aquatic plants. For them to stay a bit more protected, from all the water disturbances/splashes.



It was to no avail and I ended up losing the original Salvinia natans It was not only due to water constantly splashing on them... Also from inadequate light to the water surface 20" below. I did many bulb tests on the plexi,(prior to the build). My bulb of choice for that area was too hot and warped the test piece... I was only able to use certain bulbs without warping my top. Obviously they are not helping much. Salvinia natans was the first casualty, (from the bulb). That and I'm a novice

Next update is a bit more cheery, I promise. Only a bit though.

[beckdg]

try ge daylight cfl's... the t2's... ~$10 for a 2 pack at walmart... and put 2 in there.

your fan is facing in... so bringing cool air (room temp) into the motor and blowing into the fixture. pc's can get pretty warm so that fan should be able to take it in that direction i'd think. might want to pick up a 2 pack of 9/10 watters and one of 26/27 watters (40 and 100 watt equivalents, respectively). if you find/feel it's still too hot for the fan you can use a lower wattage bulb on that side and still get more light.

you can also use a desk lamp or spare lamp to help out until you can get another fixture.

[Ma77hew7]

Originally Posted by beckdg

try ge daylight cfl's... the t2's... ~$10 for a 2 pack at walmart... and put 2 in there.

your fan is facing in... so bringing cool air (room temp) into the motor and blowing into the fixture. pc's can get pretty warm so that fan should be able to take it in that direction i'd think. might want to pick up a 2 pack of 9/10 watters and one of 26/27 watters (40 and 100 watt equivalents, respectively). if you find/feel it's still too hot for the fan you can use a lower wattage bulb on that side and still get more light.

you can also use a desk lamp or spare lamp to help out until you can get another fixture.

Thanks Beck. I'll give some more cfl's a try... Are you suggesting that I place a smaller watt bulb under the fan side of the Zoo Med hood??? I was just a little confused...

[Ma77hew7]

So here is a pic of the setup prior to a water-scape overhaul and thoroughly cleaning out the organic matter build up in my water area...



I not only came home to the problems listed in my last update post... Also to slightly toxic water. My levels were a bit high and the matter build up from the planted Lilaepsis carolinensis,(amongst other matter),was a little ridiculous. So I started racking my brain, to see why my filter was not pulling any of this junk through the bulk-head. I then looked at the rocks and realized... I had made some additions to the water-scape that were inhibiting the water flow into the filter, ROCKS .



I took all the water out. did a thorough clean job...



I realized I could help my water disturbance problem a little bit, while I had the opportunity. I started by chopping up my little egg crate divider. That way my rocks won't move from all the "rain",(water features dripping). I did have a thought that I might have created,(unintended mind you), a "Rain Chamber" . In the area with the rock sliding problem. We'll see if it looks that way to the frogs when they get in there



A pic w/ a scaled back Lilaepsis carolinensis, and the rock holder in place/ covered. This one also shows the "filter-box" with out the addition to come...



So here's a dry one with the cork secured to the "filter-box". Let me explain...
My whole goal was to have a functional & yet effortless, (after established), water-scape area w/ live plants and all that jazz I believe this modification will greatly help my plight. I basically cut a corner into the cork and wrapped the front of the "filter-box". Gave it room to have water pass underneath it, on two sides, and inside to the bulk-head. Then piled rocks around the rest, so the eyes none the wiser This way rocks are not holding on to all the organic pollutants and crud-in up the water. I also scaled back a lot of rocks to allow water to pass more freely and evenly...


After all that as a post. I figured I'd throw us all a bone, hopefully??? This fun growth on the Kyoto moss, also awaited me when I got home last weekend.



I'll update some more growth updates at around 1 month after planting. The 15th maybe? Thanks for looking, & of course for all your help! Much love members!!!

[beckdg]

Originally Posted by Ma77hew7

Thanks Beck. I'll give some more cfl's a try... Are you suggesting that I place a smaller watt bulb under the fan side of the Zoo Med hood??? I was just a little confused...

no problem... and yes, if you feel it's necessary.

[Ma77hew7]

Bright red showing up in my Tillandsia brachycaulus miniata.



Growth from under the Sphagnum and Hoya macgillivrayi.



Cissus amazonica getting some growth off main cutting.



More to come

[Ma77hew7]

So I have not posted the AMAZING addition of my MistKing "Ultimate Value Misting System"! I'm so happy w/ it! I Literally tried to schedule things around my misting times when I first got it... Cause its that freaking dope! For more you can read my testimonial on Marty's MistKing Site.

MistKing Misting Systems by Jungle Hobbies Ltd

Great packaging!


I highly recommend the timer!


Misting Man I need a better camera

[Ma77hew7]

I finally bought some new plants, on sale of course at my local garden center
(2) Hymenocallis caribaea variegata, (Variegated Spider Lily).
(1) Bonsai'd, (root in stone), dwarf Hawaiian Schefflera arboricola
(2) assorted Bromeliad hybrid pups



Water level left side


Water level right side

[beckdg]

looking good.

gotta love mistking. i got the same system with the zip drip. i love my zip drip. my reservoir actually sits above my terrarium and there's no issues with siphoning which is great. the timers are a fantastic option. it's absolutely phenomenal to be able to set up to 8 settings timed by the second. marty is absolutely fantastic to deal with. the online instructions are great also. makes installation almost mindless. can't say enough good about mistking...

[Porkchop]

This build is AMAZING! really, it makes me want to break out in song!!! I just got a zoo med 18x18x24 myself & this is gonna be really hard to live up to... Great job MA77HEW7!