I used many builds I've viewed postings of or seen displays of, for inspiration into this build. I will say, the older Black Jungle builds influenced me heavily! I also want to Thank Black Jungle for great customer service, excellent products and plants, the new "Rewards" program kicks ace!
I have longed to incorporate features of many builders designs, into a Viv of my own. So hopefully here goes somthin!
This is My 2nd build ever, I'm so excited and have learned a lot through trial and error in my first build. I know there will still be issues, thankfully I have the community now to bounce ideas, and problems off of
So without further adieu...
My original intention was to use an Exo-Terra PT2607 - 18"x18"x24"(WxDxH). The problem was, I couldn't find a suitable one on Craigs. Not that I'm opposed to Zoo Med, "Naturalistic Terrariums", ha ha; but that I'm very familiar w/ Exo-T's,(I have owned 4 of them).
So anyway... back to the build.
I started with the Zoo Med NT-4, w/ a hood,(that I got a killer deal on), both were in great shape. That along with price-point, helped me get over my Exo-T addiction. I had read lots of pros for Zoo Med's, so I was happy to try one out for myself.
I drilled out one of the cord holes to fit my pump cord, behind the lid. I have seen posts on other forums where people let the little plastic shell dictate what they do in the Viv. Don't do that, drill it, cut in, saw it, I've even butane torched my way around those lids, they are pretty forgiving,(both Exo-T's and Zoo Med's), and stronger than they look or seem...
I then started by silicone spreading on the sides,(not too concerned with my walls view of the Viv, hence no silicone on the back).
Then I placed the underwater heater,($13 Hydor Mini Submersible Heater,from a lps). I have had great success with Hydor's for Viv's where I only have 1-3" of water and not much space, or depth for bulky tube style heaters.
Sorry for the book, I'm excited
let me know if I'm too verbose...
Now on to the water features... Yes I said features, this small container is going to have a lot going on! I'm super into it! My original plan was to have a multifunctional drip wall/ waterfall feature built in. Run by one internal workhorse pump,(used for outdoor ponds), running a 3/8” tubing into the dripper manifold – Who would then send H2O to 8 other ¼” lines!
The best part,(pun intended), is that the dripper manifold has adjustable flow! So I can control each of the eight lines output depending on its desired function, plants nearby, etc. I might be a little over zealous about this thing, but it's functionality has been my saving grace many a times in this build thus far!
I wanted to conceal the pump,(which I purchased from a local garden center $13), from view obviously. So I set out for the perfect starting point to a cave for my little H2O loving friend.
Now I don't know about you guys but once I have it in my head about a specific Viv product, and I think its going to be perfect. I will end up trying to make it that way until I either destroy it, or make it work...
That being said... I finally found my cave of choice, Habascape Cave $8 off Amazon, (did not find a distributor who worked w/ lps's in CO). They look great, and are easy to drill/cut/grind. I'm tired. I'll post more later Thanks!
Ma77hew7's 2nd Build - Zoo Med NT-4
for some reason in a late night session... Of course the next day was "trash day" and when I went to go dig it out I found out it was lost... So I ended up buying a used screen lid,(more durable one with metal frame for standard aquariums to terrariums), for $4 at lps. I cut out the section I needed and put the rest in my materials section of my garage. The reason I did not keep the old one attached is that I like the look of a clean top. I wanted it to look as if I bought it that way. I also liked using the roughly 1/16" area the screen was housed in for extra grip to bond the Plexi into. I might try your method next time, just to see the difference.
Linear Mode
