Juvie crestie cage

HDreptiles · #1 09-04-2012, 09:37 PM

So, I picked up an Exo-Terra 12"x12"x18" viv on the cheap the other day. And my wife and I want a crestie. I figured it would be a good terrarium to start with as we plan on getting a juvinile or hatchling at the NARBC show in October. The plan is this. I am going to silicone the back wall as there is a large crack in it, and put some GS over it. Then add some wood in the GS and silicone over the background. I will also be pressing some cocoa fiber into the silicone. As for live plants, I will start with fake ones, and add live as I go just to make sure I don't kill all the plants at once. As for substrate, I am not sure what to use. I know I need a drainage layer, but beyond that, I am sorta lost. Any help would be appreciated.

Here is what I have so far.

HDreptiles · #2 09-05-2012, 05:11 PM

So. The original plan was to do about 1"-2" of Hydroton, then some screen of some sort, then dirt, then some moss. Now I am wondering if I should just go a head and do a false bottom? Any suggestions?

HDreptiles · #3 09-05-2012, 07:20 PM

So. Some changes. I added a false bottom. The main reason is I wanted to be able to siphon out extra water without having a hose hanging out of the viv permanently. I cut a piece of 3/4" PVC and put it in one corner to run a piece of tubing down. I think I am going to be very happy with that mod. Might also have to redo the wood and ditch a Piece or two. Now I just need some screen to finish the false bottom and then on to the background.

Might just have to cut down some of the wood so It does not go all the way to the bottom. If I don't, I will have to do the background with the bottom in the tank.

Thoughts?

x5tr41ghtj4ck3t · #4 09-06-2012, 09:17 AM

No current thoughts on the wood, other than maybe working on your tank without it in the way. Also, your false bottom is slightly angled. I don't see it being a real issue of any kind unless you feel that it needs to be absolutely perfect.
Just wondering... how on earth did you get the false bottom in there without moving the wood?

HDreptiles · #5 09-06-2012, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by x5tr41ghtj4ck3t

No current thoughts on the wood, other than maybe working on your tank without it in the way. Also, your false bottom is slightly angled. I don't see it being a real issue of any kind unless you feel that it needs to be absolutely perfect.
Just wondering... how on earth did you get the false bottom in there without moving the wood?

Not really worried about it being level as long as it functions properly. Then again, my need for perfection may make me change it. And, I had to take the wood out to get it in there. I am thinking of taking one or 2 or the pieces out that reach all the way to the false bottom. Not sure if I want them sitting in the substrate, but not sure it will be that big of a problem.

HDreptiles · #6 11-09-2012, 12:21 PM

Finally got something I can use.

Going to do the silicone today and hopefully the greatstuff will follow shortly.

Updates in a few.

HDreptiles · #7 11-09-2012, 03:08 PM

Silicone is on.

1st coat.

2nd coat.

This are will be for a feeding tray that will hold a couple of small cups I have.

Going to let this cure overnight then do the foam tomorrow. Planning on painting the sides and back so you won't see the imperfections in the silicone.

HDreptiles · #8 Yesterday, 05:07 PM

Got the foam in. Going to have a lot of carving to do though. Not too terrible for my first time though.

Should have made a shelf for the cups out of eggcrate then foamed it in. But, you live and learn.

Now I just need to wait for it all to cure.